Multnomah County Land Use Planning is seeking a trusted, dedicated, and creative professional to serve as the next Deputy Director. The ideal candidate will work with the Director to inspire and motivate staff to fulfill the program’s mission, be comfortable with and competent in working with complex and publicly visible issues, have extensive technical knowledge of Oregon’s Land Use Planning Program, and demonstrate successful experience partnering with a wide range of stakeholders. The position would manage a portfolio of planning programs as assigned, one or more of which may include Current Planning, Long Range Planning including the Zoning Code Update, Code Compliance and Solid Waste and Recycling.

Examples of Duties:

• Plan, organize, manage, and administer land use planning functions
• Implement and assist in the development of department policies, procedures, and business practices
• Develop procedures to implement new and/or changing regulatory requirements
• Serve as an advisor to elected officials and represent the county to the public, elected officials, other agencies, governments, and organizations
• Develop, administer, assist, and monitor budgets
• Manage funding from grants, contracts and community partners
• Provide direction, guidance, and leadership to three to six staff
• Review, analyze, and prepare quasi-judicial and legislative reports and recommendations on significant land use applications such as conditional uses, plan amendments, annexations, and zoning changes
• Prepare new or revised ordinances and codes to implement planning programs and policies
• Coordinate implementation of new programs with other agencies and departments to ensure conformance and compliance with existing programs and policies.
• Conduct special studies performing comprehensive analysis, technical investigations, and research
• Prepare reports on the more complex and sensitive planning issues

The Ideal Candidate:

• Ability to provide leadership, direction and effective implementation to achieve goals and objectives
• Desire to work with staff to determine goals and priorities for the Division
• Experience in change management, including examining and updating workflow processes 
• Solution-orientated, problem-solver, and innovative in meeting the customer’s needs. Confidence in your executive decision-making and direction, and the ability to align and lead internal and external stakeholders and leaders to achieve goals 
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to effectively apply principles and best practices of administration in the public sector, including methods and techniques used in budgeting and fiscal administration, project management, program evaluation and strategic planning
• Verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly and concisely communicate effectively
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of people contacted in the course of work; ability to effectively resolve problems and conflicts and/or negotiate solutions to complex and sensitive issues
• Ability to effectively identify and respond to the public and elected officials’ issues and concerns with tact, diplomacy and sensitivity
• Ability to motivate and lead staff and support countywide and Department of Community Services change initiatives to grow and foster an inclusive and productive workplace
• Ability to serve as the Interim Planning Director, upon request

And demonstrate these core competencies:

Strategic Planning

• Creativity and Innovation: Ability to generate new and innovative approaches to problem solving that are effective and responsive
• Flexibility: Adjust quickly to changing priorities and conditions
• Strategic Vision: Ability to translate big-picture vision and goals into plans that are realistic and effective

Leading People

• Creating a positive work-culture: Encouraging teamwork and transparent communication, while empowering staff to solve problems independently
• Change Management: Update existing policies and practices to meet the current needs of the customers
• Cultural Competency: Ability to develop and maintain working relationships in cross-cultural situations

Building Coalitions

• Partnering: Build alliances and collaborate across boundaries to build strategic relationships
• Strategic thinking: Manage human, financial and information resources strategically
• Resources: Look for opportunities to leverage partnerships or bring in outside financial resources

To Qualify
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills:

• A Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, geography, real estate, public administration, or related field (Equivalent training and practical experience may substitute for the educational requirement);
• Five (5) years of experience as a subject matter expert in land use planning, programs and laws that includes implementing Oregon’s Land Use Planning program
• At least two (2) years of supervisory experience or lead program management experience.

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• A Master’s degree (a Master’s degree can substitute for one (1) year of management experience)
• Three (3) or more years of supervisory experience
• County level experience in current planning, long range planning and code compliance
• Experience successfully completing increasingly difficult assignments having significant impact or risk

Type of Position: This salaried, non-represented position is not eligible for overtime.

Hybrid Telework: This position is designated as hybrid telework, expected to be in person at least three days during the work week. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the county cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. There may be some flexibility with the regular start and end times. This position may also be required to attend and participate in various night meetings, typically ranging from 1-2 meetings per month on average.