Deputy Director Of Community Development

Join City of Sammamish - a dynamic and progressive local government dedicated to fostering sustainable community growth and improving the quality of life for our community. City of Sammamish is renowned for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and commitment to innovative community development.

We are seeking a visionary and dedicated Deputy Director of Community Development to help shape the future of our community. In this pivotal role, you will collaborate with local stakeholders, lead strategic initiatives, and drive sustainable development projects that enhance our community's social, economic, and environmental well-being. This position o versees the coordination of the Department's immediate and long-term work program and budget and provides oversight on the City's long-range planning activities including implementation and update of the City's Comprehensive Plan and Town Center Plan.

The Deputy Director also serves as the City's liaison to the Planning Commission and is responsible for cultivation of Commission relationships and management of the Commission workplan. The Deputy Director also provides high level guidance on implementation of the City's Town Center Plan and Code in collaboration with other development review and permitting staff.

Why Join Us?
Impactful Work:

Contribute to the Town Center plan and sustainability of our city, directly affecting the community.
Professional Growth:

Access to continuous learning opportunities and career advancement.
Comprehensive Benefits:

Health, dental, and vision insurance, FSA, retirement plans, and generous paid time off (vacation and sick).
Collaborative Environment:

Work with a dedicated and supportive team passionate about public service.
Work-Life Balance:

Hybrid work schedules and a commitment to your well-being; 14 paid holidays
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Manages, oversees, provides guidance to, and reviews the work of individual contributors and people managers to accomplish operational plans and results.
Provides oversight and support to the Long-Range Planning group in developing and implementing programs; reports on policy issues regarding current and long-range planning, advising the City Manager and recommending solutions.
Develops, coordinates, communicates, and implements procedures for reviewing all land use and development applications within the Town Center, providing direction to staff on the disposition of land use and code enforcement cases and appeals.
Presents to Council, Boards and Commissions, and other public meetings and represents the City at meetings and events; attends evening and/or weekend meetings and events based on organizational responsibilities and/or requirements.
Evaluates policies for necessary updates, changes, and additions; develops and recommends policy options and implementation plans of such for department and City leaders; ensures effective communication of policies and compliance to such.
Serves as designated City liaison to the Planning Commission; builds relationships with each appointed Planning Commission member and ensures role is understood and training is received; coordinates the input of City planners, department heads, and consultants; arranges schedules and participates in Planning Commission meetings and hearings.
Identifies, tracks, and assesses regulatory changes such as bills under review by the Washington State legislature, regional directives under development by PSRC, and policy changes under consideration by the King County Council; plans and implements best practice standards and assures compliance with all regulatory agencies; compiles and submits data, analyses, and reports.
Oversees updates and amendments to the Comprehensive Plan in compliance with the State Growth Management Act.
Coordinates with department and city leadership to create and implement the annual work program, including assignments to staff and participation in the legislative review process; oversees staff participation in the Planning Commission and Council process and hearings, and schedules and manages Department participation with other Boards and Commissions.
Reviews staff recommendations on quasi-judicial land use and development applications qualifying for disposition to the Hearing Examiner, supports and guides staff regarding hearings activities.
Participates as required in State of Washington Growth Management Hearings Board cases and litigation on land use matters; represents the City in land use mediation process, providing technical advice and policy guidance.
Ensures resolution of problems and controversial or difficult technical issues by working with other employees, departments, the public, architects, builders, developers, and attorneys.
Assigns, manages, or conducts special studies pertaining to planning and zoning.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures and meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems.
Assesses and monitors workload; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes.
Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates employees; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline procedures per established policies, procedures, and executive guidance.
Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the departmental budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in city planning, urban design, public or business administration, economics, or a closely related field; supplemented by eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in planning administration and project management, including three (3) years in a supervisory role; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience. Employees must be residents of Washington State.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
None required. May be required to possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver License and the ability to drive a City owned vehicle per established policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree in city planning, urban design, public or business administration, or related field and four (4) years leading and/or managing a municipal planning department or program and implementing and upholding local, state, and federal laws and codes, including state planning and zoning laws, and Washington State environmental laws and building and safety codes.

KNOWLEDGE OF
Operations, services, and activities of community development programs, including current and advanced planning, redevelopment, environmental design, mobility planning, building, and code enforcement.
Principles and techniques used in the fields of municipal and regional planning.
Zoning and subdivision principles, practices, and regulations.
Assuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to long-range and current planning, development, environmental legislation/acts, building and safety, and code enforcement.
City and regional economic, market, demographic, and social trends to facilitate integrated economic and physical development planning.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Skill in critical and strategic thinking to develop plans in achieving short-term and long-term goals.
Skill in organizing, developing, analyzing, and interpreting both physical and research planning data and ability to present planning data and proposals effectively in both oral and written presentations.
Skill in presenting analytical and reasoned judgements on issues of public sensibility/political sensitivity and ability to maintain responsiveness to community and organizational concerns and needs.
Skill in cultivating and strengthening the City's formal and informal partnerships with local and regional organizations charged with implementing City planning and development projects.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and applicable department / organization specific software and ability to learn and become skilled in the use of other specialized software and online meeting platforms as may be required.
Skill in clearly communicating and understanding information in English, both orally and in writing, and ability to use professional composition, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Skill in maintaining a customer service orientation and positive image of the City to the public, courteous and professional approach to exchanging information, and adhering to strict confidentiality requirements.
Ability to maintain a responsive and flexible handling of work assignments and prioritize work to complete accurate and timely assignments.
Ability to regularly attend work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule, including when working remotely per an approved hybrid schedule.

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