Zoning and Development Division Director

Job Description

The Zoning and Development Division Director is responsible for daily management and operation of the Current Planning Division. This position provides strategic, managerial, and technical direction over the County’s current planning and permitting operations, ensuring alignment with the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Unified Plan and other County priorities. The Zoning and Development Division Director is expected to oversee the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals processes, interpret and amend the UDO, and support development reviews.

This position works closely with the Department and County leadership, elected officials, and community stakeholders to guide equitable, sustainable, and well-planned growth across Gwinnett County.

• Manage daily operations of the Current Planning Division to ensure successful execution of projects and initiatives that align with Gwinnett County’s vision and goals and comply with the Unified Development Ordinance.
• Oversee the Planning Commission, Board of Commissioners and Zoning Board of Appeals public hearing processes.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and well-supported recommendations for rezonings, special use permits, change in conditions and variance applications.
• Oversee development reviews, including special administrative permits, land disturbance permits, plats, and building permits, for compliance with the UDO and other applicable ordinances and regulations.
• Interpret the UDO and recommend amendments to reflect planning trends and address emerging issues.
• Assist with the interpretation and amendment of other County Ordinances, including the Tree Ordinance and Sign Ordinance.
• Coordinate across divisions/departments to ensure efficient and effective operations.
• Give presentations to the Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission, external agencies, community groups and other County departments.
• Serve as the primary liaison to developers to understand their concerns, facilitate conflict resolutions, and share code/policy updates.
• Build and strengthen working relationships and partnerships with citizens, community groups, external agencies, board members, and elected officials to build consensus and navigate political, technical, and community dynamics.
• Lead special projects such as technology enhancements, and the developing and/or updating of standard operating procedures and training materials.
• Monitor Division performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness, responsiveness, and customer service outcomes.
• Create and monitor Division budget to ensure strategic resource allocation.
• Oversee recruitment, training, coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluation of Division staff.
• Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, excellence, continuous improvement, and accountability, in support of the department-wide workplace culture building efforts.

• Planning Commissioner and Zoning Board of Appeals

The grade for this position is 304. Salary will be dependent on education and experience.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Public Administration, or a field related to community development AND
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above will also be considered.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience related to the area of assignment, including two years experience as a manager
• Profound understanding of land use planning, zoning, development, plats, and related regulations
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Valid Driver’s License from state of residency.

• Master's Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Public Administration, or a field related to community development AND
• Five years of upper management/supervisory experience or director role
• Strong knowledge of Georgia planning law, zoning procedures, and local government operations
• Excellent public speaking skills

Gwinnett County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information regarding our hiring process, please review the following information.

Gwinnett County is committed to creating a diverse workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information (including sex), race, color, national origin (including ancestry), gender (identity and expression), sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status (including pregnancy), disability, military or veteran status, religion, political affiliation, immigration status, homeless status, or any other category protected by law.