Zoning Chief City Planner

Zoning Chief City Planner

The Zoning Chief City Planner is a highly motivated and detail-oriented person who will support strategic direction and daily operations of the City Planning Commission’s Zoning Division. This position plays a key role in advancing strategic rezonings and shaping zoning policy, ensuring development projects comply with zoning regulations and other city ordinances, communicating with applicants, and assisting with navigation through the permitting process.

Ideal candidates will bring a background in urban planning, urban design, or architecture, along with strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills. The role involves reviewing complex site plans and legal documents, collaborating across departments, supporting legislative zoning efforts, and helping educate both staff and the public on zoning policies and procedures.

Under administrative direction, prepares and supervises the preparation of planning studies, development analyses, data analyses, market studies, and maps. Reviews the design and layout of development projects including conformance with zoning, design, and planning standards. Represents the Planning Commission and its Director in public meetings and presentations. Performs related duties as required.

Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, or related field from a four-year accredited college or university required. Five years of full-time paid experience in Urban Planning, Architecture, or closely related field required. (Substitution: Master’s Degree in Urban Planning or related field may substitute for two years of experience.)

• Assists with recommending and advancing legislative zoning changes
• Interprets complex zoning codes and regulations
• Examines plans to determine conformance or nonconformance with the zoning code and move projects through the entitlement process
• Trains and educates City staff and the public on technical aspects of zoning
• All other duties as assigned

This position will report to the Chief Zoning Administrator/Zoning Manager and Zoning Deputy Manager, and may include additional duties as assigned.

• Ability to collaborate with a diverse range of colleagues, public agencies, private consultants, community organizations, and residents
• Adept use of technology tools such as ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite, and file sharing platforms
• Proven research, writing, oral, and graphic presentation skills
• Experience with community engagement and/or community organizing
• Effective communication skills and responsiveness
• Ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders around a clear vision for serving the City and its residents
• Effective at building and maintaining interpersonal relationships
• Understands and incorporates insights on contemporary urban issues, social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges
• Passion for equitable community development and public service.
• Commitment to inclusive engagement and neighborhood-based planning.
• Ability to perform duties with tact, discretion, and confidentiality
• Ability to work expeditiously in a deadline driven environment
• Ability to set goals and develop strategies and schedules for meeting goals
• Bilingual applicants encouraged to apply.

The City Planning Commission envisions a thriving urban community resilient in the face of changing regional, national, and global conditions. The department is an advocate for the preservation and establishment of prosperous communities that are authentic and diverse, providing equitable access to the resources necessary for residents to thrive. We accomplish this by enhancing physical development, preserving the City’s history, and creating places for people that are healthy, sustainable and vibrant for current and future generations.

The City's guiding principles are as follows:
Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.

The City of Cleveland makes available a variety of benefit options depending upon your employment status and any applicable union membership. In general, benefit options include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription medical and life insurance. Specific information regarding benefit eligibility will be discussed and reviewed at the time of hire.