Principal Planner; and Grants

At the County of Marin, our employees overwhelmingly report feeling their work is meaningful, they like the work they do, and they are proud to tell people “I work for the County of Marin.” Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture on the Department of Human Resources website. Read on to find out more about this opportunity.

The Community Development Agency (CDA) has a long history of innovation and leadership. CDA is a multifunctional agency shaping many aspects of environment and communities, organized into five mission-oriented divisions:
Planning, Building and Safety, Environmental Health Services, Housing and Federal Grants, and Sustainability. CDA’s mission is to promote, protect, and advance healthy, safe, and equitable communities.

There is currently one (1) full-time, regular hire Principal Planner vacancy in the Housing & Grants Division.

Under direction from the Deputy Director of Housing and Grants, the Principal Planner will oversee several Countywide housing and planning efforts which involve a high degree of sensitivity, technical expertise, and communication skills as well as oversight of other staff and consultants. These efforts include working with the cities and towns to lead the Housing Working Group, community members and stakeholders on major initiatives, such as supporting complex affordable housing developments and implementing housing element programs.

The Principal Planner supervises and evaluates the work of staff engaged in housing and planning activities and provides in depth technical expertise in their assigned program area. They conduct research, analysis, and conflict resolution on projects and issues having a high degree of complexity and public interest; makes recommendations for changes in housing policies and procedures; and regularly represents the department at meetings and hearings before City Councils, Board of Supervisors, various public agencies, collaboratives, community organizations, and interest groups.

The Community Development Agency has embraced a hybrid work schedule that considers that some duties of this position may be performed remotely. However, the successful candidate must be able to report to County facilities for meetings, work assignments, and/or disaster service work upon short notice, as needed and deemed appropriate. During the initial probationary period, the successful candidate may be required to work primarily onsite before establishing a hybrid work schedule.

The ideal candidate will be an innovative, strategic thinker who can help build compromise. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of housing and planning complexities and equity with the ability to focus on collaboration, policy implementation and housing projects. They will be a service and solution-oriented person who is highly skilled in both housing and planning functions. An innovative leader who understands how collaborative efforts enhance the ability to provide the best outcomes will do well in this position.

The successful candidate will have a record of straightforward and open communication and a willingness to find common ground when working with diverse stakeholders, as well as the ability to effectively manage conflicting perspectives and priorities. The ideal candidate will also have a strong background in project management, program administration, and extensive knowledge of affordable housing finances. A candidate with a strong record of collaborative work with internal and external stakeholders would be highly valued, as the Principal must be able to develop positive relationships with staff, other departments, cities and towns, the public, and many external agencies.