Deputy Director of Planning

Job Description:

Deputy Director of Planning

Description

Description

Under the direction of the Planning Director, this is a highly responsible, technical, and professional position tasked with administering both current and long-range planning initiatives to include the Sanibel Plan (the City's comprehensive land use plan), environmental planning, land management activities requiring a comprehensive understanding of floodplain management and natural resources protection and the City's Codes of Ordinances, including the Land Development Code. Assists the Director in supervising professional and technical staff responsible for communications with developers, engineers, design professionals, City administrators, regulatory agencies and the public relating to the review and approval of building and development plans, zoning compliance, site plan approval, conditional use and variances to the Land Development Code and enforcement of City codes. Position demands high accountability for careful and complete analysis prior to decision making and an understanding of a community where the environment serves as the economic base.

Duties

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Researches, analyzes, and prepares proposed amendments to the Sanibel Plan and the Land Development Code for compliance with State law, City Council direction, principles and practices of land use management and changing conditions.
• Responds to requests from the public related to zoning, development permits, and the status of projects.
• Researches and prepares special planning studies such as land use and transportation, affordable housing, sustainability, or other short or long-range projects.
• Serves as staff liaison to advisory committees relating to the interpretation and application of planning, development and redevelopment functions and activities.
• Coordinate with other departments and staff in the implementation of the Sanibel Plan and Land Development Code (such as GIS, Natural Resources, and Public Works).
• Monitors and evaluates electronic permitting process for efficiency and excellent customer service experience and assists in drafting new policies and procedures to improve overall efficiency.
• Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments in local, regional, and statewide planning, development and growth management, transportation, and environmental issues.
• Assists with supervision of Senior Planner, public hearing preparation and responding to public inquires.
• Serves as Acting Planning Director in the absence of Planning Director
• Examines plans, blueprints, sketches, and specifications prior to the issuance of a permit to ensure compliance.
• Presents information to the City Council, Planning Commission, and other City committees, including presentation of information to other local government agencies and organizations.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned that are consistent with the scope, purpose, and level of responsibility of the position. Such duties may vary based on operational needs but will align with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this management role.

Required Education, Experience, License, Registration, and Certification Qualifications

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Planning, Urban Development, Public Administration or related field from an accredited college or university
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible planning experience for a municipality or similar public sector organization.

• Excellent computer skills, including Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Equivalent combination of education, experience, training, and certification will be considered.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• AICP Certification required, or the ability to obtain within one year of hire or promotion date.
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.

The preferred candidate will have a Master's Degree in Planning or Urban Development, AICP Certification and has a minimum of eight (8) years of planning experience for a municipality or public sector organization.

Supplemental or Additional Information

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Position requires regular and reliable attendance and the employee’s physical presence at the workplace. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Ability to read, comprehend and administer laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to collect and analyze data and develop complex plans and reports.
• Ability to present concepts, proposals, and information effectively with clear and concise public presentations and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with civic leaders, public officials, contractors, developers, the general public, city officials, and other city employees.
• Ability to demonstrate appreciation for and experience with the environment as the economic base for the community.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and those contacted in the course of the work.
• Ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment in decision-making.
• Ability to organize own work, setting priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Skilled communicator in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Skill in adapting to a changing work environment, competing demands and ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Skilled with exceptional computer skills including advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of comprehensive land use planning, land development regulations, transportation planning, the principles of environmental planning and those unique conditions where the environment is the economic base with proven ability to apply those principles with sound professional and expert judgment.
• Knowledge of the Sanibel Plan and the Land Development Codes.
• Knowledge of ecological zoning land management.
• Knowledge of, or ability to obtain knowledge of the requirements, policies, and procedures of the city and the Planning Department.
• Knowledge of office practices and procedures and customer service principles, practices and procedures.

Benefits for full-time employeesinclude:

• Health insurance and subsidy for family and spouse coverage
• Dental insurance
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismembermentinsurance
• Retirement plan
• 457 Deferred compensation plan
• Retirement Health Savings Plan
• Roth IRA
• Vacation, medical and personal leave
• Blood donation leave program
• 10paid holidays
• Beach parking sticker at resident rate
• Reimbursementof co-pays for annual physical and cancer screenings
• Paid Family Membership to SanibelRecreation Center
• Unlimited Sanibel Causeway transponder
• Cape Coral bridges transponder, if applicable

Closing Date/Time: 3/20/2026 5:01 PM Eastern

Salary:

$97,158.05 - $145,737.07 Annually