Summary of the Position: The Director of Planning is a member of the City’s leadership team, reporting directly to the City Administrator. The Director is the primary liaison with the City’s Planning Commission, who meets in the evening, twice per month. The Director will perform advanced and complex professional duties in current and long-range planning. The position is also responsible for administering and enforcing the City land use and zoning codes, the comprehensive plan, and other master plans ensuring they are the subject matter expert of the Leawood Development Ordinance (LDO), the City’s guiding standards of progress related to development. The position will partner with staff, residents, stakeholders, city management, and Council to build consensus to carry out the strategic priorities of the department.
This key leadership role offers the opportunity to drive innovative planning strategies that enhance the quality of life for our residents and is responsible for guiding the city’s growth and development. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience in urban planning, community development, and public administration, combined with strong leadership and communication skills. The preferred candidate should possess exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, demonstrating an ability to foster connections both within the department and throughout the City of Leawood, collaborating across various departments and engaging effectively with the community.
Minimum Requirements: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification, five or more years of increasingly responsible experience including at least three years of supervisory and administrative experience in a planning department. Bachelor’s degree in Urban or Community Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, or a related field. Strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are key attributes for success in this critical role.
Preferred: Master’s degree in Community Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, or related field and 10+ years of planning, personnel and budget preparation or related experience in local planning.
Accepting Applications through: Monday, September 16, 2024
Targeted Rate of Pay: $112,500 – $174,000 / annually, DOQ