Planning Manager

At the City of Plymouth, we all work together to add quality to life. This mission and our guiding values – CIVIC: customer focus, integrity, visionary, inclusion and connection – shape our work as we advance the City Council’s strategic priority to be a city of choice. We are seeking candidates who are eager to adopt and champion our mission and values.

The planning manager will develop and implement land use plans, regulations and policies; coordinate the review process for development plans and related matters; administer planning division activities; serve as the staff liaison across city departments to collaborate on future infrastructure and land use planning/redevelopment efforts, supervise the planning division and assist department director as needed.

The tentative recruitment timeline includes:
First round interviews March 10, 2025
Second round interviews March 18, 2025
Target start date early April, 2025

Lead, supervise and develop staff in a manner that inspires professionalism, strong inter- and intradepartmental communication, team building and alignment with city values.  

• Foster a respectful workplace culture and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrate inspirational leadership, promote collaboration at all levels and empower staff to be innovative decision-makers.
• Lead with emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills.
• Provide effective management by appropriate supervision, delegation, coaching and training.
• Develop short- and long-range plans for staff development.
• Participate in professional organizations and implement best practices where appropriate.
• Provide feedback through formal and informal performance improvement.

Responsible for the coordination, review and evaluation of proposed development plans by the planning division and other departments.

• Propose, monitor and maintain sound community development plans and regulations that are current and consistent with council policies, codes and ordinances.
• Chair Development Review Committee (DRC) and act as primary planning division representative for the department.
• Ensure reports and findings of the DRC are completed in a timely manner.
• Provide quality customer service to customers, developers, consultants and contractors as needed.
• Inform applicants as to deficiencies and staff recommendations consistently and promptly.
• Prepare and present staff reports on applications to the Planning Commission/City Council, including background analysis and recommended disposition.
• Responsible for the accurate and timely processing of proposed development applications in accordance with legal requirements and city policies.
• Ensure proper publication and distribution of legal notices through the media and by mail.
• Ensure related agencies are properly notified in accordance with legal requirements and city policies.
• Ensure city code planning requirements and conditions of approval are met prior to authorizing permit issuance, release of plats and the like.
• Ensure planning requirements are met, and contractual agreements are satisfied prior to recommending release/reduction of financial guarantees.
• Serve as the Zoning Administrator for the city. 

Assist in the development and implementation of the city's long-range, comprehensive plan.

• Maintain extensive knowledge of comprehensive planning and the Metropolitan Council.
• Interpret and make recommendations on the consistency of development proposals with the comprehensive plan.

Conduct research and analysis needed to update or recommend changes to plans, including the completion of small area study plans.

• Coordinate plan updates and changes with planning staff, and with other city departments and consultants.
• Recommend plans for public participation in the development or amendment of the plan, including providing information and coordinating review by landowners, citizens, Planning Commission and City Council.
• Coordinate review of long-range plans by external agencies, such as the Metropolitan Council.
• Recommend changes in city ordinances and policies needed to implement the plan.

Provide management support for the division and department.

• Assist in the development and execution of division goals and budget.
• Ensure division long-range and current planning responsibilities, assignments and objectives are met in a timely and accurate manner through supervision and direction of designated persons.

Serve as the lead staff liaison to other city divisions/departments related to areas of future infrastructure and redevelopment efforts.  

• Collaborate and assist in coordinating proactive redevelopment efforts with staff in relation to land use regulations and planning best practices.      
• Serve as the department point person in relation to coordinating efforts across city departments related to future infrastructure improvements and land use redevelopment efforts.  
• Coordinate and/or assign necessary planning functions to staff or consultants related to small area studies and public engagement for the purpose of evaluating potential redevelopment opportunities.   

Serve as lead staff person for all Planning Commission matters and assist supervisor with planning matters at the City Council: 

• Serve as department’s principal liaison with the Planning Commission and attends all Planning Commission meetings.
• Ensure that Planning Commission agendas and minutes of commission meetings are prepared in an accurate and timely manner.
• Prepare and present City Council memoranda and resolutions relating to planning and zoning applications.

Keep abreast of current events and innovations around accountability and promptly inform supervisor of significant matters to ensure proper and effective administration of division.

Perform related work as apparent or assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, planning or related field.  
• At least five years of related work experience.
• Three years of experience managing complex projects or providing work direction to others.
• Comprehensive and complete understanding of municipal land use regulations and development plan review and approval process.
• Experience processing comprehensive plan amendments to full adoption.
• Thorough understanding and command of municipal land use planning and regulations, building inspection department and engineering department procedures, and federal, state, county, and metropolitan agency, and watershed requirements.
• Ability to effectively speak publicly and give presentations.
• Experience with digital platforms; community development software, permitting software, office suite, GIS, and ability to learn and adapt to new products.
• Valid Minnesota Class D driver's license.
• Demonstrated ability to perform in accordance with the City of Plymouth’s CIVIC values (customer focus, integrity, visionary, inclusion and connection) and comfort with supporting and advancing the city council’s strategic priorities.
• Ability to communicate succinctly orally, graphically and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to review and interpret development proposals and site plans.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive and effective working relationships with staff, elected and appointed officials, and the public with tact and professionalism. 

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public administration, planning or related field.
• Experience with redevelopment and the tools used to foster redevelopment, including the completion of small area study plans. 
• Three years of supervisory experience.
• AICP Certification.

Weights Lifted/Carried

• The employee must be able to lift items from 0 – 5 pounds from 0 – 6 feet. Employee must be able to lift items such as files, binders, office equipment and building plans

• The employee must be able to carry items from 0 – 5 pounds from 0 – 50 feet. Employee must be able to carry items such as files, binders, office equipment and building plans

Salary : $120,360 - $155,749