JOB SUMMARY
The Planning & Redevelopment Services Director will lead the City of Brownsville's efforts to drive sustainable growth, strategic urban planning, and community revitalization. This role oversees the Planning, Construction Services/Building, Housing, Historic Preservation and Code Enforcement. The roles involve managing zoning, land use, transportation, and redevelopment initiatives. The Director will collaborate with city staff and city officials, community stakeholders, and external agencies to guide planning policies that align with Brownsville’s long-term vision. Key responsibilities include directing urban planning projects, budget management, team leadership, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
COMPETENCIES:
· Strategic Vision
· Leadership and Team Management
· Stakeholder Engagement
· Policy and Regulatory Knowledge
· Project Management
· Decision-Making
KEY FUNCTIONS/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
- Direct and oversee urban planning initiatives that align with the city’s strategic vision.
- Ensure all planning and redevelopment activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Facilitate public participation in the planning process through workshops, meetings, and outreach initiatives.
- Develop and implement planning policies that promote sustainable development and community revitalization.
- Manage multiple urban development (Downtown) projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
- Collaborate with other city departments and external agencies to align on planning and redevelopment efforts.
- Deep understanding of zoning laws, land use planning, and development processes.
- Knowledge of economic factors that influence urban redevelopment and revitalization strategies such as Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ), Public Improvement Districts (PID).
- Familiarity with sustainable urban development principles and environmental regulations.
- Proficiency in data analysis and geographic information systems (GIS) for informed decision-making.
- Ability to lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing dedicated department.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement and reporting.
- Skilled in negotiating with stakeholders and resolving conflicts related to planning and redevelopment.
- Expertise in budget preparation and financial oversight for planning projects.
- Ability to develop and implement long-term strategic plans for urban growth and redevelopment.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field. Master’s Degree preferred.
- Ten (10) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in city planning or related field, including six (6) years of supervisory responsibility.
- Public management and planning experience, preferably within a local government (or related).
- Expert knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal land use law including zoning and planning law, state general statutes and federal regulations pertaining to land use, as well as, technical and policy information published by planning organizations and governmental agencies.
- Other combinations of experience and education that meet minimum requirements may be considered.
Special Certifications and License
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred.
Independence and Judgement
Making decisions is a major part of job, affecting a major segment of the organization and the general public; work in a dynamic environment, responsible to develop policies and practices.
Initiative and Ingenuity
General guidelines: occasionally requires interpretation of available options to apply to non-standard situations; day-to-day work drives priorities.
Supervisory and Responsibility
supervising urban planning and redevelopment projects, fostering collaboration among team members and other departments, and engaging with community stakeholders. The Director develops and implements strategic plans and policies, manages the department's budget, and ensures compliance with all relevant regulations. Additionally, they provide regular updates to city officials and stakeholders regarding project status and community impacts, ensuring alignment with the city’s overall goals.
Financial Responsibility
The Director is responsible for monitoring financial performance, identifying potential budgetary issues, and implementing corrective actions as needed. They also oversee funding applications for grants and other financial resources to support planning initiatives, while ensuring compliance with financial regulations and reporting requirements. Additionally, the Director collaborates with finance departments to ensure accurate financial reporting and to maintain fiscal accountability throughout all projects.
Level and Frequency of Outside Contacts
Often collaborate with local, state, and federal government agencies to ensure compliance with regulations, while also working closely with community organizations, non-profits, and neighborhood associations to gather input on planning projects. The Director coordinates with external consultants and contractors for specialized services, and engages with developers and business leaders to explore potential projects and economic development opportunities.
Physical Demands
Light physical effort; may require brief periods of heavy muscular exertion, such as standing, lifting, moving, pulling, pushing, etc, ability to exert up to 25lbs. of force occasionally to move objects.
Responsibility for Equipment and Property
Responsible for assigned equipment/property used outside of office; use of City vehicle.
Working Conditions
Fair inside or outside conditions; exposure to disagreeable conditions is brief or otherwise insignificant; space problems; only occasional situations that place the employee in a stressful environment.
Other Requirements
The City of Brownsville requires all employees to successfully pass a Drug & Alcohol and a physical examination and a Background Check.
ADA Requirements
The City of Brownsville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.
Benefits
The City of Brownsville offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support its employees' well-being and future. Employees participate in a robust retirement plan through the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) City to Employee Matching Ratio 2:1, with eligibility for retirement after 5 years of service at age 60 or 20 years of service at any age.
The City provides exceptional health benefits, including medical, dental, and life insurance plans for employees and their families, along with vision coverage for employees enrolled in health insurance through MetLife. Employees and their dependents can also access care at Frontier Clinic at no cost when covered by the City's health plan. Additionally, pet insurance is available as a voluntary benefit.
Employees have access to deferred compensation plans through Equitable and supplemental insurance options from AFLAC and Colonial Life. Full-time employees accrue 10 sick days and 15 vacation days annually. The City offers parental leave concurrent with FMLA for eligible employees, longevity pay, and 100% tuition assistance up to $5,000 annually. Furthermore, Brownsville observes 14 holidays per year, plus two floating holidays, giving employees a balanced and rewarding work-life experience. Starting in fiscal year 2025, employees will have access to flexible scheduling options as part of our commitment to work-life balance.
