Department: Neighborhood and Business Development
City of Syracuse residency is required for this position. If you are not a resident, you have six (6) months from your date of hire to establish residency.
Job Description
The Assistant Director of Zoning Administration supports the Zoning Director in managing the City of Syracuse’s land use, zoning, and development review processes. The role requires expertise in economics, urban planning, and zoning administration to evaluate development impacts, ensure compliance with the Syracuse Zoning Ordinance, and promote economic growth in accordance with Federal, State, and local laws. The Assistant Director provides leadership in coordinating interdepartmental review; is responsible for overseeing complex development applications; supervising and training staff; advising city officials and boards on zoning matters that directly influence economic development; functions as a strategic bridge between the Zoning Office and the Neighborhood and Business Development Department, fostering collaboration that connects land use administration with economic development objectives.
Typical Work Activities
- Project & Application Management: Assist the Zoning Director in overseeing the review of various land use applications, including site plan reviews, special use permits, variances, and subdivision, ensuring compliance with adopted ordinances.
- Board & Commission Support: Assist the Zoning Director in staffing the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) and City Planning Commission (CPC), preparing staff reports, agendas, and providing economic and zoning analysis to support informed decision-making.
- Staff Supervision & Training: Lead and mentor subordinate planners ensuring effective workload distribution, supporting professional development, and maintaining project timelines.
- Collaborate with the Zoning Director to develop a comprehensive Standard Operating Manual covering project review processes, office operations, and public communication.
- Implement cross-training initiatives to strengthen operational continuity and enhance efficiency in application review and daily workflow.
- Support staff growth through coaching in staff report preparation, effective public communication, interagency collaboration, and data-informed zoning analysis.
- Economic Development Liaison: Serve as a bridge to the Neighborhood & Business Development Department (NBD) by aligning zoning approvals with economic development strategies.
- Facilitate collaboration with NBD staff who provide financial, strategic counseling, and support to local businesses and major development projects, ensuring that zoning processes complement investment incentives and contribute to sustainable growth.
- Interdepartmental Coordination: Serve as a liaison with City departments, Onondaga County, and New York State agencies, to facilitate collaborative, efficient review of zoning applications, ensuring a balanced approach that meets the needs of developers while addressing community interests.
- Economic & Land Use Analysis: Apply economic principles to assess the impacts of zoning and development applications on urban revitalization, housing affordability, and local business growth.
- Policy & Ordinance Development: Collaborate with the Land Use & Zoning Attorney and City department officials (Department of Planning and Sustainability) in drafting zoning ordinance amendments and policy updates, ensuring alignment with economic development priorities.
- Public Communication: Represent the Office of Zoning Administration in public meetings, community forums, and economic development discussions, clearly articulating zoning policies and their implications to constituents
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate zoning regulations in the context of economic impact and growth strategies.
- Proven management skills and ability to manage day-to-day operations
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to boards, commissions, and the public. Experience with website publishing software and tools, and software systems such as PeopleSoft is preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and public relations skills to work effectively with various officials, staff, constituents, and applicants.
- Skilled in interdepartmental and interagency coordination with City, County, and State agencies.
- Ability to understand and manage high-profile, sensitive or controversial political situations
- Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills
- General knowledge of zoning case law and best practices
- Solid understanding of economics-related terminology, practices, principles, market index, and regulatory frameworks.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, database management systems, and internet-based research applications.
- Proficiency in zoning project review, site plan analysis, SEQR environmental review, and variance/special permit procedures.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings, site plans, and engineering documents.
- Proficiency in data analysis, GIS preferred
Minimum Qualifications
- Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field
- A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible work experience in planning, zoning, and urban economic development
- AICP Certification is required, or ability to obtain certification within two years.
Benefits
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
- Retirement plan
Click here to apply
The Affirmative Action Policy of the City of Syracuse is to provide equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, age (18 and over), marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity or gender expression, sexual or affectional preference or orientation, or any other classified group within the protected class. The City also complies with 31 CFR part 51. If you have a disability for which you wish special accommodation to be made, contact the Office of Human Resources at 315-448-8780 or personnel@syr.gov.
The City of Syracuse may conduct a criminal background check with regard to the employment sought.
Note: Anyone promoted to this position must undergo a trial period of no less than 30 workdays but not to exceed 90 workdays to ensure that such employee meets the minimum requirement of the position.