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 Director of Zoning Administration performs executive level responsibilities in the administration and operation of the City of Syracuse Zoning Office. Under the supervision of the Zoning Administrator, the incumbent is responsible for the implementation of comprehensive planning, land development, and zoning regulatory process in accordance with Federal, State, and local laws. The Director will exercise supervision over staff, and reporting; manage timelines and procedures for development plans and zoning applications; executes responsibilities delegated from the Zoning Administrator; serve as a liaison to City departments with zoning to achieve the City’s Comprehensive Plan; and represent the City on matters relating to development and zoning issues under the general policy direction of the Zoning Administrator.
Typical Work Activities
- Oversees the recruitment, employment, and evaluation of staff.
- Supervises all department staff, either directly or indirectly, through senior staff.
- Develops department-wide goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
- Ensures that the City Planning Commission is kept fully informed on the condition of the agency and about any trends, events, or emerging issues of significance to the agency's success.
- Reports events and activities to senior management and elected and appointed officials.
- Conducts research for and works with Corporation Counsel’s Office on zoning amendments and related legislation.
- Represents the organization on regional/local boards.
- Implements zoning and planning projects.
- Reviews all departmental reports and presentations.
- Evaluates planning-related legislation and applicability to department projects.
- Evaluates proposals to local governments for organization's planning consulting services.
- Attends evening meetings.
- Conducts Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and related public meetings and hearings.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Effective and persuasive leadership, comfortable with all levels of staff, appointed and elected officials, public stakeholders and others.
- Proven management skills and ability to manage day-to-day operations.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including editing, oversight or preparation of technical reports, and the presentation of information to government entities and various committees.
- Strong interpersonal and public relations skills to work effectively with various officials, staff, constituents and other customers.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to understand and manage high-profile, sensitive or controversial political situations.
- Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills.
- Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
- Strong business acumen, and attention to detail.
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 master’s degree, in urban planning, public administration or a related field and a minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible planning experience. Generally, four years of experience must be in a supervisory capacity.
- 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
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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.