Director OF Planning AND Development Services

Planning Department Director

The City of Amarillo offers a rare and rewarding opportunity for a visionary planning professional to lead a uniquely integrated department that brings together planning, economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and grant management under one umbrella. This structure not only promotes seamless coordination across functions but also empowers the Director to directly shape the city's growth, attract strategic investment, and secure critical funding to implement transformative projects. Amarillo is in the midst of exciting momentum, from downtown redevelopment to implementing a forward-looking comprehensive plan, and we're seeking a dynamic leader who is technically skilled, customer-focused, and driven by the chance to make a lasting impact on a growing, vibrant Texas city.

Starting Pay: $96,718 - $186,820 annually (DOQ)

Summary

Under the supervision of the Deputy City Manager, this position is responsible for managing, coordinating, and overseeing all activities related to current and long-range planning as well as leading the city's efforts for local economic development and revitalization for the purposes of promoting and maintaining a vibrant community. This position oversees a team working to improve the community's quality of life through consensus-driven planning, implementation of related development policies, and administration of economic development strategies that enhance and expand the City's tax base.

Key services of the department include administering the zoning and subdivision ordinances, site plan review, implementing the comprehensive and neighborhood plans, grant writing, and managing the city's incentive programs. The Director will have a customer service mindset and be a collaborative leader who can build trust across teams and departments. They must also demonstrate technical proficiency in current regulations and planning tools, while supporting Amarillo's long-term vision for growth and development.

Essential Responsibilities

• Oversee development review processes, long-range planning, neighborhood revitalization, grant writing/management, and economic development functions for the City of Amarillo.
• Demonstrate leadership and technical expertise in administering zoning, subdivision regulations, economic development policies, and comprehensive planning.
• Serve as liaison to the City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, and other boards/committees.
• Collaborate and build trust across teams and departments.
• Represent the city in public meetings, board sessions, and community events.
• Adeptly engage stakeholders and deliver top-tier customer service.
• Train, supervise, evaluate, and motivate a professional high-performing staff.
• Developing department-wide goals, objectives, plans, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinate the department's annual budget.
• Evaluate planning and economic development-related legislation and its applicability to department and community needs.
• Support the efforts of various community partners including the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, Center City, Downtown Amarillo Inc., Visit Amarillo, and the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce.
• Provide reporting, support, and counsel to executive management and elected/appointed officials.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Five years of professional planning experience in a supervisory position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Architecture, Economic Development, or closely related field, with a master's degree preferred.
• Valid Texas Driver's License required.
• AICP and/or Economic Development professional certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge and experience with the principles, practices, and techniques of planning and economic development.
• Considerable knowledge of federal, state and local laws, ordinances and codes pertaining to a wide variety of planning and economic development topics.
• Knowledge and experience in the principles of personnel management, including supervision, training, and performance evaluation of staff.
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated success navigating complex political or stakeholder environments.
• Knowledge of mapping, permitting, and graphics software, as well as typical office technology such as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Skilled relationship building with residents, developers, elected officials, and city staff.
• Ability to make rational decisions with minimal to no managerial guidance.

ADA Profile

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to exert up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The employee must also work in close, confined spaces, as well as walk, stand, sit, hear, reach, finger, handle, speak, see, and talk. Also requires the ability to make rational decisions and perform repetitive motions.

Work Environment

The employee works in a dynamic environment that requires being sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

Normal work hours are Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm; subject to after hours and weekends.

The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law. The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.