Planning and Development Director

Location:  City of Chandler, AZ

The Community

Well recognized as one of the fastest growing cities in the US, Chandler has truly transformed from a small desert town to a dynamic world-class city. It was founded in 1912 and has become a vibrant, diverse community that has grown from 30,000 residents in 1980 to 250,000 residents today.

Back in 1891, Dr. A.J. Chandler purchased 80 acres of desert land from the federal government on the south side of the Salt River Valley. In 1912 he subdivided his land making way for individuals to purchase land and settle in what was to be known as Chandler.

Today the city of Chandler stretches 58 square miles, has 90,000 homes, and a dynamic industrial and retail business base. Chandler is a progressive city that is conveniently located to all things fun in Arizona, but with a character all of its own. While Chandler has drawn industry leaders such as Intel, Avnet, Wells Fargo, Countrywide and Orbital Sciences, savvy leisure and business travelers realize that Chandler’s variety of accommodations are also conveniently located near Valley freeways, shopping, restaurants, and attractions.

Chandler’s retail base is more than 10 million square feet and growing daily. There are 5,266 businesses in Chandler and 24 organizations have their base of operations within the city. Chandler has a highly educated workforce with roughly 70% of the adult population reporting at least some college or more.

Sporting enthusiasts can enjoy the many options including the golf course located at the historic San Marcos hotel in Chandler’s Downtown District. Retail enthusiasts are not without many shopping options, and with all the things to see and do, many wonderful restaurants dot the local landscape.

Chandler has received a great deal of national recognition. Some recent accolades include the following:

  • Chandler ranked 30th in Money Magazine’s “Top 100 Best Places to Live” in 2008.
  • In 2007, Chandler was selected by AARP Magazine as one of the nation’s “Top Five Places to Live and Retire”.
  • Chandler is a three-time winner of the “100 Best Communities in the United States for Young People” as chosen by America’s Promise and the Alliance for Youth.
  • Prevention Magazine named Chandler among their top 10 “Best Fitness-Walking Cities” in America in 2007.
  • Chandler Video Production Division has recently received a Rocky Mountain Emmy Award, first place award from National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors organization and a Communicator Award of Distinction.

 

The Organization

The City of Chandler is managed by a Council-Manager form of government. Chandler residents regularly give their municipal government high marks for services and programs. Their high satisfaction levels are a testament to the policies of their elected leaders and the services provided by the dedicated employees of the City of Chandler.
Chandler prides itself on its commitment to serve Chandler’s citizens through teamwork, understanding and dedication in a professional and responsive manner. There are 28 citizen boards and commissions that provide recommendations to the City Council on such matters as planning, quality of life, and community services.

The Department

The Planning and Development Department strives to promote the development of a community with a high quality of life, coordinate redevelopment efforts, and address the basic needs of Chandler’s citizens through assistance programs which lead to self-sufficiency.

The department’s operating budget is approximately $23 million with 115 full time employees. The Planning and Development Director is assisted by two Assistant Directors. The Department consists of four divisions:

Current Planning Division
The Current Planning Division provides zoning administration and site plan review. The zoning administration function is to review private development projects to ensure consistency with the city's General Plan, Zoning Code, and other laws and regulations; and to provide professional support to the Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and City Council. Site plan review ensures compliance with all site development standards mandated by the Zoning Code and Council development policy, as well as Commission/Council conditions of development approval.

Long Range Planning Division
The Long Range Planning Division guides and directs growth through the development of plans, policies and ordinances that preserve the character and enhance the livability of the city. Long Range Planning tracks land use and population statistics, prepares development policies and code amendments, and maintains all elements of the Chandler General Plan as required by State Statutes.

Development Services Division
The Development Services Division reviews and issues permits for all development projects except Public Works capital improvement projects. Development Services also provides building and structural plan review, building inspection, and all civil plan review associated with subdivision and site development. In fiscal year 2007-2008, the Department performed over 1,185 plan reviews for development projects, completing 99.9% of them on time, within 20 working days.

Housing and Redevelopment Division
The Housing and Redevelopment Division is committed to sustaining and expanding the supply of affordable and subsidized housing. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides funding for the core of the City's Public Housing operating budget, modernization program, youth after-school programs, family self-sufficiency opportunities, Section 8 housing choice program, among a myriad of other federally funded supportive programs. The Division is the clearinghouse for tax credit proposals to the Arizona State Department of Commerce and serves as the City's liaison to the Industrial Development Authority with projects pertaining to housing. Through these and other resources this grant funded cost center provides affordable/subsidized housing opportunities and supportive services for low and moderate-income families in and around Chandler. This Division received a High Performing Housing Authority designation with an overall score of 100% in the Section 8 Program, and 90 out of 100 in the Public Housing Program.

The Position

Through extensive public participation, guidance from a Citizen Oversight Committee, and coordination with other City Departments, the General Plan has been recently updated. This plan addresses the various stages of approaching City build-out and emphasizes the importance of economic development for maintaining a sustainable City, redevelopment needs with higher densities in select areas, and neighborhood planning to assist older neighborhoods with maintaining and preserving their quality of life. As the City approaches build-out, the new Director will be challenged to manage the transition from high growth development to more specialized development and redevelopment projects.


This position is an active and participating member of the City Manager’s Executive Leadership Team. To that end, the ability to explain complex issues to a wide variety of constituents verbally and in written form, as well as the ability to communicate effectively in an open, honest and forthright manner is very important.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess a strong leadership style and a proven ability to lead, mentor and motivate a talented team of individuals. They will also need to coach and develop the team by providing a strategy for team success. He/she must have the ability to display a commitment to lead, promote and articulate the City’s commitment to customer service. The ideal candidate will be a visionary thinker and enjoy working in a fast pace environment.

The ideal candidate will need to be successful at expanding partnerships with the development community and work closely with Economic Development, continually showcasing why developers should work with the City of Chandler. This individual should possess experience with new development and redevelopment and be well versed in managing the development and challenges that may occur in both areas. Knowledge of current trends, redevelopment, and issues and strategies that affect and influence all aspects of economic and community development is required.

This individual will also be creative in his/her approach to planning and development, while looking for ways to improve the status quo to further develop the City’s vision of creating a unique sense of place within the Chandler community.

Government

The City of Chandler is offering a competitive salary commensurate with experience. A comprehensive benefits package is administered and includes the following highlights:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Retirement plan through Arizona State Retirement System
  • Short and Long Term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Wellness Programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Vacation and Holidays

Relocation assistance is available for a successful out-of-state candidate. Residency within the City of Chandler is required within 6 months for this position.

How to Apply

 

Interested applicants should forward a transmittal letter of interest and a resume to:

Affion Public
20 N Second St
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717.214.4922
Email:
resume.public@affionpublic.com

Posted: 03/22/2022