Under the general direction from the City Manager, the Director of Planning & Development is responsible for planning, directing, managing, and overseeing the activities of the city’s Planning and Development Department.  In addition to ensuring compliance with all state and federal regulations, the mission of the Planning and Development Department is to maintain and improve the quality of life of residents, visitors, property owners, and businesses of the City of Hutchinson through effective planning and land use policies, programs and services. 

The essential functions for this executive level position include:

• Administering, interpreting and leading the development of the city’s comprehensive master plan, land use and zoning regulations, housing and neighborhood revitalization initiatives, and historical preservation projects.

• Performing technical review work in preparation and implementation of the City’s planning and community development plans; processing and monitoring subdivision, annexation and zoning requests including researching and analyzing applications for compliance and conformity with the City’s land use plan, Comprehensive Plan, development policies and other applicable rules and regulations; serves as zoning administrator.

• Providing information, technical assistance, and professional guidance to developers, architects, engineers, the general public, Planning Commission, Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, other Boards and Commissions, and the City Council.

• Reviewing and approving site plans, subdivision plans, and other developments and providing information that will assist developers, contractors and the general public to understand planning and zoning related issues and processes.

• Analyzing and preparing policy documentation and code interpretation recommendations to City Manager, City Council, City and Planning Commission regarding re-zonings, and special exception permits and Comprehensive Plan compatibility to ensure appropriate land development. 

• Actively monitoring and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of the department’s service delivery processes and procedures to ensure that the Planning Department is sensitive and responsive to the needs of a wide variety of stakeholders and interest groups.  

• Providing technical reports and recommendations to City Council, other city departments, planning commission, private developers and individuals to ensure proper land use and application of sound urban planning principles to developments within the municipality. 

• Working closely with City Manager, Engineering, Public Works and other departments in in analyzing and creating plans for long- and short-term infrastructure development, including parks, trails, streets, water and sewer, storm drainage, parking and other public facilities.

• Supporting the city’s Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Housing Commission, and Landmarks Commission and serving as a technical advisor to ensure that an urban planning perspective is maintained. 

Minimum Requirements Include:  Bachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, or a closely related field (Master’s degree in urban planning or public administration is desirable), with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in municipal or county planning, two of which must be in a management capacity.  Experience with building and code enforcement a plus.  American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) credentials preferred, but not required.

The ideal candidate will be well versed in principles, practices, and theories of urban planning and development as well as possess extensive knowledge of land use laws, including all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, statutes, and regulations.  He/she will also have the proven ability to perform economic impact assessments of development-related policies and programs, identify and co-opt best practices, develop and implement innovative approaches that promote transparency and community engagement, increase professionalism, and effectively promote innovative planning and development approaches that benefit all stakeholders in the community. 

As a key member of the Executive Management team the successful candidate will be a results-driven individual who will inspire and motivate others by promoting teamwork, fully articulating expectations, delegating responsibility with clarity, and creating a culture of accountability.

The City of Hutchinson is located forty-five miles northwest of Wichita and offers many of the amenities and comforts of larger metropolitan areas while preserving the spirit of small town living.  In addition to its excellent public and private schools, the community has a well-diversified economy that includes in agriculture, healthcare, energy, higher education, manufacturing and business services.

The City provides a full range of municipal services to more than 41,000 citizens and currently employs 400 full-time employees with an annual operation budget of $86M. The City has a Council-City Manager form of government; with a five member Council (four members are elected by district and on position at-large). The City Manager is appointed by the Council and is charged with management of the City’s diverse departments and operations.

Salary Range:     $75,827 - $113,750 DOQ.  In addition, the City of Hutchinson offers an excellent total compensation package and strongly supports employee training and development.

Applicants are encouraged to communicate any salary expectations in their cover letter.