Principal Planner | Oklahoma City | Housing & Community Development Division

Principal Planner | Oklahoma City | Housing & Community Development Division

Oklahoma City is currently seeking an experienced leader to manage the City’s Housing & Community Development Division (HCD). The division implements the City’s HUD entitlement grants, Brownfields program,
homelessness programs, and other competitive grants.  Interpersonal acumen and planning-related skills, knowledge and experience are essential. This Principal Planner position requires an individual who exemplifies
the Planning Department’s values of professionalism, integrity, ownership mentality, collaboration and open mindedness, effective communication, creativity, positivity and passion.

The HCD has a current staff of 21 positions and is responsible for coordinating implementation of the City’s HUD Consolidated Plan, Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs, Emergency Solutions Grant, HOPWA, and the Continuum of Care programs. The
Principal Planner supervises staff and oversees many initiatives, projects, and programs related to housing and community development initiatives and is responsible for grant compliance. This position is open until May 12, 2024.

Oklahoma City is a welcoming and diverse community with many unique urban neighborhoods and districts, a superb food scene, and a tremendous array of attractions and outdoor activities for everyone. The City’s
government has a strong reputation for effective governance, leadership, and collaboration. This is reflected in the Planning Department’s collaborative and positive work environment.

Qualifications, the formal announcement with further detail, and application instructions can be found here:

 

Job Description

Salary Range $41.61 – $63.63 Hourly

Note:  The normal starting pay for this position is the minimum of the pay range listed above. A higher rate of pay may be considered, dependent on the qualifications and experience of the selected applicant and/or the City’s step placement policy.

Note: This position is an overage. Funding for this position will be re-evaluated on a fiscal year basis.

Important Application Information:  Completion of the supplemental questions is required. Applicant responses to supplemental questions must specifically answer the questions asked.  Responses to supplemental questions must be supported by work history/information listed on the application/resume. Applications may not be reviewed if specific responses to supplemental questions have not been provided.

DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION

This position is responsible for managing the Housing and Community Development Division with a staff of approximately 21 employees. Division priorities include homelessness services, grant compliance, and housing programs to support retention and/or creation of affordable housing. The Division also supports the City’s Citizen’s Committee for Community Development.  The division implements the City’s HUD entitlement grants to include the Community Development Block Grant, the Home Investment Partnerships Program, Emergency Solutions Grants, and Housing for Persons With AIDS grants. The Division also manages the City’s Brownfields Program funded with grants from the U.S. EPA as well as the Continuum of Care and Youth Homelessness Demonstration grant programs that provide resources to serve residents in our community experiencing homelessness.

JOB SUMMARY

This position is located in the Housing and Community Development Division of the Planning Department within the City of Oklahoma City and is under the general direction of a department head. Principal Planner is a division head level classification requiring the application of advanced professional and technical skill in managing a specialized planning function. The Principal Planner manages the operations of a planning division. Essential job functions include: performing various administrative functions in the management of  division operations; assessing numerous variables, both abstract and concrete, to coordinate project efforts for long-range or current planning requirements or proposals; providing staff with verbal and written management and technical instructions to promote the optimal efficiency of the work section; attending meetings and/or representing the City as a participant on or advisor to various boards, commissions, official policymaking bodies, and citizens’ groups to relate or promote the City’s position in technical or administrative areas; and managing staff responsible for reviewing complex data, studying trends, collecting information, and preparing specialized reports or documents based on in-depth research.   Employees of this classification have frequent contact with City officials and staff, citizens’ groups, and other professionals and may officially represent the department head in his/her absence. Work products are subject to review by conferences, staff reports, and observations concerning the status of projects.

VETERANS PREFERENCE

Honorably discharged veterans of the United States Active Duty Armed Forces, National Guard, and Reserve Forces who are not currently employed full-time by the City of Oklahoma City and who meet the qualifications for the position shall be given preference. To receive preference, veterans must submit verification of honorable discharge from the United States military service (Department of Defense Form DD214 or NGB Form 22) prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of administrative and management principles.
• Skill in managing planning functions for long-range or current requirements.
• Skill in supervising subordinate personnel.
• Skill in assessing a wide variety of information for operational feasibility.
• Skill in verbal and written communication using tact and diplomacy.
• Skill in relaying both technical and non-technical information effectively.
• Skill in preparing complex statistical and narrative reports.
• Ability to make immediate decisions or responses related to City programs and functions.
• Ability to make administrative decisions.
• Ability to think logically.
• Ability to travel.
• Willingness to participate and skill in disseminating complex data before various official boards and citizens’ groups.
• Willingness to assume responsibility for work products and decisions made.

DEPARTMENTAL PREFERENCES

• Master’s Degree from an accredited university in Planning, Public Administration, Economic Development, Community Development or a closely related field; at least 7 years of experience in Urban Planning, including significant experience with federal grants; and experience managing a team of professional employees.
• Experience administering community development programs including federal programs such as CDBG, HOME, Continuum of Care, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits
• Experience developing, implementing and managing housing programs and other programs addressing community development and neighborhood revitalization issues, especially programs serving low income and disadvantaged groups.
• Experience in understanding and applying complex federal regulations with a focus on program compliance.
• Experience in writing and reading contracts and working with project proformas and budgets.

COMPETENCIES

• Execution and Results: (1) Sets well-defined and realistic goals and high standards of performance for self or self and others; (2) displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment toward performing work; (3) completes assignments in a thorough, accurate, and timely manner, and delivers results; (4) works with minimal supervision, is motivated to achieve, and demonstrates responsible behavior; (5) demonstrates understanding of all aspects of the job and application of accrued knowledge in carrying out duties and responsibilities; technical knowledge; skill in the techniques, equipment, procedures, and work required; (6) recognizes opportunities and takes action for improvement to programs, policies, procedures, practices, and processes; (7) understands and is able to apply the principles, methods, and tools of quality improvement; (8) collects, examines, analyzes, and interprets data from a variety of sources; (9) makes data-driven recommendations/decisions and achieves results; (10) effectively achieves results through others to achieve the Department or City’s mission.
• Judgment: (1) Plans, coordinates, and executes business functions efficiently, effectively, and in a fiscally responsible manner; (2) identifies risks and develops and implements measures to avoid, mitigate, or minimize those risks; (3) makes effective, timely, well-informed, objective, and transparent work-related decisions; (4) exhibits emotional maturity and stability, effectively manages conflict, and remains optimistic and calm during stressful situations; (5) uses resources effectively to achieve results aligned with organizational priorities; (6) applies understanding of financial management/budgeting principles to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible and in accordance with policies, procedures, processes, rules, regulations, and laws; (7) makes business decisions that drive positive, fiscally responsible performance; (8) manages ambiguity, business insight, financial acumen, makes decisions using data and insight that achieves the best outcome for the department and City.
• Teamwork/Team Oriented: (1) Recognizes, values, and leverages the ideas, opinions, and perspectives of others; (2) participates willingly and effectively as a team lead or team member; (3) builds consensus; fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust; (4) collaborates with others to accomplish goals and objectives and achieve results; (5) expresses facts, ideas, messages, and information (technical and non-technical) to individuals or groups clearly, concisely, accurately, understandably, with honesty, tact, and diplomacy and in a manner that is appropriate for the intended audience; (6) actively listens, clarifies information as needed.
• Customer Centric: (1) Demonstrates commitment to public service; (2) serves and satisfies internal and external customers in a timely and effective manner; (3) establishes, commits to, and maintains high standards for producing quality work products and being responsive to customers; (4) supports the Department/City’s mission; develops and executes strategies with the customer in mind.
• Strategic Thinking: (1) Thinks conceptually, imaginatively, and systematically; (2) envisions the future; (3) defines the vision, direction, and goals; (4) develops a road map for achievement; (5) anticipates change and plans for it; (6) considers long-term value and consequences; (7) influences others to achieve results; (8) understands where the organization is headed; knows the organization’s mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work; (9) aligns business strategies to long-term success of the City; (10) sets the vision, direction and compelling course of action; (11) operates effectively within the systems, programs, policies, procedures, codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations of the organization; (12) knows industry and stays ahead of best practices; (13) understands the political environment, management priorities, staff roles and responsibilities, and grasps external factors impacting the organization; (14) identifies when issues need to be escalated to higher authorities and effectively alerts appropriate officials.
• Leads Through Influence: (1) Persuades others; builds consensus through give and take; (2) gains cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals; (3) works with others towards achieving agreements that may involve exchanging resources or resolving differences; (4) understands the concepts, practices, and techniques used to identify, engage, influence, and monitor relationships with individuals and groups connected to a work effort including those actively involved; (5) leads through influence over the process and its results, and those who have a vested interest in the outcome (positive or negative).
• Commitment to Continuous Improvement: (1) Recognizes opportunities for improvement with regard to programs, policies, procedures, practices, and processes; (2) understands and is able to apply the principles, methods, and tools of quality improvement; (3) collects, examines, analyzes, and interprets data from a variety of sources; (4) makes data-driven recommendations/decisions and achieves results.
• Agility: (1) Values collaboration, communication, and feedback and is flexible and open to new ideas; (2) learns rapidly and transforms learning into action; (3) examines processes and practices to perform work most effectively; (4) demonstrates courage and willingness to take calculated risks; (5) assesses readiness; proposes new approaches, methods, and technologies plans, implements, and evaluates change in a transparent, positive, and thoughtful manner; (6) exhibits emotional maturity and stability, effectively manages conflict, and remains optimistic and calm during stressful situations; (7) rapidly adapts to change and leads others through change, while producing tangible results and identifying new opportunities.
• Talent Development: (1) Provides tools, materials, equipment, and resources; (2) provides performance feedback, coaching, mentoring, encouragement, and support; (3) discusses personal and professional goals; (4) provides formal and informal learning and development opportunities that support achievement of personal and professional goals; (5) attracts and develops talent; (6) manages performance throughout the department or City; (7) sets the leadership tone for area of responsibility.  Note:  This competency is not applicable for employees who are not supervisors.
• Inclusive Leadership: (1) Fosters a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where individual differences are valued, and employees feel a sense of belonging; (2) seeks to know and learn about others; welcomes diversity in ideas, perspectives, and thoughts; understands and respects values, attitudes, and beliefs of others; (3) seeks to build diverse teams through inclusive hiring practices (ensures opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds and demonstrates a commitment to hiring the most qualified candidates); (4) cultivates engagement, team building, collaboration; (5) instills trust; (6) recognizes contributions and celebrates accomplishments; (7) promotes the advancement of all employees including those of marginalized identities (e.g., coaching, mentoring, providing personal and professional development opportunities); (8) actively participates in and encourages others to participate in diversity and inclusion programming and/or training; (9) strategically integrates inclusion into business practices and decisions; (10) demonstrates respect, inclusiveness, understanding, tact, diplomacy, and professionalism in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with others; (11) effectively manages one’s own feelings and emotions; (12) builds diverse teams, promotes advancement of marginalized employees, participates and encourages participation of I&D initiatives.   Note:  This competency is not applicable for employees who are not supervisors. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primarily indoors in a climate-controlled environment.
• Outside occasionally; may be exposed to heat, cold, humidity, rain, etc.
• Occasionally required to work beyond normal working hours.
• Subject to frequent, local travel.
• Subject to occasional, out-of-town travel to attend meetings, seminars, etc.

Note:  Typical City employee working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, working hours vary (may require work to begin before 8:00 a.m. and/or end beyond 5:00 p.m., and/or may require work on weekends and holidays), and are subject to change, based on the duties and location of the position and the business needs of the assigned work unit/department.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Hearing and speech enough to communicate effectively by telephone or in-person.
• Near vision enough to read and draft written communications.
• Mobility enough to continuously move oneself from place to place when conducting field surveys.
• Far vision enough to accurately determine the condition of various transportation systems, traffic congestion, etc.

OTHER DETAILS

Pay Method:  City employees are required to receive pay electronically, either via direct deposit or pay card.

Former Employees:  If this position is open to external applicants and you are a former employee, you must be eligible for rehire to participate in any selection process. If you are unsure of your rehire status, please contact the Human Resources Department at (405) 297-2530. If your rehire status has been coded “Not Eligible,” “Eligible 3,” or “Conditional,” you will need to request a review of your rehire status through the Human Resources Department’s Employee and Labor Relations Division.

Background Investigation, Drug Testing, Physical Examination:  Upon a conditional offer of employment/acceptance of position, the City of Oklahoma City will conduct a criminal history background check for external applicants. Applicants will be provided contact information for any third-party reporting agencies used to collect background information in connection with conditional offers of employment.

If the position accepted includes a driver license (commercial or non-commercial) Job Requirement, the City of Oklahoma City will obtain a Motor Vehicle Report for internal and external applicants.

If the position accepted is safety sensitive and/or a driving position, internal and external applicants will be provided a copy of the City of Oklahoma City’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy prior to being directed for a drug test.

If the position accepted is cyber security sensitive, internal and external applicants will be subject to a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Interstate Identification Index (III) Fingerprint Background check.  Additionally, employees in this job classification must complete Level 4 Security Awareness Training and pass an online certification test.

If the position accepted includes a lift/push/pull/carry Physical Requirement of 25 pounds and greater, internal and external applicants will be directed for a physical examination.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

If you require reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process, please notify one of the Human Resources Department Representatives by calling 405-297-2530. The City of Oklahoma City is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion. The City of Oklahoma City will not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (to include sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression), age, genetic information, disability or political affiliation.

Oklahoma City is one of the fastest-growing metros in the United States and is the 20th largest city in the nation. For nearly two decades our residents have continually invested in our community to make it a place people can find belonging, visit and call home. Our employees are at the heart of those investments–delivering essential services our residents expect and creating a strong and thriving city for all people.