Director of Community Planning and Development Services

OverviewRECRUITMENT BROCHURE - position is open until filled. The first review of resumes will begin on October 28, 2025.Governing StructureThe City of Rockville operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The Mayor and Council serve as the legislative body and are responsible for developing policy and establishing the vision and goals for the city. The city manager, appointed by the Mayor and Council, makes recommendations to the Mayor and Council, and is responsible for day-to-day management of city operations. The Mayor and Council also appoints and directs the work of the City Attorney and City Clerk/Director of Council Operations.The City of Rockville has eight (08) operating departments which include: Communications and Community Engagement, Community Planning and Development Services, Finance, Housing and Community Development, Human Resources, Information Technology, Police, Procurement, Public Works, and Recreation and Parks.The city has 667.0 full time equivalents positions. The FY2026 adopted operating budget totals $175.5 million.About the CommunityRockville, population 67,000, is Maryland’s fourth largest city, comprising 13.5 square miles. It is located 15 miles northwest of the nation’s capital along the I-270 corridor. Rockville has been rated among the best places to live in America. The city serves as the County seat of Montgomery County and is regarded as one of America’s leading small cities for work, for play and for life.Rockville is a diverse and business-friendly hub in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, focused on redevelopment and infill on its limited vacant land. Key planning elements include transforming the Town Center into a walkable, transit-oriented district, developing mixed-use and high-density areas along transportation corridors like Rockville Pike, and preserving existing neighborhood character. The city prioritizes a sustainable, quality of life through its Comprehensive Plan, which guides land use, transportation, and housing goals to foster economic growth and community well-being.About the DepartmentThe Department of Community Planning and Development Services oversees planning, property development and construction activities in Rockville to ensure the vision for the city is achieved. The community conveys this vision through the city’s Master Plan, the Zoning Ordinance and other development regulations. The department serves public requests including general zoning or permitting information, historic research, property information and building and fire code interpretations.Department FunctionsDevelopment Review and Development ServicesComprehensive PlanningPlanning and ResearchZoningBuilding Plans ReviewCodes Inspection and Codes EnforcementFire Marshall OfficeAdministrative SupportThe Department of Community Planning and Development Services has 55.0 full time equivalent positions. The FY2026 adopted operating budget totals $8.6 million.About the PositionThe City of Rockville, Maryland is recruiting a progressive leader with a strong vision for a thriving city. The Director of Community Planning and Development Services is responsible for providing leadership, strategic planning, policy direction and operational oversight on all aspects of the city’s planning and development activities. This position will also work closely with the City Manager’s Office and collaboratively with other city departments, including Housing and Community Development, Public Works, and Recreation and Parks.Core Duties & ResponsibilitiesFull responsibility for department oversight of all programs and services, including budget development and management; and personnel management.Demonstrate leadership through strategic direction setting for department programs and services; development of effective partnerships across the organization and community that advance the work of the department; and supporting employees through coaching and mentoring.Lead strategically, work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders and be responsive to the community, City Leadership and Mayor and Council.Establish and implement strategic workplans to identify and address short-term and long-term goals for the department and ensure that they are align with Mayor and Council priorities and vision for the community.Oversee the administration of community planning and development services department, ensuring equitable access and programmatic integrity.Advise the City Manager, Mayor and Council and other City leadership on all aspects of community planning and development services programs and activities and their implications on the city and its residents.Establish and foster professional relationships with private, county and state agency officials to advance the city’s priorities related to planning and development.Experience, Knowledge and SkillsExperience and KnowledgeStreamlining Development Review ProcessStreamlining Inspection Services Process and ProceduresLeading the Development or Redevelopment of a Town Center/CoreLeading and Implementing a Zoning Ordinance UpdateOverseeing a Growth Management ProcessOverseeing High Density and Transit Oriented DevelopmentOperational ExcellenceVision for short-range and long-term planningEffective and decisive operational management skillsCollaborative leadershipAccountability for resultsOperational depth and breadth of a multi-division community planning and development services departmentLeadershipPassion for developing staff through coaching and mentoringHigh level of integrity and ethical standardsEffective, clear and consistent communicationAnticipate issues and prepare and position staff to respondRelationship BuildingDevelops and nurtures professional relationships with key stakeholdersCreates a work environment that promotes collaboration, inclusiveness and opennessActively listen for input, feedback and solutions from all levels of an organizationDiversity, Equity and InclusionEnsure all policy and program development and implementation reflects an understanding of impact on diversity, equity and inclusionEducation and ExperienceEducation: A bachelor’s degree in urban or community planning, public administration or a closely related field.A master’s degree in urban or community planning, public administration or a closely related field is preferred but not required.Experience: Seven (07) years of progressively responsible work in local or municipal government in community planning and development; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.Certification: AICP certification is preferred.Must possess or be able to obtain a driver’s license valid in the State of pensation and BenefitsAnticipated hiring salary range for this position is $180,000 - $220,000. The City offers a competitive benefits package which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, group life and long-term disability insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, paid vacation and sick leave, and participation in the Rockville Employees Retirement System.Application and Selection ProcessInterested individuals should submit a resume, cover letter and three (03) professional references.This position is open until filled. The first review of resumes will begin on October 28, 2025.QuestionsPlease contact Susan Seling, Director of Human Resources, at 240.314.8472 or with any questions.The City of Rockville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce (EOE). #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-10-08