CITY PLANNING DIRECTOR

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CIVIL SERVICE

Appointment and continued employment are at the pleasure of the Department of City Development (DCD) Commissioner.

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce committed to providing exemplary service to its residents. If you are passionate about being part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The City Planning Director role is a unique opportunity for an experienced leader in urban planning and community development to make a significant impact in guiding land use and neighborhood planning, zoning, urban design, and public engagement in a major city rich in history, potential, and complex planning challenges.  

Consider applying for this Planning Director position, which offers a broad mix of duties leading the DCD Planning Division! 

The Planning Division develops and implements the City of Milwaukee’s Comprehensive Plan and 14 Area Plans, carrying out strategic zoning code updates and urban design initiatives to advance City planning goals, serving as the staff support for the City Plan Commission, and leading major planning initiatives including the City’s Anti-Displacement Planning efforts, while collaborating with DCD colleagues to advance the Department’s affordable housing and economic development goals.

Under the direction of the Commissioner - City Development, the City Planning Director directs the staff and resources assigned to the DCD Planning Division. The Planning Division is responsible for the design and administration of the City of Milwaukee’s land use regulations, the development of Comprehensive, Area, and Neighborhood plans, the development and implementation of planning and policy initiatives related to these activities, and the operation of the City Plan Commission.

Management

• Direct the Planning Division of the DCD and oversee daily operations.
• Hire, orient, and evaluate staff.
• Set priorities and expectations and assign work, organizing staff assignments and responsibilities for maximum efficiency. 
• Establish a positive culture within the planning division that demands a high degree of staff responsiveness, encourages creativity, and supports professional growth.
• Coordinate the Planning Division's work with other departmental sections.
• Ensure the Planning Division provides effective mapping and data analysis to support the department's ongoing needs.
• Utilize planning, demographic, and other data sources to inform departmental priorities and goals and communicate relevant data and trends to internal and external audiences.
• Develop partnerships to augment the City planning staff with qualified interns. 

Planning Direction

• Provide overall direction and leadership to staff on Comprehensive and Area Planning initiatives, including plan development, updates, and implementation. Focus on effective community engagement during planning processes.  
• Oversee initiatives to develop and implement updates to the zoning code and urban design standards to advance city planning goals. 
• Ensure high-quality representation of the City of Milwaukee in collaborative local and regional planning activities.
• Vet and present City positions and perspectives to bodies such as the Southeast Wisconsin Regional Plan Commission and Community Development Alliance.
• Ensure that the Planning Division provides effective analysis and recommendations to the Board of Zoning Appeals. 
• Work with internal project managers and developers to ensure high-quality design and coordinated entitlement processes for projects seeking City approvals, including zoning changes, Board of Zoning Appeals approvals, Certified Survey Maps and Subdivision Plats, and street and alley vacations and dedications.  
• Ensure that planning activities are well-informed by public input. 
• Ensure that policy-makers are well-informed regarding planning division activity, including requests for entitlements, forthcoming legislation, and plan development. 

City Plan Commission Oversight

• Ensure the effective functioning of the City Plan Commission (CPC). 
• Approve meeting agendas, minutes, and public notices.
• Determine staff recommendations to be presented to the CPC.
• Oversee staff interaction with the CPC so the Commission has timely and accurate information to make decisions.
• Ensure that the CPC notices and meetings are conducted in accordance with the State of Wisconsin open meetings law. 

Administration

• Manage the division’s budget and identify potential grant sources to support planning projects. 
• Oversee the development of legislation and the implementation of technology solutions to improve Milwaukee’s land use regulation practices and processes.
• Serve as a member of the senior management team of DCD. 

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

The City Planning Director must be willing and able to:

• Work variable hours as required by the department's needs, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Travel to various sites throughout the City of Milwaukee.

• File a Statement of Economic Interests in accordance with the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 303-Code of Ethics.

1. Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, architecture, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Five years of progressively responsible work experience in professional urban planning or an equivalent role in community development, including three years of staff management experience related to the essential functions of this position.
3. Ability to travel independently throughout the City of Milwaukee by public transportation, walking, bicycling, ridesharing, or driving.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process before extending any job offers.

• Master’s degree in urban planning, public administration, architecture, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Work experience in government or the public sector.
• Recognized standing and participation in professional planning and/or community development organizations.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.

Technical

• Knowledge of urban planning theories, principles, and techniques, including economic development and community and neighborhood engagement.
• Knowledge of automated mapping, ArcGIS principles and practices, and geographic information system (GIS) theory and application.
• Knowledge of mathematical and statistical concepts.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply work-related documents, laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations.
• Ability to lead planning or community development/organizing initiatives in racially and socioeconomically diverse communities, including carrying out culturally responsive public engagement techniques.
• Ability to perform complex mapping and data analysis assignments, including synthesizing complex data and analyses into key takeaways and recommendations.
• Proficiency using standard computer software and programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, and e-mail.
• Ability to learn and utilize job-specific computer systems and software.

Leadership and Management

• Knowledge of management and leadership principles and best practices for selecting, supervising, and motivating employees.
• Ability to make hiring recommendations.
• Ability to plan and coordinate the work of others and set performance standards.
• Ability to effectively supervise staff, monitor and evaluate performance, provide guidance and training, coach and counsel employees, and take corrective action.

Communication and Interpersonal

• Customer service skills to provide outstanding client service.
• Highly developed communication skills, including effectively communicating to various audiences such as residents, business owners, and elected officials. 
• Interpersonal skills to collaborate with a range of people across responsibility levels.
• Verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with diverse groups of individuals and make presentations in public meetings.
• Written communication skills to create clear and concise business communications, such as memos, reports, budget summaries, policies, procedures, and performance reviews. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse customers, including elected officials, policymakers, community organizations, business owners, contractors, the public, and co-workers.
• Ability to work effectively with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

Critical Thinking and Professionalism

• Ability to exercise sound judgment to make decisions.
• Honesty and integrity to meet professional standards for handling confidential information and sensitive issues.
• Ability to recommend and implement solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to plan and organize work, prioritize tasks, manage projects, and successfully delegate work to complete tasks based on departmental deadlines and goals.
• Ability to use tact, diplomacy, and excellent judgment when interacting with the public, elected officials, and City employees.
• Ability to serve as an effective steward of City resources.

The current salary range (Pay Range 1MX) is $128,143-$144,744 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $131,987-$149,086 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based on experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

• In accordance with the City of Milwaukee Salary Ordinance, a City Planning Director with an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification will be paid an additional 3%.

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance 
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leave 
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass  

 For full details of the benefits the City of Milwaukee offers, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits. 

Screening for this position will be based on an evaluation of each applicant’s education, experience, and professional accomplishments, which should be detailed in a cover letter and resume.

• Please email a cover letter and resume by 4:45 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, to: vaarmst@milwaukee.gov.
• Please indicate “City Planning Director” in the email's subject line.  
• Questions about the selection process may be directed to Human Resources Administrator Vanessa Armstrong at vaarmst@milwaukee.gov.

The City of Milwaukee reserves the right to invite only the most qualified applicants to participate in the selection process.

INITIAL FILING DATE: The selection process will be conducted as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of application materials may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the city's needs have been met. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

EEO 101

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.