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:

https://fa-etyr-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_2/job/1443/?utm_medium=jobshare

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.