REVISED 6/4/26
Job Description
The Zoning and Development Division Director is responsible for daily management and operation of the Current Planning Division. This position provides strategic, managerial, and technical direction over the County’s current planning and permitting operations, ensuring alignment with the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Unified Plan and other County priorities.
The Zoning and Development Division Director is expected to oversee the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals processes, interpret and amend the UDO, and support development reviews. This position works closely with the Department and County leadership, elected officials, and community stakeholders to guide equitable, sustainable, and well-planned growth across Gwinnett County.
Essential Duties- Manage daily operations of the Current Planning Division to ensure successful execution of projects and initiatives that align with Gwinnett County’s vision and goals and comply with the Unified Development Ordinance.
- Oversee the Planning Commission, Board of Commissioners and Zoning Board of Appeals public hearing processes.
- Ensure accurate, timely, and well-supported recommendations for rezonings, special use permits, change in conditions and variance applications.
- Oversee development reviews, including special administrative permits, land disturbance permits, plats, and building permits, for compliance with the UDO and other applicable ordinances and regulations.
- Interpret the UDO and recommend amendments to reflect planning trends and address emerging issues.
- Assist with the interpretation and amendment of other County Ordinances, including the Tree Ordinance and Sign Ordinance.
- Coordinate across divisions/departments to ensure efficient and effective operations.
- Give presentations to the Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission, external agencies, community groups and other County departments.
- Serve as the primary liaison to developers to understand their concerns, facilitate conflict resolutions, and share code/policy updates.
- Build and strengthen working relationships and partnerships with citizens, community groups, external agencies, board members, and elected officials to build consensus and navigate political, technical, and community dynamics.
- Lead special projects such as technology enhancements, and the developing and/or updating of standard operating procedures and training materials.
- Monitor Division performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness, responsiveness, and customer service outcomes.
- Create and monitor Division budget to ensure strategic resource allocation.
- Oversee recruitment, training, coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluation of Division staff.
- Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, excellence, continuous improvement, and accountability, in support of the department-wide workplace culture building efforts.
Public Speaking Duties- Planning Commissioner and Zoning Board of Appeals
GradeThe grade for this position is 304. Salary will be dependent on education and experience.
Effective 4/11/2023, this position is eligible for the Employee Referral Program.
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Public Administration, or a field related to community development AND
- Ten years of progressively responsible experience related to the area of assignment, including two years experience as a manager
- An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above will also be considered.
- Profound understanding of land use planning, zoning, development, plats, and related regulations
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Valid Driver’s License from state of residency.
Preferred Qualifications in addition to the above minimum qualifications- Master's Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Public Administration, or a field related to community development AND
- Five years of upper management/supervisory experience or director role
- Strong knowledge of Georgia planning law, zoning procedures, and local government operations
- Excellent public speaking skills
For information related to position-specific essential duties, knowledge and skills, and physical requirements, please
click here.
Note: The class specifications listed on this website are not the official class specifications for Gwinnett County and are subject to change.
For more information about this department, please
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About Gwinnett County<span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;"> </span>Welcome to Gwinnett County Government
Gwinnett County Government is an award-winning employer that believes in investing in its employees by providing corporate level benefits, a wellness program, professional development opportunities, career advancement, and more
Careers with impact
Gwinnett County sets the standard as a dynamic, vibrant community where all people can enjoy economic opportunities, safe neighborhoods, plentiful greenspace, and recreational facilities. We are committed to hiring those who share our dedication to making life better for our residents and business owners. The culture of superior service that our employees have created reflects that standard and helps staff, residents, and stakeholders remain vibrantly connected.
Exceptional benefits
Working for Gwinnett County comes with exceptional benefits, including health coverage, a robust wellness program (Spouses can participate, too!), onsite employee wellness center, longevity pay, tuition reimbursement, and more. The value of Gwinnett County benefits can be up to 49 percent of an individual’s total compensation.
World-class community
More than a million residents make up Gwinnett’s diverse community. The County is located just 45 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta. Georgia Highway 316 reduces travel time to the University of Georgia to 25 minutes.
Gwinnett County is an award-winning employer!
- Atlanta’s Healthiest Employer by Atlanta Business Chronicle
- Green Communities Platinum Certification for Gwinnett County from the Atlanta Regional Commission
- Top 100 Healthiest Workplaces in America by Springbuk and PR NewsWire and more!
Vision
Gwinnett is the preferred community where everyone thrives!
Mission
Gwinnett proudly supports our vibrantly connected community by delivering superior services.
Values
Integrity: We believe in being honest, building trust, and having strong moral principles.
Accountability: We believe in stewardship, transparency, and sustainability.
Equity: We believe in fairness and respect for all.
Inclusivity: We believe in engaging, embracing, and unifying our communities.
Innovation: We believe in continual adaptation of technology, process, and experience.
Hiring Process
Gwinnett County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information regarding our hiring process, please click the links below:
Gwinnett County is committed to creating a diverse workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information (including sex), race, color, national origin (including ancestry), gender (identity and expression), sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status (including pregnancy), disability, military or veteran status, religion, political affiliation, immigration status, homeless status, or any other category protected by law.
