Director of Planning and Development
City of Riviera Beach
Summary Objective
The Director of Planning and Development is responsible for overseeing, managing, and coordinating redevelopment initiatives and capital projects that drive economic growth, eliminate blight, and align with the strategic goals of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Reporting directly to the CRA Executive Director, this leadership role ensures the successful planning, design, and execution of major CRA projects, including the implementation of the Capital Projects Budget and special development initiatives.
The Director maintains and updates the Agency’s adopted Community Redevelopment Plan, supervises design professionals (Architects, Engineers, Planners), and provides oversight for key projects such as the ongoing Marina Project. The position requires strong project management skills, strategic thinking, and a high level of initiative and independent judgment within established policies and objectives.
Supervision Received/Exercised
Work is performed under the supervision of the Executive Director.Job Duties and Responsibilities
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- Develop planning-related policies and procedures; assist in setting agency priorities and selecting projects, as delegated by the Executive Director.
- Oversee the creation, review, and analysis of development permits, project plans, and construction projects to ensure compliance with applicable codes and alignment with agency goals.
- Lead the development and maintenance of guidance documents for land development, including updates to the Community Redevelopment Plan; oversee transportation planning, growth-related initiatives, and coordination with the City of Riviera Beach and Palm Beach County staff.
- Analyze and evaluate planning and development data, preparing detailed reports and recommendations to support informed decision-making and strategic planning.
- Conduct comprehensive plan reviews and meet with developers, consultants, and other public and private stakeholders to discuss planning and development projects.
- Develop and manage budgets for capital projects, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources and alignment with agency priorities.
- Monitor financial performance and expenditures for capital projects, ensuring adherence to approved budgets and identifying opportunities for cost savings or process improvements.
- Supervise the Agency’s consultants, as delegated by the Executive Director, and all planning and development-related project managers and professionals, ensuring high performance and accountability.
- Conduct public meetings and deliver presentations to official board members, community groups, and residents to communicate planning initiatives, gather input, and foster community engagement.
- Serve as project manager for assigned redevelopment projects, overseeing all phases from planning through implementation, ensuring timely completion, budget adherence, and alignment with redevelopment objectives.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
Performs all other related duties as assigned. The duties listed above are intended to illustrate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the role.
Necessary Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
The employee must possess a broad range of competencies across administration, finance, community impact, economic development, and project management, including:- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with municipal officials, stakeholders, and the general public.
- Strong knowledge of public records management, including the ability to retrieve, research, and maintain official documents and files.
- Excellent customer service and public relations skills when addressing inquiries, resolving complaints, and engaging with the community.
- Proven ability to effectively supervise employees and manage professional consultants.
- Demonstrated skills in budget development, financial oversight, and organizational management.
- Experience in public management, particularly in delivering complex, multi-priority projects on time and within budget.
- Knowledge of local ordinances, comprehensive plans, state statutes, and regional planning regulations.
- Understanding of socio-economic, fiscal, legal, and demographic data relevant to community development.
- In-depth knowledge of land use planning, development review processes, and permitting, including the ability to prepare both graphic and narrative reports.
- Working knowledge of planning data sources, as well as the principles and practices of planning research.
- Ability to maintain favorable public relations and foster positive community engagement.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to speak effectively and clearly express ideas in writing.
- Proficiency in the use of technology to enhance services, including Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.
- Ability to collaborate with local authorities, civic leaders, engineers, architects, and urban planning professionals.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Economic Development, or a related field from an accredited college or university and
Valid Florida Driver's License
Preferred Qualifications and/or Certifications (may be required or preferred):
Master’s degree is preferred and may substitute for some experience depending on agency policy.
AICP Certification (American Institute of Certified Planners) – highly preferred for planning leadership roles.
PE License (Professional Engineer), RA (Registered Architect) or equivalent professional licensure preferred if the role has a strong design or construction oversight component.
Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent – beneficial for managing capital projects.Supplemental Information
Tools and Equipment
All office equipment including but not limited to; Computers and software, calculator, fax machine, and copier.
Physicals Demands
The physical demands described are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
While the majority of work is performed indoors, the employee will be assigned general outdoor duties as needed.
The employee may occasionally be required to reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, and use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Special Requirements
Mandatory pre-employment physical and drug screening are required as a condition of employment. Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License is required at the time of hire and must be maintained throughout employment. The Riviera Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) maintains a drug-free workplace policy and program in accordance with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and Section 440.102, Florida Statutes.
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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
The City of Riviera Beach, Florida, is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and Affirmative Action Employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including identity or expression), marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or any other protected classification as defined by applicable law (except as limited by Personnel Rules, Collective Bargaining Agreements, or bona fide occupational qualifications).
Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination. Under the ADA, a person has a disability if he/she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The physical demands described within the job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the ADA, the City of Riviera Beach will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat of significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and ability.