Director, Planning and Community Development

Location:  City of Bellevue, WA Download:  City of Bellevue, WA - Director, Planning and Community Development Brochure

Director, Planning and Community Development
City of Bellevue

The Community

Bellevue is the fifth largest city in Washington, with a growing and diverse population of about 135,000. It is the high-tech and retail center of the Eastside, with more than 148,000 jobs and a skyline of gleaming high- rises.

While business booms downtown, Bellevue's neighborhoods also thrive amongst a vast network of green spaces and recreational facilities. Bellevue is affectionately and passionately called "a city in a park." The city's schools are consistently rated among the best in the country.

Sales at downtown shopping complexes are always an attraction, but thousands are drawn to annual  special events, such as the Family Fourth of July, Strawberry Festival, the Arts and Crafts Fair, Garden d'Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, and the biennial Bellevue Sculpture Exhibition.

The city spans more than 33 square miles between Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish, and is a short drive from the Cascade Mountains. Just a few miles from downtown, people can kayak in the Mercer Slough Nature Park, a 320- acre wetland preserve.

There are almost 100 parks in Bellevue, with a broad range of amenities and features, including indoor pools, lakefront beaches, community centers, golf courses, skate plazas, nature trails, indoor tennis courts and a boat launch.

Accolades

Bellevue was ranked #2 as "US Most Livable Cities" By Livability .com in 2016. It was also named to the top 10 Small American Cities of the Future in 2015 by FDI. Bellevue ranked #3 Safest City in America by Smart Asset in 2015. Bellevue is served by five of the Best High Schools in America according to US News & World Report 2015. It is the 6th Most Educated City in America reviewed by WalletHub in 2015. Money magazine named Bellevue one of the 100 best places to live in 2008 and 2006. Washington CEO magazine named Bellevue "City of the Year" in May 2008.   We are a dynamic, international and multi-cultural, future-focused, diversity driven, high performing city. 

Government

Bellevue operates under a City Council/City Manager form of government. An elected council sets the general policies of the City, which the City Manager and staff implement. Seven residents serve part-time as members of the City Council. Elected at-large, they serve staggered four-year terms. The council members, in turn, select a mayor and deputy mayor from among themselves.

The Position

The Director, Planning and Community Development will provide direction, leadership and general oversight to the City's Planning and Community Development Department. This position will work under the broad policy guidance of the City Manager to manage the day-to-day administration of the Department, including the budget, employee issues, and customer requests.

The Department

The Planning and Community Development department, called PCD, guides growth and change in Bellevue to enhance the character of the community; helps to create a quality natural and built environment; and works in partnership with residents to address their interests and preserve vibrant, healthy neighborhoods.

The PCD is currently made up of the following divisions:

  • Comprehensive Planning
  • Strategic Planning
  • Neighborhood Programs
  • Arts and Culture
  • Mediation
  • Community Development
  • Environmental Stewardship
  • Economic Development
  • Housing

Current Planning Initiatives

  • BelRed Look Back: Reviewing implementation strategies to facilitate transformation of the BelRed area from light industrial to transit-oriented developments..
  • Downtown Livability Initiative: Developing code and design guideline changes to ensure a livable, memorable downtown environment.
  • Eastgate Corridor Study: Planning ways to enhance the Eastgate-Interstate 90 corridor so it is attractive to businesses and residents.
  • East Link Light Rail: Ensuring the light rail line Sound Transit is building on the Eastside meets the needs of Bellevue residents and businesses.
  • Electrical Facilities Planning: Ensuring community input is considered when electrical facilities in Bellevue are built or expanded.
  • Grand Connection: Developing a landmark linkage between the waterfront downtown at Meydenbauer Bay and the Wilburton commercial area.
  • Environmental Stewardship: Bellevue's sustainability initiative which manages and coordinates the implementation of a portfolio of environmental policies and programs.

Education and Experience

Qualified candidates will have a Master's Degree from an accredited college with major coursework in public administration, urban planning or a related field. Candidates should have a minimum of ten or more years of progressively responsible related experience in a managerial or leadership capacity within public land use and comprehensive planning capacity. Municipal government and economic development experience is highly preferred. A combination of education and experience will be taken into consideration when reviewing applicants. 

Certifications

An American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) designation is desired. 

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess a demonstrated record of accomplishments and successes in economic development and land use planning. This individual should also have experience with urban development and downtown redevelopment and be well versed in managing the development and challenges that may occur in both areas. The knowledge of current trends, issues and strategies that affect and influence all aspects of economic and community development is required.

The ideal candidate should have previous planning knowledge and experience with light rail / Transit Oriented Development (TOD). The ideal candidate will have strong leadership abilities and will be able to make strategic decisions pertaining to staff and procedures within the organization.

The ideal candidate will have a global perspective with the patience to work through multiple projects and timelines, along with the tenacity and perseverance required for successful follow through. The successful candidate must be able to set a positive example of competence, professionalism, energy and work ethic to the organization and community. Advanced written and oral communication skills are imperative for this position.

Salary

The City of Bellevue is offering a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package. Relocation assistance will be available for the successful out-of-area candidate.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should forward a cover letter and resume to:

resumes@affionpublic.com
Reference: BellevueDPCD

Affion Public
2120 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
888.321.4922
Fax: 717-214-8004
www.affionpublic.com

 

*Deadline to receive resumes is February 15, 2017

Posted: 03/22/2022