Chief of Planning and Economic Development
City of Savannah, GA
Salary: $165,000 – $199,000, DOQ
Closing Date: February 18, 2024
Are you an experienced planning and economic development professional with a strategic mindset? Do you have the expertise and experience to support innovative planning and economic development efforts for a growing city with metropolitan needs? The City of Savannah, Georgia, seeks a proactive and creative collaborator for a new and pivotal position, Chief of Planning and Economic Development (Chief).
As part of Savannah’s executive realignment, the first Chief of Planning and Economic Development is charged with expanding the city’s tax base, shaping development and tourism, creating economic opportunities, preserving protected historic landmarks, and ensuring sustainability. This Chief will join a city committed to enhancing and sustaining its residents’ quality of life and well-being through these efforts while implementing smart growth initiatives and shaping development to meet the needs of the entire community. The Chief will also help to address critical community challenges such as affordable housing.
About the Organization, Department and Position:
The City of Savannah operates under a Council/Manager form of government with a budget of $560M and over 2500 employees working across 26 departments. The Chief of Planning and Economic Development oversees 213.6O FTE staff, including 7 direct reports, and manages a budget of $47M (General Fund: $23,417,945 and Parking Services Fund: $23,636,325). This Chief manages the operational activities of the following assigned departments: Development Services, Planning & Urban Design, Economic Development, Parking Services, Transportation, Special Events, Film & Tourism, and Environmental Services & Sustainability. The Chief, along with the City Manager, is the liaison with the city’s economic development authority which is organized by the state (independent of the city) and impacts education, planning, and economic development across 16 counties within two states. In addition to forging a proactive path of collaborative agreement on goals, processes and decisions, the Chief will focus on improving working relationships with stakeholders and partners.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) in Public Administration, Business Administration, Planning, Engineering, or Economic Development supplemented with ten (10) years of responsible management experience in a public agency is required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Salary and Benefits:
The hiring range for the position is $165,000 – $199,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Savannah offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement options, and relocation expenses, which can be found here.
To apply:
- Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the Chief of Planning and Economic Development – City of Savannah, GA title.
- All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the city’s employment application portal or any other external website.
- Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
- Applicants should apply by February 18, 2024, to be considered during the first round of reviews.
- The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluations on March 28 – 29, 2024. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
- Direct all inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.com.
- The City of Savannah, GA, is an EOE. Developmental Associates, LLC manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/, select “Client Openings,” and scroll down to “Important Information for Applicants.”
