Planning and Development Manager

The City of Altoona is actively seeking a Planning and Development Manager to oversee the City’s planning, zoning, landdevelopment, GIS, and redevelopment initiatives, ensuring alignment with the City ofAltoona’s strategic goals, Comprehensive Plan, and economic and communitydevelopment objectives.This position is responsible for managing the work of the GIS Manager/PlanningTechnician, Planning and Zoning Coordinator, and Redevelopment Authority/Land BankCoordinator, providing leadership, strategic direction, and technical expertise to achievedepartmental and City priorities. The Manager serves as a key liaison between theCommunity Development Department, external stakeholders, elected officials, and thepublic to ensure the successful implementation of planning and development programs.The position reports directly to the Director of Community Development and plays acritical role in supporting the City’s long-term growth, sustainability, and revitalizationefforts.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:1. Planning and Zoning Management: Oversees the City’s planning, zoning, and land development functions to ensurecompliance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) and localordinances. Directs the review and processing of subdivision and land development plans,zoning applications, variances, and special exceptions. Develops, updates, and implements land use policies, zoning ordinances, andsubdivision and land development ordinances (SALDO). Supports the Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board, ensuring efficientpreparation of agendas, reports, and technical analyses. Coordinates public hearings and outreach initiatives related to planning andzoning changes, including ordinance amendments and rezoning efforts. Provides recommendations to the Director of Community Development, CityManager, and City Council on land use policies, zoning matters, anddevelopment trends.2. GIS Program Oversight: Provides managerial oversight of the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS)program, ensuring its effective operation and alignment with the needs of all Citydepartments. Collaborates with the GIS Manager to integrate GIS technology into planning,zoning, redevelopment, infrastructure management, and public safety initiatives. Ensures GIS data is current, accurate, and accessible to support decision-making processes across departments and for public-facing platforms. Promotes innovation and emerging GIS applications to improve City operationsand service delivery.3. Redevelopment Authority (RA) and Land Bank (RALB) Responsibilities: Integrates the activities of the Redevelopment Authority (RA) and Land Bank(RALB) to advance property redevelopment, blight removal, and neighborhoodrevitalization initiatives with city staff. Supervises the RA/RALB Coordinator and ensures effective management ofproperties, programs, and partnerships. Works with the Redevelopment Authority Executive Director to establishstrategies to transition the RA and RALB into self-sustaining entities independentof City funding and staff support. Coordinates with developers, property owners, community organizations, andfunding partners to identify opportunities for redevelopment and reuse of blightedand underutilized properties. Tracks RA and RALB performance metrics and prepares progress reports forCity leadership and governing bodies.4. Interdepartmental and Stakeholder Collaboration: Coordinates closely with other City departments, including Public Works, Codesand Inspections, Finance, Fire, Police, and IT, to support cross-functionalplanning and development initiatives. Serves as the primary liaison with external stakeholders, including developers,community groups, regional planning agencies, and state and federal partners. Resolves conflicts and priority issues across departmental initiatives under thesupervision of the Director of Community Development.5. Budget and Resource Management: Prepares and manages the annual budgets for planning, zoning, GIS, andRA/RALB programs, ensuring efficient resource allocation and fiscalresponsibility. Identifies and pursues grants and alternative funding sources to supportplanning, redevelopment, and GIS initiatives. Tracks project expenditures and provides regular updates to the Director ofCommunity Development and Finance Department.6. Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Develops and implements key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor theeffectiveness of planning, zoning, GIS, and redevelopment programs. Prepares detailed reports and presentations for the Director of CommunityDevelopment, City Manager, City Council, and the public. Ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, includingreporting requirements for grants and programs.RequirementsDESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, or arelated field (Master’s degree preferred). Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning,zoning, GIS, or redevelopment, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory ormanagement capacity. Certification as a Certified Zoning Officer (CZO) or the ability to obtaincertification within one year of hire. AICP certification (preferred).Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Knowledge of: Principles and practices of urban planning, zoning, land development, andredevelopment. Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) and applicable local, state,and federal laws. Principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its integration intomunicipal operations. Budget development, resource management, and grant administration.Skill in: Managing and supervising staff, including setting goals, evaluating performance,and fostering professional growth. Reviewing and interpreting zoning applications, land development plans, andredevelopment proposals. Collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including government officials,developers, and the public. Preparing technical reports, presentations, and recommendations.Ability to: Plan, organize, and oversee complex planning, zoning, GIS, and redevelopmentprojects. Analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend practical solutions. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with staff, officials, and thepublic. Coordinate multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities effectively. Foster a collaborative team environment while resolving conflicts and balancingpriorities.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License or ability to obtain one prior to employment. Certification as a Certified Zoning Officer (CZO) or ability to obtain within oneyear.BenefitsThe City of Altoona offers a comprehensive compensation package including a competitive salary; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid time off; and retirement options.The City of Altoona is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.