The City and County of Denver's Community Planning and Development Department (CPD) is seeking a talented leader who exemplifies the characteristics of a collaborative and energetic work environment to be the next Director of Zoning and Preservation.  This position directs and manages the day-to-day administration, permitting, and enforcement of Denver’s zoning and landmark preservation codes.  We are looking for an individual who desires to be an integral part of a forward thinking and problem- solving senior CPD leadership team, who is an excellent communicator, will provide strong leadership skills, is willing to embrace and implement new technology and new ways to perform, while providing exemplary customer service.   

With competitive pay, great benefits, and endless opportunities, working for the City and County of Denver (CCD) means seeing yourself working with purpose — for you, and those who benefit from your passion, skills and expertise. Join our diverse, inclusive and talented workforce of more than 11,000 team members who are at the heart of what makes Denver, Denver. Click here to find out about all the amazing benefits and reasons to work for CCD!  

What We Offer 

The City and County of Denver offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. The salary range for this position is $131,770-224,009/year. New hires are typically brought into the organization between $155,000-178,000/year. We also offer generous benefits for full-time employees which include but is not limited to:

• Five Medical Plans, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Pension Plan for Life (Employee contributes 8.45%, Employer matches at 17.95%)
• 457 (b) Retirement Plan (no early withdrawal fee!)
• PTO (over 3 weeks in your first year) and 14 paid holidays
• Merit Increases
• STD, LTD, HSA, FSA, Life Insurance
• CARE Bank, Family Leave Benefits

What You’ll Do

Please note that Community Planning and Development (CPD) has successfully finalized and implemented a major structural reorganization. This initiative was designed to achieve smaller supervisor-to-employee ratios, enhance career pathways, improve permit plan review and issuance turnaround times, reduce bureaucracy, and foster stronger cross-departmental collaboration. The transition to the new organizational structure was completed in Q1 2025. This reorganization presents a unique opportunity for the incoming Director of Zoning and Preservation to help shape, lead, and strengthen the newly aligned organization as we continue building a better, more resilient Denver.

Key responsibilities include:

• Direct and oversee day-to-day administration, permitting, and enforcement of Denver’s zoning and landmark preservation codes.  Work areas and programs under this Director’s oversight include zoning permits and approvals, zoning research, zoning relief, landmark certificates of appropriateness, landmark review of demolition permits, regulatory reform and process improvements, code interpretations and determinations, administrative policies and consistency in business practices, and building staff subject matter expertise to represent the landmark and zoning practice areas in both internal and external arenas.
• Develop annual and multi-year work plans and strategies to meet business needs. Develop and direct the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards to ensure success. 
• Communicate business and work area plans and goals to managers and/or supervisors to secure buy-in. Review, approve, and implement recommended changes to work plans and lead the development of process and/or operational improvements.
• Prioritize and allocate resources to achieve strategies. Utilize resources to develop or expand services and/or operation. Ensure resources are utilized appropriately and do not exceed the established budget without approval.
• Resolve sensitive, controversial issues by making decisions that are inclusive of multiple perspectives.
• Represent the department in meetings with elected and/or appointed officials and other city entities. Serves as the city representative with a variety of public, business, and community organizations. Fosters collaborative relationships to the benefit of the organization.
• Create performance metrics for direct reports, and review and approve performance metrics established by managers/supervisors in conjunction with department leadership with the assistance of the data team. Assist managers and supervisors in the achievement of performance standards while identifying opportunities for continual performance-, project- and process improvements.
• Provide resolution for complex citizen complaints that have been escalated to the Director level including long-term resolutions in problem areas.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to other directors, managers, and supervisors in the department involved in zoning and landmark code development, review, implementation and enforcement.
• Additional duties as assigned.

The City and County of Denver values leadership that influences the commitment, ability and willingness of employees to provide quality service to the citizens of Denver.

Our ideal candidate has some or all the following experience, skills, and characteristics:​

• Ten (10) years of professional planning or local government experience in a lead role or manager position, preferably focused on leading/managing in a complex regulatory environment, which includes two (2) years of experience managing or supervising professional planners or other professionals.
• Experienced and proactive manager with strong leadership skills and proven record of success.
• Effective communicator committed to inclusive and transparent processes and fostering broad consensus.
• Creative, visionary, collaborative, and practical.
• Big picture thinker who understands the importance of balancing regulatory requirements with supporting a business-friendly Denver.
• Dedicated to high quality and sustainable city development and customer friendly processes.
• Able to work with customers and across disciplines to find creative ways to solve complex regulatory challenges in a manner that helps to advance CPD and citywide goals and objectives.
• Familiarity and experience with zoning, land development, and/or landmark preservation codes and development review processes; urban design standards and guidelines; code inspections and enforcement; and code interpretation. 
• AICP, AIA, ASLA certified or JD degree a plus.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Education requirement: Bachelor’s Degree in City or Regional Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Public Administration, or a related degree.
• Experience Requirement: Five (5) years of experience at the type and level of functional or operational management, which must have included management of professional planners.
• Education/Experience Equivalency: Two (2) years of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post-high school education.
• Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirement

Application Deadline

To be considered for this position, you must include the following with your job application (upload the attachment(s) to the Resume/CV section on the My Experience tab):

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Apply no later than Sunday, May 18th, 2025, at 1159pm to ensure consideration.