The City of Salina is seeking a strong, forward-thinking leader to serve as our next Planning Manager  within our high-impact, mission-driven Community Development Department. This is not just a  technical role— it’s a leadership opportunity for someone who can guide a talented team, contribute to department-wide strategy, and help drive transformational projects that are shaping Salina’s future. This position is open due to the retirement of a long-serving and highly respected member of our team.
 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the general supervision of the Director of Community & Development Services, the Zoning Administrator plans, organizes, and performs supervisory and administrative duties of the Planning Division. Work varies, requiring complex interpretive judgement within the prescribed standards and procedures. The Planning Division is responsible for developing and maintaining the comprehensive plan, land use regulations—including zoning and subdivision standards—and other measures necessary to ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. This position also serves as the Zoning Administrator on behalf of the City, as required.
 

TYPICAL DUTIES:
• Reviews and Processes Applications: Manages the intake, review, and analysis of development applications to ensure compliance with Zoning and Subdivision Regulations; ensures timely and accurate processing throughout all phases of the approval process.
• Board and Commission Liaison: Serves as the primary liaison to the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Design Review Board, and Heritage Commission; oversees and administers public meeting logistics including agenda preparation, packet assembly, notifications, minutes, and ensures adherence to all applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
• Permit Oversight and Technical Review: Leads the review of permit applications for compliance with zoning codes; facilitates the issuance of permits through the City’s online permitting system and applies technical expertise in permit related software platforms.
• Code Enforcement and Compliance: Investigates potential zoning code violations and promotes voluntary compliance; communicates corrective actions to property owners and applicants; maintains detailed case records using department software, including inspection notes, photographs, and other documentation.
• Staff Leadership and Supervision: Recruits, trains, and evaluates division staff; coordinates professional development and addresses performance issues through consistent and thorough performance management; monitors and balances staff workloads across zoning, permitting, enforcement, and project areas.
• Customer and Stakeholder Guidance: Provides professional guidance to the public, including developers, engineers, architects, and planners, on land use and planning matters; prepares comprehensive reviews and reports for Development Review Team meetings.
• Process Improvement and Innovation: Supports the department’s strategic process improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing service delivery, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction; collaborates with leadership to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Community Representation: Represents the department at public hearings, city meetings, and with community groups and stakeholders; effectively communicates planning goals, regulatory requirements, and policy decisions.
• Planning and Policy Development: Contributes to the development and implementation of community development plans; executes directives from the City Commission, Planning Commission, and City Manager related to physical development and land use policy.
• Research and Technical Analysis: Conducts complex research and policy analysis on development proposals and regulatory issues; prepares technical reports, drafts policies, and maintains a comprehensive record of related data and documentation; handles sensitive and confidential information as required.
• Special Projects and Additional Duties: Completes special projects and other assignments as delegated by the Director.
 

SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS:
Trains and supervises planning staff.
 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration or a related field and five years of experience in planning, community development or public administration, with two years of experience in a supervisory role. Master’s degree is strongly preferred. Regulatory or non-profit board management experience is strongly preferred. Possession of a valid Kansas driver’s license.
 

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:
This position has a 40-minute response time by way of the most direct route and within the posted speed limits; or must live within the city limits of Salina, Bennington, Minneapolis, McPherson, Solomon, Abilene, or Carneiro.