Special Assistant to Director; Planning & Sustainability

Salary Range: $80,433 - $129,497

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

May manage, direct, and evaluate assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.

Provides high-level support to department director on departmental priorities, policy initiatives, and operational matters; and prepares reports, policy briefs, presentations, and communications for internal and external audiences.

Oversees special projects and initiatives requiring interdepartmental collaboration; ensures budget requirements are met; monitors project progress, prepares status updates, and resolves barriers to ensure timely completion of major initiatives.

Plans and executes short- and long-term goals and objectives consistent with the director’s organizational vision and priorities; collects and analyzes data; evaluates effectiveness and efficiency of department activities; reviews and revises policies, procedures, plans, and programs; and coordinates with division directors and managers to ensure alignment of operations with strategic priorities.

Conducts administrative management and organizational planning; evaluates, develops, and implements new systems, technologies, policies, and procedures; streamlines processes to enhance efficiency and service delivery; and evaluates departmental performance based on metrics and goals.

Assists in the development and administration of the departmental budget, contracts, and procurement activities; directs and coordinates budget monitoring system; and provides policy direction and operating procedures regarding expenditures.

Represents the department director to other County departments, elected officials, community leaders, the general public, and outside agencies.

Bachelor’s degree in Public/Business Administration, or a field related to the assignment; five years of progressively responsible experience in the area of assignment; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.

The Special Assistant to the Director of Planning & Sustainability serves as a senior level operational role and project lead for the Director. This position supports high-priority initiatives, manages sensitive and complex issues, and ensures the effective coordination of departmental operations and policy activities.

The Special Assistant represents the Director in interdepartmental meetings, communicates with elected officials and external stakeholders, and drives time-sensitive projects that advance the County’s planning, sustainability, development, and operational goals.

This is a leadership-track role requiring strong judgment, political acumen, and the ability to work independently on behalf of department leadership.

• Provide executive-level support to the Director on planning, land use, sustainability, permitting, and development matters. Prepare executive briefings, policy reports, talking points, presentations, and decision memos. Represent the Director in meetings, work sessions, and stakeholder engagements. Track and elevate emerging issues requiring leadership attention.

• Conduct research and analysis on zoning, development regulations, comprehensive planning, and sustainability policy. Draft policy recommendations, ordinance revisions, and procedural updates. Coordinate with the County Attorney’s Office and senior leadership on policy interpretation and compliance. Support updates to the Comprehensive Plan, LCI studies, small area plans, and departmental policies.

• Lead…