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Portland Permitting & Development Director (Director II) - Open Until Filled
Portland Permitting & Development Director (Director II) - Open Until FilledGovernment Jobs • Portland, OR, US
Portland Permitting & Development Director (Director II) - Open Until Filled

Portland Permitting & Development Director (Director II) - Open Until Filled

Government Jobs • Portland, OR, US
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Permitting & Development Director

The Permitting & Development Director will lead a team of over 300 employees and manage a FY 2025-2026 budget of nearly $80 million. Reporting to the Deputy City Administrator for the Community and Economic Development Service Area, this role will oversee permitting, inspections, compliance, and development review services across Portland.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity during a pivotal moment of government restructuring. The Director will drive strategic vision, operational transformation, and equity-focused service delivery that will shape Portland's growth and built environment for years to come.

What you'll get to do :

  • Oversee permitting, inspections, development review, and compliance processes.
  • Guide implementation and enforcement of building and land use codes.
  • Lead strategic planning, change management, and modernization efforts.
  • Promote a culture of equity, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Manage a $80M budget with fiscal responsibility and transparency.
  • Collaborate with other bureaus to ensure coordinated citywide permitting.
  • Represent PP&D before City Council, media, and in public forums.
  • Foster strong relationships with community members and stakeholders.
  • Lead efforts to improve digital systems and service responsiveness.

Ideal Candidate Profile :

  • Extensive Leadership : 10+ years leading complex permitting or development agencies.
  • Equity-Centered : Proven track record embedding DEI in operations, workforce, and policy.
  • Strategic Visionary : Experience crafting and executing long-term goals that align with civic priorities.
  • Change Manager : Skilled in leading large public organizations through structural transformation.
  • Community-Engaged : Deep understanding of inclusive stakeholder processes and culturally responsive engagement.
  • Policy Expertise : Working knowledge of land use law, environmental regulation, and economic development.
  • Collaborative : Skilled at building consensus across departments, sectors, and public / private divides.
  • Public Service Ethic : Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and transparency in leadership.
  • Education : A degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field is preferred.
  • Cultural Competency : Understanding of Portland's history and how zoning has impacted communities of color.

    • About the Bureau :

    Portland Permitting & Development (PP&D) is a key component of the City's broader charter reform and modernization initiative. Uniting permitting staff from various bureausWater, Environmental Services, Transportation, Urban Forestry, and others is designed to make the City's development services more efficient, equitable, and customer-focused.

    With 11 divisions including Land Use Services, Inspections, Public Infrastructure Review, and Digital Services, PP&D is leading a bold transformation of how Portland engages with its built environment, streamlining systems, modernizing technology, and unlocking sustainable economic opportunity.

    To learn more about the City of Portland, visit : https : / / www.portland.gov

    Have a question? Contact Information : Dreshawn Vance, Motus VP of Executive Search dreshawn@motusrecruiting.com

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    Director Development • Portland, OR, US