Director of Queens Borough Office

THE AGENCY

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide and sharing its perspectives on growth and community needs with sister agencies in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

DCP is a great place to work cultivating intellectual inspiration, professional development, and creativity. Visit our website at to access the full listing of job opportunities and to learn more about our great agency.

THE DIVISION

Queens is home to more than 2.4 million residents, a historic peak population. Queens’ extensive ethnic diversity leads the city and the country.

Its growth has been fueled in large measure by an influx of persons arriving from abroad with nearly half the population foreign born, and its residents speak over languages.

Some of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in New York City are located in Queens, with the past decade seeing significant housing growth in areas such as Long Island City and Flushing.

The borough fosters the most diverse economy in the region, as a center for industry, manufacturing, freight and distribution, primarily centered around Western Queens and the airports.

A DCP Borough Office is a dynamic work environment responsible for a wide range of planning and design activities, including developing borough-wide and local plans with a focus on affordable housing, resiliency, expanded economic opportunity, and transit-oriented development;

reviewing and processing land use applications; leading community outreach; planning for resiliency and climate change; and providing technical and policy guidance and direction on all land use and zoning related matters to the City Planning Commission, local Community Boards, elected officials, and the public at large.

The borough’s recent growth is occurring within distinct neighborhood contexts, which vary widely across the borough. Currently, its efforts are focused on directing a range of new housing, economic recovery and equitable planning opportunities in to enliven and support the growth and vitality of Queens neighborhoods.

THE ROLE

The agency is seeking to fill the position of Director of the Queens Borough Office. As a key member of the agency’s executive management, the Director of the Queens Office, along with the other borough directors, reports to the Executive Director, and works closely with the Chair of the City Planning Commission / Director of the Department.

The director is responsible for administration and management of the office in carrying out the agency’s work plans.

Under executive direction, with the greatest latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and decision making, the Director manages the office to fulfill the department’s missions in Queens : land use planning and review, housing and economic development, community and citywide plan and policy formulation, environmental impact and information dissemination.

In addition, the Director identifies key issues and opportunities affecting borough development and formulates plans, programs and policies to address them.

Specifically, the Director will :

• Advise the Chair, City Planning Commission and City Hall on all land use policies and issues affecting Queens;
• Develop and implement the Borough Office work program, including recommending and formulating planning studies, establish priorities and deadlines, and manage work assignments to ensure that strategic planning goals are met;
• Interview, select, train, coach, motivate, supervise and evaluate the work of the office professionals and administrative staff and support on-going staff development efforts;
• Manage Department initiatives, and oversee major Queens projects through the land use and environmental review process;
• Contribute to borough and agency planning and urban design studies, and coordinate this work with other divisions of the Department, other city agencies, community boards, elected officials and the public;
• Oversee the technical review of all special zoning district non-ULURP applications; ensure their timely review and maintain consistent standards;
• coordinate across agency divisions to respond to concerns of applicants, DOB, Industry representatives, and elected officials;
• and support efforts to streamline the agency’s operations;
• Negotiate sensitive technical and land use policy issues with other agencies, developers, community groups, industry groups and elected officials.
• Use independent judgment in highly complex technical and policy matters;
• Represent the Department and Chair at meetings with elected officials, civic, business and community groups, community boards and public agencies to communicate City Policy and maintain working relationships;
• Represent the Department and Chair at public forums to communicate city policies; and
• Perform other related tasks.

Minimum Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and four years of full-time experience in city planning, at least eighteen months of which must have been in a managerial capacity; or

2. Education and / or experience which is equivalent to "1" above. However, a baccalaureate degree and eighteen months of managerial experience in city planning is required of all candidates.

Graduate work leading to an advance degree in city planning or related field may be substituted for up to two years of the non-managerial experience on a year-for-year basis.

Graduation from an accredited United States Law School may be substituted for two years of non-managerial

experience."

Preferred Skills

Working knowledge of the Department, the NYC Zoning Resolution and the City’s land use and environmental review procedures-Knowledge of Queens land use, development issues, planning theory, and practice-Extensive knowledge of operation, policies and practices of governmental agencies-Demonstrated ability to negotiate sensitive and complex technical planning issues with other agencies, developers, community groups and elected officials-Proven ability to apply independent judgment in highly complex policy and technical matters-Demonstrated ability to design, develop and implement a work program and to initiate and complete specific tasks in a timely fashion and with a minimum of direct supervision-Excellent organizational skills, especially the ability to work well with others in a multi-disciplined forum and to resolve issues through consensus building-Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills-Demonstrated public speaking skills-Strong executive capabilities in expediting projects, including in developing work programs and project teams to advance Administration priorities-Strong proven organizational, management and analytical skills-Ability to remain calm, cool and collected in all situations-Ability to coach and motivate staff and-Minimum 5 years’ experience supervising professionals in a strategic function.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs.

For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at class "jobad-residencyRequirement">

Residency RequirementNew York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County.

To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.