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Deputy Director Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

CASA INC

Voter Registration Manager

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$1.2K/wk

Reporting to the Voter Engagement Deputy Director, the ideal candidate is passionate about engaging registered voters and eligible community members in exercising their civic rights. ESSENTIAL ...

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All JobsDeputy Director JobsDeputy Director Jobs in Decatur, GA

Deputy Director information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$48.8K

$127.8K

$186K

How much do deputy director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for deputy director in Decatur, GA is $127,750.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $149,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Deputy Director typically support organizational leadership and facilitate team collaboration?

A Deputy Director plays a crucial role in bridging communication between executive leadership and various departments, ensuring organizational goals are clearly understood and executed. They often lead cross-functional teams, oversee daily operations, and step in for the Director when needed, which requires strong leadership and decision-making skills. Collaboration is key, as Deputy Directors regularly coordinate with managers, stakeholders, and external partners to drive projects forward and resolve challenges. This position provides valuable experience in high-level strategy and can serve as a stepping stone to senior executive roles.

How do you become a deputy director?

To become a deputy director, candidates typically need a combination of relevant education, such as a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field, and extensive experience in management or leadership roles within the organization. Progression often involves advancing through lower-level supervisory or managerial positions, demonstrating strong leadership skills, and sometimes obtaining professional certifications relevant to the industry or sector.

What is a Deputy Director?

A Deputy Director is a senior manager who assists the Director in overseeing the operations and strategic direction of an organization or department. They often take on leadership responsibilities in the Director's absence and help implement policies, manage staff, and ensure projects are completed efficiently. The role typically involves decision-making, coordination between teams, and representing the organization in various settings. Deputy Directors serve as a crucial link between upper management and staff, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Deputy Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Deputy Director, you typically need strong leadership, organizational management, and strategic planning skills, often supported by an advanced degree in management, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software, budgeting tools, and relevant regulatory systems is usually expected. Exceptional communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability help a Deputy Director effectively lead teams and drive organizational goals. These skills are vital for ensuring operational efficiency, effective team coordination, and successful implementation of organizational strategies.

What is the difference between Deputy Director vs Program Manager?

AspectDeputy DirectorProgram Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, often a master's, with leadership experienceUsually requires a bachelor's degree, project management certifications are common
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level setting, overseeing departments or divisionsProject-focused environment, managing specific programs or initiatives
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in government, non-profits, large corporationsCommon in non-profits, government agencies, and corporate sectors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles, career progressionManaging projects, program development

The Deputy Director often holds a higher leadership position with broader responsibilities overseeing departments or divisions, while a Program Manager focuses on managing specific projects or programs within an organization. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but the Deputy Director typically has more strategic and administrative duties, whereas the Program Manager concentrates on project execution and delivery.

What Is a Deputy Director?

Deputy directors work in a variety of organizations, from government education or transportation departments to private residential companies to aerospace corporations. As a deputy director, you typically report to the executives of the organization on matters related to the daily operations of programs or projects. Your job duties vary depending on the industry but usually include supervising employees, developing relationships with various department members, executing the technical strategy of the organization, and overseeing the development of business opportunities. The qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s degree in business management or a field closely related to the activities of the organization. Deputy director jobs that entail working with technical content may require an advanced degree. Strong leadership skills and experience developing cross-functional teams are preferred.

What does a deputy director do?

A deputy director is a senior management professional who supports the director in overseeing organizational operations, implementing policies, and managing staff. They often handle administrative tasks, coordinate projects, and may step in to lead in the director's absence, requiring strong leadership and communication skills.

Is deputy director a high position?

The deputy director is a senior leadership role that typically reports to the director and oversees significant organizational functions. It is generally considered a high-level position with substantial responsibilities and authority within an organization. Advancement to this role often requires extensive experience and leadership skills.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Deputy Director role can sometimes reach a monthly salary of $10,000 or more, especially in large organizations or government agencies, often requiring extensive experience and leadership skills rather than formal education. High-level managerial positions in certain industries, such as finance, technology, or consulting, may also offer similar compensation without a degree, but typically demand specialized skills, certifications, or significant work experience.
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Deputy Director jobs near you

Deputy Director, Planning & Sustainability - Development Services

DeKalb County

Decatur, GA • Hybrid

$140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Dekalb County (Georgia) rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

562nd of 668 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary Range: $140,000+   Job Code: 51005  Pay Grade: 28  FLSA Status: Exempt  

General Summary

The Deputy Director of Development Services serves as a senior executive leader within the Department of Planning & Sustainability. This position provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership over the centralized development services functions of DeKalb County, including land development, permitting, plan review, inspections, business licensing, zoning intake, and customer service.

The Deputy Director works collaboratively with County leadership, external stakeholders, community partners, and development professionals to ensure efficient, transparent, and customer-focused development services that support high-quality growth, economic vitality, code compliance, and sustainable development across DeKalb County.

This position reports directly to the Director of Planning & Sustainability.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Management

  • Provides executive oversight and daily management of the Development Services Division, including permitting, plan review, land development, inspections, business licensing, code enforcement coordination, and customer-service operations.
  • Develops and implements policies, procedures, and performance standards to improve operational effectiveness, reduce processing times, and ensure compliance with County ordinances and state law.
  • Leads strategic planning initiatives, process improvements, and modernization efforts, including digital permitting, online customer platforms, and cross-departmental workflow integration.

Operational Oversight

  • Coordinates permitting and development review functions across related departments such as GIS, Fire Marshal's Office, Watershed Management, Traffic Engineering, Public Works, and Code Enforcement.
  • Oversees complex development applications, master plans, subdivision approvals, and land development cases, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
  • Ensures development review decisions comply with zoning codes, UDO requirements, and engineering standards.
  • Supervises staff including managers, supervisors, planners, engineers, building officials, inspectors, technicians, and customer service personnel.

Performance, Reporting & Accountability

  • Establishes performance metrics, dashboards, and service-level targets to monitor productivity, workflow efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
  • Prepares executive-level reports, presentations, and policy recommendations to senior leadership, CEO's Office, County Commissioners, and advisory boards.
  • Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as internal governance standards.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Serves as the primary liaison to developers, contractors, engineers, neighborhood groups, and planning partners.
  • Facilitates conflict resolution, escalated case management, and interagency communication to ensure timely and transparent service delivery.
  • Designs and delivers training, outreach sessions, and educational materials for customers and development professionals.

Budgeting & Administration

  • Assists in developing and managing the division's annual budget, staffing plan, and resource allocation strategies.
  • Identifies grant opportunities, revenue enhancements, and operational efficiencies to support program sustainability.
  • Oversees procurement activities, vendor contracts, and technology initiatives supporting Development Services operations.

Talent Development & Organizational Culture

  • Provides leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for staff.
  • Promotes a culture of customer service, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Ensures compliance with County HR policies, training requirements, and performance management procedures.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Deep understanding of land development processes, zoning regulations, building codes, engineering standards, and permitting workflows.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead large teams and manage complex, multi-disciplinary operations.
  • Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Ability to analyze data, streamline processes, and implement performance-based management systems.
  • Commitment to equity, accountability, sustainability, and excellent public service.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in both office and field environments with occasional site visits. The position requires attendance at evening or weekend meetings as necessary.

Essential Functions:

Manages, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.

Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work regarding business development and retention; prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; and provides progress and activity reports to County administrators and elected officials.

Ensures departmental compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; ensures adherence to established procedures; and initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.

Develops and implements long- and short-term plans, goals, and objectives for area of assignment; collects and analyzes multiple sources of data; evaluates effectiveness and efficiency of department activities; reviews and revises policies, procedures, plans and programs; and researches, assesses, and develops strategies to meet current and future business development and retention needs.

Develops, implements and monitors policies, procedures, and protocols for area of assignment; interprets, explains and implements local, state, and federal laws and regulations; conducts staff meetings; and provides information, updates, and coordination of work activities.

Develops and implements budget for assigned area; recommends staffing levels, equipment, materials and other budget allocations; monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budget; and prepares and submits budget documentation and reports.

Represents the Development Services Department to other County departments, elected officials, outside agencies, and the residential and commercial community; coordinates assigned activities; resolves land development issues; provides guidance and direction and interpretation of County requirements, processes, and initiatives; and negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial development issues.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related field required (Master's degree preferred); eight years of experience in planning, zoning, and development service, with three years of management experience for a comparably sized organization or as a deputy director for a smaller organization; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required:  Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.  AICP certification is preferred depending on area of assignment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Demonstrated success implementing customer service improvements and cross-departmental workflow integration.
  • AICP certification, ICC certifications, or Georgia Building Official credentials preferred but not required.
  • Experience with large urban jurisdictions or high-volume permitting environments preferred but not required.
  • Strong background in Lean Six Sigma, process mapping, performance management, or digital permitting transformation preferred but not required.

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