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Deputy Director of Development Services – Zoning & Design Review

City of Fort Worth, Texas

About the City

Fort Worth is a full‑service municipal organization operating under a council–manager form of government. The City’s workforce of approximately 7,200 employees supports an operating budget of $3.09 billion (FY2026) and serves a growing population of over one million residents.

About the Development Services Department

The Department of Development Services (DSD) leads zoning, planning, engineering, and permitting functions. It employs a 240‑person team that has been ranked #1 in Texas among 1,200 cities for Speed of Permitting and Speed of Zoning. DSD’s 2029 Strategic Plan focuses on customer experience, employee development, operational efficiency, smart growth, and continuous improvement.

Role Overview

The Deputy Director of Development Services – Zoning & Design Review is a senior leadership position responsible for guiding the city’s growth strategy, aligning land use decisions with infrastructure plans, and ensuring high‑quality, transparent, and efficient development processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership – Translate City and departmental priorities into clear direction, measurable outcomes, and process‐ready implementation for Zoning & Design Review.
• Zoning and Entitlement Management – Oversee zoning change case management, ordinance updates, and the administration of the Zoning Commission; ensure consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and state law.
• Urban Design & Preservation – Direct standards and review for historic preservation, form‑based codes, downtown design, and related boards and commissions.
• Planning and Plating – Lead platting, annexation, and ETJ coordination; improve SOPs, legal soundness, and customer orientation.
• Public Relations – Represent the Department in high‑visibility hearings, prepare professional recommendations, and maintain a credible staff posture.
• Operational Excellence – Direct and evaluate programs, workflows, and service offerings; identify improvements that enhance cycle time, transparency, and customer experience.
• People Leadership – Build a multidisciplinary team, coach performance, enhance training and succession, and foster a culture of accountability and empowerment.
• Budget Stewardship – Participate in budget development, forecast resources, approve expenditures, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and risk management requirements.

What the City is Looking for in the Next Deputy Director

• Proactive city‑shaping orientation who guides growth with intentionality.
• Strong planning and urban design mindset with knowledge of zoning tools and area planning.
• Credibility with diverse stakeholders, including boards, commissions, and internal alliance departments.
• People‑builder instinct focused on training, accountability, and cross‑functional resilience.
• Operational maturity to protect performance standards while expanding strategic impact.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Urban Planning/Design, Public Administration, Urban Geography, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible municipal planning or development services experience, with broad exposure to zoning/entitlements and land use regulation.
• Four (4) years of management or administrative leadership experience supervising professional staff and coordinating multi‑function work programs.
• Valid Texas driver’s license (or ability to obtain upon hire).

Preferred / Highly Desirable Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Planning, Regional Planning, Urban Design, or related discipline.
• Proven record of leading or influencing zoning and land‑use policy in a high‑growth environment.
• Experience with urban design, downtown design standards, form‑based tools, conservation districts, or historic preservation programs.
• Working knowledge of subdivision/platting and annexation/ETJ coordination.
• Demonstrated success improving customer experience and service‑level performance.
• Evidence of strong people leadership and training/cross‑training initiatives.
• Professional credentials such as AICP, CNU, or comparable design/planning credentials are valued.

Location

100 Fort Worth Trl
Fort Worth, TX 76102-2661
United States