NAVIGATOR MANAGER - DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Department: PLANNING

Job Family: PROFESSIONAL

Posting End: 01/20/2026

Target Hiring Range: $82,800.00 - $100,050.00 - Based on Experience

*Salary is the targeted hiring range and not the full salary opportunity of the position.

**Applicants MUST submit an official job application through the City of Newport News career site to be considered. To learn more and apply, visit https://www.nnva.gov/Jobs 

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under limited supervision, this position manages and supervises the development services review processes and staff; and serves as a liaison for both customers and city departments to disseminate information related to ongoing projects and requests.  Reports to the Assistant Director of Current Planning.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Responsible for managing and administering all aspects of major and complex planning projects, ensures coordination of all phases of planning, implementation, and management of projects through coordination with all city departments in the development review process.

Serves as contact for the community, developers, governmental agencies and multiple City departments on all process issues to ensure appropriate project implementation in accordance with City ordinances and accepted standards in land development practices, proven urban design and planning principles; disseminates and provides information regarding City development requirements; responds to questions and provides explanation of the zoning, subdivision and site plan ordinances for public, consultants, developers and other City staff as requested; establishes and maintains lines of communication and provides an integrated information network for the customer. Serves as Chairperson for the City's multi-departmental Site Plan Review Committee.

Responsible for the effective supervision and administration of development services staff including prioritizing and assigning work, performance management, employee relations, and related activities.

Researches, analyzes, and recommends improvements to the development review processes. Assists in the development and establishment of goals and objectives to meet organizational needs; implements operating procedures.

Coordinates public information and acts as a citizen liaison on matters dealing with land development and permitting activities. Interacts with the public, City departments, and others outside the work unit to obtain and provide information and assistance in a variety of circumstances. Accurately, promptly, and diplomatically responds to requests for information. Communicates with the public, outside agencies, coworkers and other City personnel providing accurate technical information and recommendations. 

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• Planning - Comprehensive knowledge of current practices, principles and techniques of the municipal planning process, as they pertain to development and redevelopment. Comprehensive knowledge of all city, state and federal codes, zoning ordinances and regulations pertaining to civil construction and commercial development projects including knowledge of site plans, development plans and subdivision plats. Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations pertaining to over-dimensional travel limitations, land disturbances associated with development projects, right of way standards, and parking.

• Customer Service — Thorough knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service. This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. • Supervision - Knowledge of leadership techniques, principles and procedures to assign work, schedule and train staff.    

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees and all levels of management to include representatives from other departments and organizations.  Effectively handles inquiries and complaints from, or disputes with, customers.

• Judgment/Decision Making – Uses logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate situations; anticipates, identifies and evaluates potentially dangerous, unusual or deviating situations; diffuses emotional situations and exercises appropriate judgment to establish priorities and take prompt action for problem resolution.

• Technology - Utilizes a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet, and related software to effectively complete a variety of administrative tasks with reasonable speed and accuracy. Knowledge in permitting software and GIS.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

• Coordination of Work – Ability to establish and implement effective administrative programs and procedures. Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Ability to establish priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Performs a broad range of supervisory responsibility over others.

• Communication – Ability to communicate ideas effectively, including the preparation of reports and logs. Ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of customer service issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.

• Financial Management – Ability to perform arithmetic, algebraic, and statistical applications to perform purchasing and financial transactions. Ability to employ economic and accounting principles and practices in the analysis and reporting of budgeting data.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field with 5 - 7 years of experience in coordinating development projects including 2 - 3 years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires an acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check.  Requires a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work

• Some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds).

• Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. • Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.