Program Operations Manager

Posting Expires: When Filled. 

Salary Range: $68,156.41- $90,304.27

General Description and Classification Standards
The Department of City Planning (DCP) provides the leadership role in creating opportunities for our City to continue to grow and sustain our diverse communities that define and give Atlanta its unique character. The Department’s objective is to guide the development of the City through planning, design review, plan approval, code compliance, and housing assistance. 

The Department’s Communications and Neighborhood Relations Division (CNR) provides support and oversight to the twenty-five Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs) to promote the planned and equitable growth of Atlanta’s neighborhoods and effective citizen participation. The NPU Resources and Support Manager effectively communicates and interacts with NPU leaders, department staff and other city departments and partners, and members of the public to coordinate key projects involving multiple stakeholders.  The CNR Division is a collaborative group that focuses heavily on its guiding principles and prioritizes outcomes. 

This role ensures that the NPU system remains effective, inclusive, and a trusted forum for residents to shape the future of their neighborhoods. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.

The NPU Resources and Support Manager leads the NPU Resources & Support Team and provides administrative, operations, and general support for the neighborhood planning unit system and the Atlanta Planning Advisory Board.  This support will include coordinating programming, special projects, budget management, procurement, process improvements, and updating/maintaining standard operating procedures. They will also lead, mentor, and support a dynamic team, setting priorities and ensuring accountability across projects. Additional responsibilities may include facilitating conflict resolution, providing guidance on parliamentary procedure, routing NPU recommendations, and coordinating citywide neighborhood engagement strategy. 

This role requires knowledge of the NPU system and project management principles, collaborative work practices, and policies and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.  The NPU Resources and Support Manager is responsible for aligning the work of the Neighborhood Relations Team to its mission to “support an effective, inclusive, and thriving system of neighborhood engagement in Atlanta’s planning processes.” The NPU Resources and Support Manager keeps abreast of any changes in policy as it pertains to departmental operations and NPU support, and is able to assemble information to curate and deliver written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.  

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be an experienced community engagement or project management professional with deep knowledge of the NPU system and Atlanta’s neighborhood relations structure. They are a visionary team leader with exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience leading a passionate team with diverse skills. The successful candidate is skilled at delegating work appropriately, producing precise deliverables under critical time constraints, and managing complex assignments independently while collaborating effectively across departments and with diverse stakeholders. They exercise sound judgment and discretion in handling critical situations, determining procedures, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems. They are proficient with technology and able to interpret and apply regulations and procedures effectively. The preferred candidate loves Atlanta and its diverse neighborhoods, and has:

• Exceptional Organizational Skills;

• Experience coordinating special projects;
• Passion for excellence, respect for public participation processes, and proven commitment to public service;
• Superior written and verbal communication skills;
• Deep appreciation and respect for Atlanta’s varied neighborhoods and the diverse people who live and do business here;
• A demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups of people, a commitment to providing a superior customer experience to every member of the community and stakeholder
• A clear understanding of civic responsibility and the community’s role in neighborhood planning
• Supervision Received
• Direction received is general and focuses more on long-term and short-term operating objectives, organizational effectiveness, and operating results. 

Minimum Qualifications – Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, public policy, urban planning, human services, sociology, psychology, communications or related field (a combination of education and professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree). 

5-7 years of community engagement, civic leadership, public participation or project management experience, preferably in the public sector.

Essential Capabilities and Work Environment
Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job. This role also requires emotional resilience and adaptability in navigating complex community dynamics and public-facing situations. Position may require evening and weekend availability and local travel.

Work Schedule:
This position follows the City’s hybrid work schedule policy as assigned by the Department of Human Resources Commissioner and requires in-person work at City worksites/facilities at least four (4) days per week, with the option to work remotely one (1) day per week, based on eligibility, departmental needs, and supervisor approval. The hybrid work schedule is subject to change at any time to five (5) days in-person work