Portland Permitting & Development Director

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Motus Recruiting and Staffing is proud to partner with the City of Portland in its executive search for a Permitting & Development Director (Director II).
ABOUT THE PORTLAND PERMITTING & DEVELOPMENT:
Portland Permitting & Development (PP&D), is a key component of the City’s broader charter reform and modernization initiative. Uniting permitting staff from various bureaus—Water, Environmental Services, Transportation, Urban Forestry, and others is designed to make the City’s development services more efficient, equitable, and customer-focused. With 11 divisions including Land Use Services, Inspections, Public Infrastructure Review, and Digital Services, PP&D is leading a bold transformation of how Portland engages with its built environment, streamlining systems, modernizing technology, and unlocking sustainable economic opportunity. To learn more about the City of Portland, visit: OVERVIEW OF PERMITTING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR:
The Permitting & Development Director will lead a team of over 300 employees and manage a FY 2025-2026 budget of nearly $80 million. Reporting to the Deputy City Administrator for the Community and Economic Development Service Area, this role will oversee permitting, inspections, compliance, and development review services across Portland. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity during a pivotal moment of government restructuring. The Director will drive strategic vision, operational transformation, and equity-focused service delivery that will shape Portland’s growth and built environment for years to come. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PERMITTING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR: Oversee permitting, inspections, development review, and compliance processes
Guide implementation and enforcement of building and land use codes
Lead strategic planning, change management, and modernization efforts
Promote a culture of equity, innovation, and continuous improvement
Manage a $80M budget with fiscal responsibility and transparency
Collaborate with other bureaus to ensure coordinated citywide permitting
Represent PP&D before City Council, media, and in public forums
Foster strong relationships with community members and stakeholders
Lead efforts to improve digital systems and service responsiveness
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PERMITTING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR: 10+ years leading complex permitting or development organizations
Degree in urban planning, public administration, or related field preferred
Demonstrated success embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into operations and policy
Strategic leadership experience in civic or public-sector transformation
Skilled in change management, organizational development, and innovation
Strong background in stakeholder engagement and inclusive community processes
Expertise in land use policy, environmental regulations, and urban development
Collaborative leader who can build consensus across bureaus and communities
Commitment to public service, transparency, and cultural competency
Familiarity with Portland’s zoning history and its impacts on communities of color is strongly valued
Apply
Location:
Portland

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