JOB DESCRIPTION

Why Join our Team?

At the MPC, we believe that great planning happens through great teamwork. We foster a collaborative environment where ideas are encouraged, professional growth is supported, and every employee can make a meaningful impact on the future of our community.

• Make a Lasting Difference Every project you touch has the potential to improve neighborhoods, strengthen economic development, preserve historic character, enhance mobility, and create a more vibrant Shreveport.
• Work With an Exceptional Team You'll lead and collaborate with a talented group of planners, GIS professionals, inspectors, and administrative staff who genuinely enjoy working together to solve problems and serve the public.
• Never Stop Learning We believe the best planners are lifelong learners. We encourage innovation, continuing education, conference participation, professional certifications, mentoring, and sharing new ideas.
• Lead Meaningful Projects From comprehensive planning and redevelopment initiatives to zoning modernization, historic preservation, transportation planning, and community engagement—you'll help guide projects that shape our city's future.
• Build a Career with Purpose Planning isn't just reviewing development applications. It's improving quality of life, supporting neighborhoods, protecting community character, and helping create opportunities for future generations.

Position Summary

The Deputy Director serves as the senior leader of the Planning Division and is responsible for managing professional planning staff, directing major planning initiatives, and providing strategic leadership throughout the organization.

Working directly with the Executive Director, the Deputy Director helps establish agency priorities, develops innovative planning solutions, mentors staff, and ensures high-quality planning services for the citizens of Shreveport and Caddo Parish.

When the Executive Director is absent, the Deputy Director serves as Acting Executive Director with full authority and responsibility.

As Deputy Director you will:

Provide Leadership

• Inspire, mentor, and supervise professional planning staff.
• Foster a positive, collaborative workplace culture.
• Encourage innovation and continuous professional development.
• Help employees grow into future planning leaders.

Shape the Future of Shreveport

• Lead major planning initiatives and redevelopment efforts.
• Oversee complex planning studies and development proposals.
• Guide implementation of long-range planning goals
• Develop creative solutions to community challenges.

Drive Organizational Excellence

• Assist in developing agency policies and strategic initiatives.
• Improve operational efficiency and planning processes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Participate in budget development and organizational planning.

Build Community Partnerships

• Work with elected officials, neighborhood organizations, developers, consultants, and community stakeholders.
• Present recommendations to boards and commissions
• Facilitate public meetings and community discussions.
• Represent the MPC with professionalism and integrity.

Our ideal candidate is:

• A collaborative leader who enjoys helping others succeed
• Passionate about creating better communities.
• An excellent communicator and mentor
• Comfortable managing complex projects
• Calm under pressure and able to navigate challenging issues.
• Forward-thinking and innovative
• Committed to outstanding public service.
• Excited to help build a culture of teamwork, trust, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Master's Degree in:

• Urban Planning
• Architecture
• Public Policy
• Or a closely related field

Equivalent combinations of education and professional experience may be considered.

Experience

• 6–9 years of progressively responsible professional planning experience
• Significant supervisory and management experience
• Experience coordinating complex planning projects.
• Experience in local government planning preferred.

AICP Certification is highly desirable.

Areas of Expertise

Successful candidates should possess strong knowledge of:

• Urban and regional planning
• Comprehensive planning
• Zoning and land development
• Historic preservation
• Transportation planning
• Economic development
• Environmental planning
• Public engagement
• Municipal government
• Budgeting and administration
• GIS applications
• Planning law and regulatory processes

Skills That Matter

We're looking for someone who can:

• Lead with integrity and professionalism.
• Mentor and inspire planning professionals.
• Think strategically while managing daily operations.
• Build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Communicate clearly through presentations and technical writing.
• Analyze complex planning issues.
• Manage multiple high priority projects.
• Balance attention to detail with long-term vision.
• Foster positive relationships throughout the community.

Our Culture

At the MPC, we believe:

✔ Great ideas come from every member of the team.

✔ Professional growth should never stop.

✔ Collaboration creates better planning.

✔ Innovation should be encouraged.

✔ Public service is a privilege.

✔ Positive attitudes create positive communities.

We celebrate successes, learn from challenges, and work together every day to make Shreveport a stronger, more vibrant place to live.

Why This Position Matters

Planning decisions made today will shape Shreveport for generations.

As Deputy Director, you'll help guide:

• Redevelopment of aging corridors
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Economic development initiatives
• Historic preservation efforts
• Transportation improvements
• Housing strategies
• Community engagement
• Long-range growth planning

Your leadership will help transform ideas into places and plans into lasting community improvements.

Please send a cover letter and resume to:

Stephen R. Jean, AICP
Executive Director Shreveport MPC
Stephen.jean@shreveportla.gov