Manages complex, multi-faceted zoning applications or planning studies in specific high profile development areas, such as Tysons and other urban cores, Metro-related mixed use sites, or town centers and represents the County in negotiation of proffers, conditions, and positions with applicants, citizens, County staff, other jurisdictions, State and/or Federal government; Manages special projects and studies, including directing the work of a team or work group of planners and planning technicians or others, from within and outside of the Department to include contracting consultants, preparing schedules, and administering the project budget; Represents the Department or County and serves as an internal expert on panels, committees, and task forces and may propose planning and zoning policies and amendments to the Zoning Ordinance or Comprehensive Planning response to a variety of complex policy and land issues; Represents the Departments positions at public hearings before the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and/or Park Authority Board, among others; As representative of the Department, coordinates with other County agencies, interest groups, and jurisdictions on highly specialized policy, zoning, and land use issues; Prepares detailed position papers and staff reports on complex zoning applications, Ordinance amendments, Plan amendments, public facility proposals, appeals of the. Thorough knowledge of the Zoning Ordinance, the adopted Comprehensive Plan and County policies and procedures as they relate to planning and zoning applications; Thorough knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of urban planning and zoning; Thorough knowledge of local government areas of specialization, including planning or zoning, management procedures, and principles of supervision; Ability to write, proofread, edit, and rewrite documents effectively and to critique and edit the work of others in the series; Ability to apply interpersonal skills to resolve conflicts and to maintain effective communication with staff; Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with co-workers, elected and appointed officials, development representatives, and citizen groups; Ability to coordinate the preparation of comprehensive planning and technical zoning reports; Ability to apply principles of leadership, creative problem solving, collaboration, decision making, and team building; Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.