Strategic Planning Director jobs in Gastonia, NC

PLANNING DIRECTOR

General Statement of Duties

Performs technical, professional and management work planning, organizing, and directing a department responsible for planned development for the City.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class directs the planning, zoning and community development activities in the City to ensure coordinated guidance and regulation of the orderly growth and development of the City. Work involves conducting studies, performing planning duties, providing administrative guidance to the department and supervising the staff involved in planning, mapping, support to boards, and issuance of permits for land use in the City and at Moss Lake properties.

Work involves extensive public contact and coordination with other departments, boards, and commissions. The role also includes developing a favorable relationship between the City and the business, development and commercial community.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Development Services Officer and is evaluated through conferences, review of work, results obtained, and management of and administrative adherence to the City's plans, programs, and ordinances.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks

Develops, coordinates and directs a variety of special and continuing plans related to the growth, development, and redevelopment of the City; balances concern for current and long-range planning efforts.

Prepares and reviews comprehensive planning elements relating to a broad spectrum of social, economic, physical and community facility concerns including land use, zoning, and environmental impact.

Participates in meetings and public hearings to explain recommendations on planning proposals; answers citizen and developer questions regarding planning and related issues.

Assists executive leadership with economic development activities, including the application and permitting process, and serves as an advocate for economic development consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinances, and strategic goals; administers City-approved economic development grants; reviews documentation and provides verification of project performance prior to submitting requests for payments.

Coordinates planning activities with affected federal, state, municipal, regional and private agencies. Serves on a variety of area committees and task forces to represent the City and have input into issues; represents the organization on regional/local boards.

Coordinate and submit grant applications, as assigned; provides management and oversight for awarded grants through completion. Serves as contact person for Community Development Block Grants. Prepares grant proposals and applications, contracts and other necessary documents as may be required for necessary community services.

Supervises department personnel; develops and administers departmental operating budget.

Works with a variety of boards, including Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, City Council, Moss Lake Commission, Historic Landmark Commission and ad hoc advisory committees; assures appropriate placement of notices and other procedures to assure legal compliance; assures correct minutes are made of meetings and actions.

Provides research and input into the development of ordinances, policies and procedures for the City and the department; advises the City Manager and Council on related issues.

Assures appropriate permitting and compliance with land use at Moss Lake; supervises staff involved in billing and collections for leases and lake use.

Oversees the recruitment, employment, evaluation, and release of department staff and contract GIS personnel.

Monitors and ensures compliance with local, state and federal laws.
Oversees specialized planning functions such as large-scale new development proposals and environmental studies.

Develops department goals, objectives, policies and procedures; participates in the development of organizational-wide goals, objectives, policies and procedures.

Evaluates planning-related legislation and applicability to department projects.

Becomes familiar with the existing inventory of available buildings and commercial, industrial and residential development sites within the community. This will include both public and private buildings and land areas.
Facilitates development of short and long term economic and community development plans, as well as the gathering of information and preparation of studies, reports, and recommendations to achieve such goals. This will involve the preparation and maintenance of information on utilities, taxes, zoning, transportation, community services, financing tools, and incentives, in order to respond to requests for information for economic development purposes, and the coordination with other departments and agencies as needed.

Performs related duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of community and economic development and public sector planning.

Considerable knowledge of federal, state and local laws, ordinances and codes pertaining to a wide variety of planning topics.

Considerable knowledge of the environmental and socio economic implications of the planning process.

Extensive Knowledge Of The Principles And Practices And Applicable Laws Regarding Zoning, Subdivision Plats, and Stormwater Compliance.

Considerable skill in the collection, analysis, and presentation of technical data and planning recommendations. Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
Working knowledge of management techniques as applied to municipal government.

Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines
Considerable knowledge of principles of personnel management, including supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, federal, state, regional, and City officials, and the general public.

Ability to direct the preparation of comprehensive reports and studies.

Ability to express ideas effectively in oral and written forms.
Considerable knowledge of the principles of departmental budgeting and finance.
Knowledge of real estate terminology, laws, practices, principles, and regulations.
Knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS.
Considerable knowledge of business development, community, and economic development.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of reaching, standing, manual dexterity, walking, talking, and hearing.

Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, 10 pounds of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Must possess the visual acuity to examine and work with maps, charts, and detailed materials, operate a computer, travel to and inspect sites regarding planning issues, use measuring devices, do figure computations, and do extensive reading.

Education and Experience
Graduation from a college or university with a four-year degree in planning or related field; Master’s Degree in planning, urban planning, or a related field preferred; and considerable professional experience in public sector planning, preferably including 2-5 years of supervisory and administrative experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirement
NC Driver’s License
AICP Certification (Preferred) or Willingness and Ability to Obtain
Completion of Certified Zoning Official Course (Preferred)

This is a critical leadership position and is not remote in nature.