Director Of Planning, Development & Projects

Lewis County • Lewis County Courthouse, NY

7d

About The Position

The Director of Planning, Development & Projects plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates County activities related to municipal and regional planning, community and economic development, transportation and mobility, grant programs, and major development and infrastructure projects. The Director establishes departmental priorities, evaluates proposed initiatives, coordinates funding and professional resources, and oversees complex project implementation. The work requires the highest level of professional knowledge and ability and is performed under the general direction of the County Manager, with considerable latitude for independent judgment. The position exercises general supervision over departmental personnel and performs related work as required.

Lewis County is recruiting simultaneously for this title and Planning & Development Manager as alternative appointment options for one vacancy, not separate positions. The appointment title and level will depend on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience, assigned duties, and County organizational needs, and is subject to minimum qualifications and applicable Civil Service requirements.

Requirements

• One of the following education and experience combinations is required: a master’s degree in planning, engineering, public administration, business administration, economic or community development, construction management, geography, or a closely related field, plus three years of progressively responsible professional experience in planning, community or economic development, transportation, infrastructure, engineering-related project coordination, grant administration, or complex project/program management, including two years of administrative, supervisory, or substantial program leadership experience; or a bachelor’s degree in one of those fields or a closely related field, plus five years of such progressively responsible professional experience, including two years of administrative, supervisory, or substantial program leadership experience; or a bachelor’s degree plus six years of such progressively responsible professional experience, including three years of administrative, supervisory, or substantial program leadership experience.
• Thorough knowledge of public administration, organizational management, budgeting, and project and program management.
• Good knowledge of municipal and regional planning, land use, and community development principles.
• Good knowledge of grant administration and public funding requirements.
• Working knowledge of economic development, transportation, infrastructure, and capital project processes.
• Ability to evaluate technical information and coordinate qualified professional services.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary staff, establish priorities, manage complex projects and multiple funding sources, negotiate and collaborate with stakeholders, prepare reports, and communicate effectively.
• Sound judgment, initiative, leadership, and resourcefulness.

Responsibilities

• Direct and evaluate departmental programs, multidisciplinary staff, budgets, goals, and operating procedures.
• Identify, prioritize, and evaluate proposed community development, planning, economic development, transportation, infrastructure, and strategic projects.
• Oversee feasibility studies, scopes of work, project schedules, budgets, procurement coordination, contracts, and implementation milestones.
• Coordinate engineering-related studies, infrastructure planning, technical consultants, and capital project activities within the scope of the incumbent’s qualifications.
• Ensure work requiring professional engineering licensure is assigned to appropriately licensed professionals.
• Direct municipal and regional planning activities and provide technical or administrative assistance to the County Planning Board and town and village planning and zoning boards.
• Oversee grant identification, application development, award administration, fiscal coordination, reporting, and compliance, including CDBG and fair housing functions as assigned.
• Coordinate transportation and mobility initiatives with governmental and community partners.
• Promote community and economic development initiatives and partnerships with municipalities, agencies, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.
• Assign work to and supervise professional, technical, and administrative employees, including program managers and specialists.
• Engage and supervise consultants and contractors, review deliverables, and monitor project progress and performance.
• Advise the County Manager and Board of Legislators on departmental priorities, proposed projects, funding opportunities, and program results.
• Prepare or oversee reports, public presentations, grant materials, and departmental budget submissions.
• Represent the County at public meetings, hearings, professional associations, and intergovernmental working groups.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director