Planning & Development Director

City of High Point•High Point, NC

23h•$104,593 - $141,957•Onsite

About The Position

At the City of High Point, we celebrate the creator in everyone. Building on our rich cultural history steeped in industrialism and innovation, our employees seek not only to transform themselves, but the world around us. We are collaborators, we are makers, we are visionaries. We invite you to explore the many opportunities to serve our community, by sharing your talents, skills, and expertise. You'll join a diverse team of over 1300 individuals dedicated not just to making a career, but a difference; because what we create in High Point, changes the world! Directs and manages the Planning and Development Department, providing leadership and oversight for the City’s planning, development review, and growth management functions under the general direction of the Deputy City Manager. This position plans, organizes, and evaluates departmental operations; develops and administers the budget; establishes goals, priorities, and work programs; and oversees policy development related to land use, growth, and development. The role serves as a primary advisor to the City Manager, City Council, and appointed boards and commissions, represents the City in regional and inter-jurisdictional planning efforts, and ensures effective coordination with staff, stakeholders, and the public while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations, professional standards, and safety policies.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of the advanced principles and practices of urban and regional planning
Thorough knowledge of economics, municipal finance and sociology as they apply to planning
Thorough knowledge of current literature and recent developments in the field of planning
General knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering as they relate to planning and subdivision design and control
Ability to interpret and analyze technical and statistical information and to prepare and present technical reports both in oral and written form
Ability to communicate effectively to groups and individuals, engineers, architects, contractors, developers, businesses, supervisors, employees, and the general public
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, boards, commissions, agencies and the general public
Ability to plan, direct and evaluate the work of others
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning or a related field, supplemented by a master’s degree in planning and extensive professional planning experience.
At least 10 years of responsible professional experience, to include management/supervisory experience and training.
Valid Driver's License in North Carolina or another state.

Nice To Haves

Certification by The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

Responsibilities

Plans, directs, supervises and evaluates the work of division heads and staff carrying out departmental work program, monitors progress and makes changes
Develops departmental budget, monitors and manages expenditures
Works with staff and others to identify and address city needs, future trends, and critical issues
Communicates with public officials and citizen groups concerning planning and development issues
Formulates, guides and manages the planning work program
Oversees the development and revision of city policies and strategies concerning growth and development
Oversees the development review process including the review of annexations, rezonings, subdivisions, site plan and related development reviews
Oversees the plan review process
Sets goals, agendas and timetables for planning and development activities and projects
Provides guidance to the Technical Review Committee and oversees coordination
Provides technical and professional support to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment and Historic Preservation Commission
Presents reports to City Council and provides technical and professional assistance
Advises the City Manager and other officials on planning and development matters
Assists with the recruiting, screening and interviewing of job applicants as vacancies occur and appoints the selected candidate
Guides work plan priorities for division heads, sets objectives, target dates and evaluates work of key staff on annual, semi-annual or more frequent basis.
Hears and discusses staff concerns, grievances, and gives counsel and advice.
Reviews employee performance problems with division head and establishes course of action.
Improves staff’s professional skills through training and coaching.
Participates in activities of regional and inter-jurisdictional committees.
Discusses issues of mutual interest with regional planners, negotiates inter-jurisdictional agreements and represents City in joint planning activities.
Prepares speeches, articles, reports and other presentations dealing with the planned development of the area.
Ensures that all work is performed in accordance with OSHA and City Safety Standards and Policies.