Director of Planning and Economic Development

Director of Planning and Economic Development City of Princeton | Princeton, KY

Date Posted: 2/6/2026 4:53:40 PM

Description:

POSITION/CLASS TITLE
:
Director of Planning & Economic Development

DEPARTMENT
: PLANNING

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
: YES

PAY CATERGORY
: SALARY, EXEMPT

ESSENTIAL WORK HOURS
: MONDAY-FRIDAY DURING OFFICE HOURS. AFTER HOURS AS NEEDED. 40 PER WEEK

CORE DUTIES
:
To administer, oversee, and execute all applicable city planning, zoning, subdivision, and development regulations. To lead and support the development of planning policies and land use regulations and to undertake the periodic review and amendment thereof. To schedule and coordinate the meetings of the planning commission and the board of adjustments, and to provide further administrative support thereto as required.

To perform all research pertinent to the policy areas under their purview as necessary. To independently develop goals, objectives, policies, and procedures as appropriate for municipal planning and zoning operations; to ensure compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal government rules and regulations; to assist in the preparation of relevant departmental budgetary estimates and projections, and to provide oversight of the expenditures thereof;

and to plan for and undertake in-depth municipal planning and economic development activities beneficial to future and responsible growth.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES
:
Grant Writer
- Responsible for researching funding opportunities, writing proposals, and securing financial support for the city, primarily through compelling grant applications. Identify and evaluate potential grants from government agencies, foundations, and corporations that align with the city’s mission and programs. Draft, edit, and submit grant proposals and applications to meet the specific requirements of the funding provider.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
:

• Reviews all building permit applications for conformance with applicable regulations and approve and issue or deny as needed.
• Performs a variety of routine and complex work in the interpretation and enforcement of adopted and related rules and regulations specific to enforcement of zoning and non-zoning ordinances.
• Responds to complaints of potential ordinance violations.
• Ensures compliance with zoning ordinances, building codes, and all relevant rules and regulations.
• Assists in coordinating department activities with other city departments and external agencies.
• Meet and interact with citizens, city, state, and federal officials, and other stakeholders regarding community development programs and activities
• Assist in drafting and implementing policies
• Coordinate and cooperate with other departments and government agencies
• Maintain contact with public officials, outside agencies, and the general public
• Perform on-site evaluations and monitoring
• Review development requests, administer planning, zoning, and subdivision regulations, and act as liaison between the city and industry on economic development matters
• Meets with property owners to review and explain ordinance requirements and violations or potential violations; secures ordinance compliance. Provides information to persons who request information or assistance in ordinance enforcement-related matters.
• Maintains a variety of logs and records.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the mayor.

EDUCATION/KNOWLEDGE
:
High school diploma/GED required;
Some college or degree preferred. Work history/experience may be considered.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
:

• Degree in planning, geography, or related field,
• Extensive knowledge of municipal planning, budgeting, and management principles
• Knowledge of comprehensive planning techniques and land use regulations
• Familiarity with federal, state, and city laws relating to planning and urban development
• Understanding of zoning objectives and development plan review processes
• Proficiency in GIS and planning software
• Knowledge of building and inspection services
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Ability to analyze complex planning issues and present solutions
• Ability to supervise and motivate professional and technical staff
• Professional demeanor and collaborative leadership style
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams, boards, and external stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, decision-making, and organizational skills
• Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy
• Skilled in legal research and application to planning matters
• Ability to foster a team-oriented work environment
• Must possess a Kentucky driver’s license.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
:
Mainly office setting, but some out of office, on-site inspections as required. Public functions as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
:
May include but not limited to: extended sitting or standing, using keyboard/computer, repetitive motions. On-site, outdoor inspections consisting of walking extended distances to view physical locations and conduct measuring or other activities as needed.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
:
Some…