Director of Planning & Community Development

Job Description

Responsible for planning and organizing the Borough planning, zoning and lands programs; supervising Planning Department personnel, coordinating with other departments and agencies; acting as Principal Planner and Zoning Administrator; participating in community development activities as directed by the Borough Manager; and serving as technical advisor to the Planning Commission, Borough Manager and Assembly.

The Director of Planning and Community Development is an at-will employee.

Develops department goals, objectives, policies and procedures. Organize, direct and review all work prepared by department staff.

Lead current and long range planning, and community development activities of all department personnel. Develop and evaluate staff with support and assistance from the Borough’s Human Resources staff. Directly and indirectly supervise employees consisting of professional Planning staff, administrative support staff, and temporaries or contract staff as needed.

Direct studies involving planning and community development for the Borough, including but not limited to comprehensive plans, strategic plan, transportation and economic development projects, land development plans, zoning amendments, and subdivisions.

Advance and assist in the development and implementation of area-wide and neighborhood land use, transportation, facilities, water, sewer, coastal zone, solid waste and other plans to meet the community’s needs and any inter-governmental agreements or requirements.

Review and evaluate community development proposals, land use proposals and permit applications, site plans, variance applications, and other land use applications, examine applications for compliance with established plans and ordinances, and applicable local, state or federal regulation, and make recommendations.

Serve as Administrative Official, Zoning Administrator, and Borough Planning Official as required. Review and give administrative approval to Plat Alterations, Abbreviated Plats, and Minor Variances as required.

Assist staff and the public in the interpretation and enforcement of the Borough Code of Ordinances, adopted plans and policies, and other local and state requirements affecting land use and development. Consult and advise land developers and the general public and provide information on matters pertaining to planning and zoning.

Evaluates planning related legislation and applicability to department projects. Work with Borough officials and representatives of other public agencies for the purpose of coordinating planning or community development matters of common interest.

Supervise consultants and planning experts in the preparation of documents and plans. Prepare scopes of work and administer contracts for planning projects. Determine work procedures, prepare work schedules and expedite workflow.

Provide technical and professional advice; make presentations to commissions, boards, and civic groups. Assist in updating a variety of maps. Prepare graphics and maps for a variety of reports, plans, grant applications, publications or meetings. Serve as technical advisor to the Planning Commission and attend all meetings. Serve as member of various staff committees as assigned.

Provide instruction to other employees of this or a similar job classification in all aspects of procedure and technique relating to the duties required by this job description unless such instruction requires a specialized certification which the employee doing the training does not have.

Perform other related duties as requested by the Borough Manager.

Attend evening or weekend meetings, and/or give public presentations as required.

Exercises an eclectic management style drawing from all doctrines and schools of management techniques to produce the most desirable results. Sets a good example through conduct and work habits, motivates and develops staff, encourages, promotes and "sells" a positive "customer" (citizen) service and response. Is a team-player and fosters teamwork in subordinates. Adaptable personality and…