Economic Development Planner IV

Housing & Economic Development Planner

The Planning Commission seeks a Housing & Economic Development Planner to assist in advancing housing choices and economic development throughout Chester County. This senior level position provides professional planning assistance to local municipalities, housing groups, chambers of commerce, and related entities within the region. Community planning skills are also an important component of this position, including the ability to work directly with municipalities on the preparation of comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, and other regulatory tools.

This position supports the implementation of the County's comprehensive plan, Landscapes3, including initiatives to expand housing choices and advance economic development. The chosen candidate will play an essential role in the creation and administration of a county supported land bank to advance affordable housing in the county.

Essential duties include:

• Develop planning projects including content, schedules, and assignments.
• As lead project planner, coordinate and manage project team assignments to ensure accurate and timely completion of projects.
• Collaborate with planning partners to address planning issues facing the county.
• Recommend policy and implementation strategies affecting land use, community facilities, housing, transportation, and resource protection.
• Analyze data and apply findings to interpret planning issues and develop appropriate planning policies and strategies.
• Train and supervise staff planners, reviewing their work for correctness and completeness.
• Provide technical assistance to client municipalities, planning partners, and the public.
• Attend and participate in professional conferences and seminars and review professional literature to remain up-to-date on current planning issues.
• Serve on in-house project teams, as needed.
• Research and write articles and tools for the Planning Commission newsletters, social media, and website.
• Present at Planning Commission board meetings and other public meetings to inform people of activities, issues, and trends within the County.
• Plan, coordinate, and direct training and staff development programs.
• Perform other duties, tasks, and special projects, as required.

Additionally, the role involves:

• Research and analyze revitalization, redevelopment, and housing needs in the county.
• Develop and guide implementation of housing, economic development, and revitalization plans and studies.
• Review and analyze regulatory controls and how they impact housing, economic development, and revitalization efforts.
• Coordinate with internal and external economic development and housing partners.
• Provide guidance on map development, grant writing, data, and information sharing.
• Develop content and programs for economic, housing, planning sessions and forums.

Community planner duties include:

• Research and write municipal comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, subdivision and land development ordinances, and special planning studies.
• Monitor Vision Partnership Program contracts to ensure municipalities are meeting grant program requirements and are consistent with the County's policies.
• Attend multiple evening meetings on a monthly basis.
• Assist with the development and management of contracts.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge &

Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field.
• A minimum of six to seven years of job-related experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team member or project leader within the department.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in collaborating with external planning partners.
• Self-directed with the ability to work independently on projects with minimal supervision.
• Strong project management skills and experience.
• Excellent writing and document preparation skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Projection of a positive professional image.
• Strong interpersonal, time management, and organizational skills.
• Understanding of data sources and application of statistical methodologies.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Experience working with local governments.
• Demonstrated customer service skills and experience.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and carry projects to completion.
• Understanding of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247) and local government structure in Pennsylvania.
• A valid driver's license is required.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge &

Experience:

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field.
• Eight or more years of job-related experience with a minimum of three years of planning experience in Pennsylvania.
• AICP Certification including APA and local chapter membership.
• Thorough understanding of professional planning ethics.
• Advanced understanding of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247), the local government structure in Pennsylvania, and familiarity with proposed planning related legislation.
• Motivation and high level of interest in…