Position Summary

Under administrative direction, this position plans, directs, and supervises the activities of the Planning Department. Directs planning initiatives, enforces the zoning, housing, and construction ordinances and codes, manages policy development, and facilitates the development process. Assists with Inspections Department.

Essential Job Functions

Directs and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures related to city-wide planning and growth management.
Creates short and long-range goals and objectives for the Planning Department in conjunction with Council goals for the City.
Gathers, prepares, and reviews information for proposed ordinances, regulations, and policies.
Develops strategies to resolve conflicts in design standards, impacts, and community objectives.
Facilitates the ease of the development process for both citizens and commercial developers.
Coordinates and assists with the Development Review Committee.
Gathers, reviews, and prepares information for assigned City Boards and City Council.
Represents City staff on appointed boards such as the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Historic Advisory Board, and CIAC.
Makes recommendations for amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, Parks Master Plan, and other land use construction related codes.
Presents department issues, recommendations, requests, budgets, and projects at Council meetings and other work sessions and prepares monthly status reports for Assistant City Manager.
Coordinates the department’s activities with other City departments and outside agencies.
Acts as an advisor to city departments and the public on planning strategies and cycle cases.
Represents the City to intergovernmental bodies, neighborhood and civic organizations, and business and development associations. Serves on task force for special projects.
Performs short-term strategic planning to meet the needs of citizen’s demands.
Develops and implements policies and procedures related to the Zoning Ordinance and implementation of the comprehensive plan for the City.
Investigates and resolves complaints.
Resolves policy and procedural issues as they occur within the department.
Prepares and approves work plans for each division.
Implements, reviews, and evaluates programs assigned to the department.
Directs, reviews, and evaluates the performance of assigned division heads, professional, and support staff.
Prepares the annual budget for divisions and the department.
Performs all other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, geography, architecture or closely related field, is required. Master’s degree in Urban Planning or Public Administration is preferred.

Minimum of seven (7) years progressively responsible experience in municipal or regional planning is required, including a minimum of three (3) years as a supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Advanced knowledge of city and departmental practices, procedures, and systems, federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, and the principles and best practices of comprehensive planning, zoning, and environmental issues.
Comprehensive knowledge of policy and program development and evaluation.
Ability to effectively manage and supervise staff in a proactive, appropriate, and productive manner.
Ability to regularly interact with others and exchange and receive information, providing effective and tactful customer service, and work independently with a high level of discretion.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
Advanced ability to interact with people in a professional and congenial manner.
Ability to speak effectively before City officials, professional groups, and the general public.
Ability to allocate and utilize limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
Ability to prepare reports on highly technical projects and associated issues.
Good knowledge of computer systems and decision support systems.
Knowledge, skills, and ability to utilize telephone, fax machines, computers and applicable software daily including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, and CAD.
Ability to follow instructions, safety practices, and perform work accurately and thoroughly which requires performing multiple tasks simultaneously under time pressures and deadlines.
Ability to be punctual and attend work regularly.

Special Requirements

Responsible for attending meetings after normal working hours. This includes routine attendance at City Council, Planning & Zoning, and other required evening meetings.

Licenses & Certifications

AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification preferred.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record as established by the City of Midlothian driving standards.

Work Environment

Work primarily performed in climate-controlled office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Physical demands are primarily sedentary. Requires light lifting (up to 10 lbs.), sitting, walking, and standing. Work performed may cause fatigue of eyes and other faculties because of fairly continuous use of motor senses.

City of Midlothian

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Director of Planning