The City of Rocky Mount is looking for a dynamic and creative professional to serve as the next Planning Administrator. The Planning Administrator is responsible for directing the operations of the Planning Division and supervising advanced, highly complex professional planning activities. This critical position plays a vital role in guiding urban development and ensuring effective planning practices within the community. It involves managing compliance with zoning ordinances and development plans, overseeing budgetary responsibilities, and guiding special studies related to land use. The Planning Administrator serves as a key advisor to various boards and commissions. This role requires a blend of leadership, technical expertise, and strong stakeholder engagement.

DEFINITION: This position is responsible for directing the operations of the Planning Division.

REPORTS TO: The Development Services Director assigns work in terms of division goals and objectives.

Oversee the interpretation and administration of the zoning ordinance and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
Supervise the review of subdivision and commercial development plans for compliance with the City’s regulations.
Coordinate and provide technical assistance to citizen boards and commissions while attending their meetings as needed.
Direct the preparation of special studies and reports concerning land uses, including neighborhood and corridor land use studies.
Prepare and manage the division budget, recommend fees, and monitor expenditures.
Manage the City’s flood insurance program and specialized planning functions, such as large-scale development proposals and environmental studies.
Train, assign, direct, supervise, evaluate, and discipline personnel.
Manage complex and sensitive professional planning projects and conduct necessary research and analysis.
Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities, recommending improvements and modifications.
Managing complex planning projects while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
Advising on planning-related matters to various councils, boards, and commissions.
Liaising with the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustments and conducting public participation activities.

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in planning or a related field; Master's degree preferred. A minimum of four years of relevant experience, supervisory and project management experience required.
Certification: AICP Certification is strongly preferred.
Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Preferred Candidate’s Strengths:

Experience in floodplain management, GIS applications, and site plan/subdivision review.
Strong conflict resolution skills. Ability to build consensus.
The ability to expertly manage personnel and facilitate staff development.
Expert knowledge of innovative best practices in urban planning and tools to incentivize affordable housing.
Strong community engagement, excellent public speaking abilities, and the capacity to foster collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Strong leadership presence to navigate complex organizational and community dynamics.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of urban planning, land surveying principles, budgeting practices, and floodplain management.
Proficiency in GIS software and familiarity with Microsoft Office and database management.
Skills in personnel supervision, problem analysis, report preparation, and establishing collaborative working relationships.
Strong oral and written communication skills.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Development Services Director assigns work in terms of division goals and objectives. The work is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of division activities.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include the Rocky Mount City Code; the Land Development Code; North Carolina General Statutes; and National Flood Insurance Guidelines. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. This position develops division guidelines.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of varied management, administrative and supervisory duties. Strict regulations contribute to the complexity of the position.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to ensure the enforcement of the land development code. Success in this position ensures that the code in enforced in a fair and consistent manner.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with other City personnel, Realtors, surveyors, appraisers, architects, lawyers, developers, utility workers, engineers, contractors, consultants, and members of the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, motivate and influence persons, and justify or settle matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Primarily sedentary work with occasional light lifting. Requires visual acuity, hearing, speaking, and physical abilities for tasks needing balance and handling.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Mainly office-based, with outdoor activities exposing the employee to varying environmental conditions. Protective devices may be required in certain situations.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: Direct supervision of professional staff within the Planning Division and oversight of division-related planning issues.

City of Rocky Mount

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