Deputy Director of Planning & Development

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Deputy Director of Planning and Development is a management level position that assists in managing the day to day operations of the Planning & Development Department. The Planning & Development Department is comprised of four major program components:  Planning & Zoning, Watershed/Stormwater, Soil Erosion, and Community Services.  Employee performs managerial and supervisory professional planning work.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class is responsible for leading program components of the Planning & Development Department in all aspects of short and long range planning and development.  The employee is responsible for key development services functions, day to day operations of Department component(s) and manages the associated budget(s).  Works closely with the Planning & Development Director to assure good work flow and exceptional customer service while assisting in the formulation, installation, modification, and improvement of the comprehensive and area plans for the County’s physical and socio-economic development.  Administrative and technical supervision is exercised over a professional staff, which gathers and evaluates economic and engineering data upon which to develop planning recommendations.    Employee Work also requires the employee to participate in personnel related functions, including but not limited to: employment, professional development, mentoring, coaching, and disciplinary actions.  The employee also coordinates the staff support function of either the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors, or Historic Preservation Commission, or combination thereof.   Duties are performed under the administrative direction and in concert with the Director of Planning & Development, and guidance of the Planning Board and County Commissioners.

Examples of Duties

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Acts on behalf of the Director of Planning and Development in his or her absence
• Assists in the hiring, professional development, supervision, and evaluation of professional staff; provides coaching to staff; ensures compliance with all County policies and procedures.
• Fosters and promotes a workplace culture based on professionalism, collaboration, respect, and accountability.
• Ensures that the Department Director is kept fully informed on the condition of the development services functions, and about any trends, events, or emerging issues of significance to the Department’s success.
• Participates in developing the department’s strategic planning activities in concert with the budget process and provides support to the Director in administering the county’s performance-based economic incentive guidelines.
• Manages projects and programs as assigned by the Director.
• Listens and speaks effectively in a variety of circumstances; encourages others to offer suggestions and ideas.
• Understands and applies administrative and professional theories and principles, including but not limited to, human resources, budgeting, statistical methods, land use planning, comprehensive planning, and development services.
• Provides direction for the collection of data, and assessment of policy options that facilitate community decision-making with regard to performance of adopted or contemplated plans and policies; prepares information using a variety of data sources to assess community issues and trends; and to monitor the implementation progress on the comprehensive and Area Plans.
• Conducts meetings with citizens, developers, realtors, and attorneys to discuss and review development proposals and rezoning requests.
• Coordinates advance planning activities with the planning activities of the Cities of High Point, Greensboro, other local units of government, and state/federal agencies, and others.
• Shares information and ideas with others in a timely manner.
• Attends and/or oversees meetings (some meetings outside of standard operating hours) including Planning Board, Historic Properties, Board of Adjustment, and other meetings, as assigned.
• Manages the agenda and staff support either for the Planning Board, Historic Properties Commission, Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors, and/or Board of Adjustment, or combination thereof.
• Manages and collaborates on the implementation of projects and programs for the development services functions and establishes broad priorities and work sequences to assure good work flow and exceptional customer service.
• Develops and provides monthly, quarterly and annual year end reports.
• Is an active participant in the development of departmental priorities, objectives, and goals, and actively seeks out new business processes, practices, and technology to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Exercises sound judgment and takes responsible actions as a County representative during contact with the public, elected and appointed officials, developers, contractors, and other County employees.
• Supervises a professional staff within the Planning Division engaged in subdivision plat review, site plan review, zoning amendments, road naming, house numbering, road closings, and advance plans.
• Serves as a liaison to the Technical Review Committee (TRC).
• Coordinates with other divisions, departments and local government concerning zoning amendments and subdivision plats, erosion and sedimentation control, storm drainage, and flood hazards.
• Demonstrates sound leadership in activities/initiatives undertaken by the internal leadership team

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of County planning as they pertain to the design and development of urban and regional areas, planning research, zoning, and subdivision activities.
• Thorough knowledge of the techniques required in the preparation of maps, charts, sketches and complex graphics.
• Thorough knowledge of research methodology and of standard statistical procedures.
• Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information, and to prepare technical reports.
• Ability to effectively plan, organize, lead, supervise, and collaborate within a diverse and multi-disciplinary planning and development Department.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate the feasibility of planning alternatives in relation to trends, costs and social pressures and needs.
• Ability to disseminate public information and to be comfortable in participating in major policy changes.

• Ability to write and speak effectively in a variety of circumstances using appropriate tone and appearance for the situation and present written recommendations in a cohesive manner.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, other agencies, other jurisdictions, community organizations and the general public.

• Demonstrated ability to present technical information clearly and in an interesting manner to lay groups and the general public, and to deal calmly and fairly with questions and conflicts.
• Ability to organize and administer the functions of a planning division