POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Manager is a professional and managerial position which performs advanced-level professional planning and supervisory work and is responsible for managing the Current Planning Division within the Planning and Development Department. This employee performs a variety of complex work in overseeing the programs and staff of this Division.

The successful candidate will be a versatile planner/manager with strong interpersonal skills and the technical ability to support and enhance the overall efforts of the Current Planning Division's work program. In addition to management experience, the qualified candidate should have considerable practical experience or knowledge of zoning, sign, and subdivision regulations, design standards, code enforcement, inspections, customer service, and other aspects of zoning and land development, including technical review committees and boards and commissions. The position requires knowledge in the practices and principals of urban planning, as well as current trends, regulations, standards, and laws related to zoning and land development. Excellent communication and presentation skills and strong writing skills are required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Oversees the Current Planning Division of the Planning and Development Department; supervises and evaluates assigned staff; coordinates and assigns work of individuals and the team; prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; monitors status of work in progress and reviews and edits completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; provides progress and activity reports to management; recommends training and staff development; and recommends process improvements and performance measures as needed.
• Supervises daily tasks of staff involved in zoning and development application intake, review of subdivision plats, development plans, and other site plans, and issuance of zoning and sign permits. Understands, interprets, and administers regulations.
• Participates in the development and management of the departmental operating and capital budgets. Prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations, submits justifications for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; and monitors and controls expenditures.
• Understands the role of all County departments, the State, and other agencies in the land development process, and maintains good relationships with those involved.
• Ensures coordination of plan approvals from other agencies, such as the stormwater runoff/grading and road design approvals from County Engineering, water and sewer infrastructure approvals from the appropriate provider, any approvals needed through the SC Department of Public Health, SC Department of Environmental Services, and SC Department of Transportation, etc., and addresses and street names from GIS.
• Prepares for and presides over the Technical Advisory Committee. 
• Directs the preparation of materials, such as staff reports, packets, and PowerPoint presentations, for Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals monthly meetings; keeps associated deadlines; and oversees follow-up correspondence after meetings.
• Monitors the effectiveness of zoning and land development regulations and other ordinances along with related policies and procedures. Proposes amendments to ordinances and procedures in alignment with County and community goals, best practices, or by legal mandate.
• Oversees the code enforcement program and prepares evidence and testifies in court, if necessary. Works in cooperation with the Environmental Enforcement Department.
• Monitors the effectiveness of processes in the County's Enterprise Permitting & Licensing software and makes recommendations regarding same.
• Researches planning/land use-related issues and prepares reports; presents work to staff, the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, County Council, and the public.
• Performs other duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must be physically able to operate various office machines including computer, multi-line telephone, scanner, copier, etc. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work, involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for periods of time. Work involves climbing, bending and stooping for short periods of time. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of 5 to 15 pounds.

Requires the ability to:

• Speak and/or signal people to exchange information.
• Read and prepare various legal documents, using proper format.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Successfully work with and influence staff and external stakeholders.
• Balance different perspectives.
• Understand and navigate complex situations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A Bachelor's degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, public policy, urban design, or closely related field, with a minimum of five years of professional planning work, including considerable land use and/or zoning experience and progressively responsible management experience in a supervisory and leadership role. Or, an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

LICENSE / CERTIFICATION and OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• All regular full-time and part-time employees of Spartanburg County are required by state law to participate in the South Carolina Retirement System.
• Required valid driver's license issued in South Carolina.
• Preferred AICP or other related certifications, but not required.