JOB SUMMARY

The director of planning/executive director is a leadership, professional, administrative and supervisory position, which is responsible for all activities and work programs of the Lancaster County Planning Department.

This position assists the Board of County Commissioners with the advice of the appointed Planning Directors in establishing policies and plans dealing with the future of Lancaster County.

This position is responsible for delivering and implementing county plans that ensure the efficient use of land and the transportation of people and goods on a network of multiple modes of transport that enhances the economy of the county and quality of life of residents.

The Executive Director represents the decisions of the Board of Commissioners to all elected officials and the public and performs all other duties that are delegated to the head of a planning agency pursuant to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

The position also serves, under contract to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, as the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for transportation planning and funding programming, designated by the Governor under federal law.

Supervision is received from the Chief County Administrative Officer. Supervision and direction are exercised over a diverse employee group of management, professional, technical, and office support staff. This position serves at the pleasure of the Board of County Commissioners, pursuant to the authority of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Administer the work of subordinate managers involved in planning to ensure responsive, customer-friendly service and compliance with applicable codes and regulations. Ensures that the organization and work product of the department and appointed commission is carried out in conformance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

Direct the preparation and administration of the Planning Department's annual operating budget and assure conformity with County budgeting and accounting procedures.

Oversee the administration and implementation of the Unified Planning Work Program for the MPO, and ensure compliance by the MPO with all Federal and State planning requirements for fiscal control, air quality modeling, traffic demand modeling, special planning projects, development of the Long Range Transportation Plan, and development of the Transportation Improvement Program.

Perform and/or oversee all facets of personnel management within the Planning Department staff (i.e. hiring, supervision and management, training, payroll and timekeeping, etc.).

Direct and oversee the development of plans, policies, studies, and analyses that are responsive to changing circumstances in demographics, land use, transportation, economic development and and other relevant issues.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

Coordinate the activities of subordinate managers in the functional planning division within the department to achieve the Planning Department's overall mission.

Prepare and administer the County’s Comprehensive Plan and Growth Management program, and oversee the County’s initiatives for land use, growth management, municipal assistance, community revitalization, public outreach, and community partnerships.

Perform and/or oversee all facets of personnel management within the Planning Commission staff (i.e. hiring, supervision and management, training, payroll and timekeeping, etc.).

In coordination with the County's Director of Communication, will liaise as needed with national, state and regional legislative entities; network with and serve as Lancaster County’s liaison to local, regional, State and Federal agencies engaged in planning economic development, agriculture, housing, transportation, and development issues; media; community and citizen groups; etc.

Develop and implement necessary procedures to implement new laws, regulations, and new initiatives as needed and required.

Provide technical advice and assistance to the Board of County Commissioners, the Planning Commission, the MPO, and municipal officials on planning and related matters.

Oversee and coordinate the work of staff with various County and municipal boards, commissions, and committees and task forces involved in the planning process. Support and coordinate multi-municipal planning initiatives.

In coordination with the Director of Communication, will develop and implement procedures to provide information to the public through various media as well as public education seminars.

Conduct periodic studies to identify problem areas; develop/revise practices and procedures for carrying out Planning Department and MPO programs.

Coordinate the preparation of reports and recommendations for the Planning Department, the MPO, the Board of County Commissioners and County management regarding planning activities.

Coordinate, in cooperation with county information technology personnel, the development and maintenance of geographic information systems for land cover and land use and related coverages. Coordinate procedures and technology upgrade with the Director of Information Technology to assure effective integration of related services.

Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A master's degree or above, from an accredited college or university, in urban, regional, or community planning or a related field, such as public administration or public policy, is preferred, with at least ten years of progressively responsible experience, or any combination of education and experience that provided equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.

Extensive experience in planning within a department or a public sector planning organization with direct responsibility for implementing planning policy decisions must be evident. This includes a stable history of at least ten years in progressively responsible positions within complex organizations that provide services in communities dealing with rapid growth, traffic congestion, and agricultural land management and preservation.

Experience must include budget development and execution, personnel management, organizational development, and plan implementation. Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners - Preferred

Valid Pennsylvania Driver License