SUMMARY:

The Planning Director strategically leads the Planning Department through the development of policies and systems to achieve the County's goals pertaining to subdivision, commercial development, floodplain development, stormwater management, etc. the Director provides guidance to internal and external stakeholders, stays informed about industry trends, and represents the County at various local and regional boards and committees. The Planning Director will lead the creation of plans, targeted studies, and development of ordinances to promulgate the policy goals of the public, Quorum Court, and County Judge. The Director pursues the achievement of departmental goals, fosters collaboration internally and externally, and ensures compliance with regulations and industry standards to support the County's growth and development. Additionally, the Planning Director oversees all administrative action by the Department including accounting and personnel matters, and legislative proposals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

Supervision of staff:

• Oversees the recruitment, employment, and evaluation of Department staff.
• Develops department goals, objectives, policies and procedures to facilitate efficient and effective planning services.
• Defines the long-term strategic direction, structure, and performance goals of the Planning Department to ensure efficiency and public value.
• Establish systems to ensure consistency within the department, and implement improvements when necessary.
• Identify and satisfy staff development professional development needs.

Planning Board

• Attends Planning Board and Planning Board of Appeals meetings.
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert on all matters related to planning, county regulations, land use policies, and sustainable development practices.

Administration

• Prepare and administer annual budget for the department, review and approve budget expenses and capital requests.
• Manages grants applied for and allocated to the department. Applies for grants that contribute to County Planning goals.
• Attend Quorum Court, Budget Meetings, and County Services meetings after regular working hours. Attend other special committee meetings as needed.
• Collaborates with the County Attorney in legal matters pertaining to Planning.
• Takes responsibility for high-profile enforcement cases
• Oversee the preparation and dissemination of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request documents in a timely manner as requested.

Policy + Planning

• Advises the County Judge regarding departmental performance, emerging policy trends, and strategic risks impacting the County's planning and development objectives.
• Prepares briefings and reports to senior officials and elected leaders, communicating significant developments and policy implications.
• Evaluates planning-related legislation and applicability to department projects; develop legislative revisions as needed.
• Participates in the preparation of land use planning, transportation planning, and other related community development plans.
• Presents policy analyses, technical reviews, and planning recommendations to governing bodies, including the Planning Board, Legislative Committees, and Quorum Court.
• Conducts a variety of special studies as needed.
• Serve as the contact point for contractors hire for planning services.

Regional Collaboration

• Represent the organization on regional/local boards, attend and present at community forums, stake holder meetings, including frequent evening and weekend engagements.
• Advance the County's strategic planning interests for shared infrastructure and goals through collaboration with community groups, municipalities, nonprofits, state and federal government agencies, etc.
• Attends professional seminars, conferences, and training sessions to remain knowledgeable about issues pertaining to planning and rural development.
• Establish and maintain liaison with appropriate government bodies to ensure compliance with appropriate laws and development standards.

Other

• Performs other duties as needed
• Regular and reliable attendance

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in planning, urban development, public administration or a related field required. A master's degree in planning, urban development, public administration or a related field is highly desirable.

Experience: A minimum of eight (8) years progressively responsible experience in community development or planning, including supervisory experience, in municipal, county or local government planning is required.

Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the minimum requirements noted above.