Assistant Director of Planning and Community Development

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Salary Range:  $76,486 - $98,967

Definition

Professional, supervisory, administrative and technical work relating to planning and community development in town, the development and implementation of land use policies for the town, and management of community affairs, all other related work, as required.

Supervision

Works under the administrative direction of the Director of Planning and Community Development. The employee performs highly responsible work of a complex nature which involves exercising independent judgment and initiative. Acts as department head in the absence of Director.

Work Environment

Work is generally performed under typical office conditions; some work is conducted in the field with exposure to various weather conditions, and hazards associated with construction sites. The employee is frequently required to attend evening meetings.

The employee operates standard office equipment and an automobile.

The employee has frequent contacts with applicants for development projects, attorneys, and consultants, town officials, neighbors of proposed projects, town departments, boards, and committees, as well as with state officials and agencies. Contacts are by telephone, correspondence, and in person and may be outside of normal business hours.

The employee has access to some department-related confidential information such as bid documents.

Errors could result in monetary loss and legal repercussions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Assists with management, oversight, and administration of Town planning and community development functions;
• Assists with development and implementation of department and town plans, including the Master Plan and Housing Production Plan;
• Assists in range of planning initiatives aimed at increasing mixed-use and multi-family development, including affordable housing.
• Secures, administers, and maintains status of grants and contracts related to planning and community development.
• Provides technical support as required, including but not limited to project reviews and analysis of proposed zoning or policy amendments.
• Manages data gathering and analysis, including data for department communications, plans, and reports;
• Represents the department at meetings, conferences,, and regional professional meetings;
• Coordinates warrant articles for Town Meetings including preparation of articles and meeting with committees, boards, and working groups as needed. Presents at Town Meeting as needed.
• Participates in Housing Plan Implementation Committee, Master Plan Implementation Committee and its subcommittees, and other committees as needed.
• Maintains community relations, including conducting outreach and community engagement activities.
• Assists with monitoring and responding to State and Federal requirements and requests regarding housing programs.
• Uses computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail, database, GIS, CAD and related software packages in performing work assignments.
• Acts on behalf of the Director of Planning and Community Development in his or her absence;
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed, or as situation dictates..

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in planning or  related field; five to ten (5-10) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning, three years of experience in a supervisory capacity or experience managing project teams;  with significant expertise in housing and community development; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. AICP desirable.

Knowledge, Ability, Skill

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of housing and community development and municipal planning principles, methodologies and functional elements. Knowledge of the practices and principles of public administration and the structure of town government. Knowledge of municipal zoning and land use policy. 

Ability:    Ability to meet and effectively accomplish the Town’s planning and community development goals and objectives by working with a range of constituents; Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with organizations, departments and officials. Ability of leadership, independent judgment, initiative, and decision-making.  Ability to plan, organize and direct the preparation of development review studies and to evaluate documents and supporting information provided by applicants and reviewed by staff. Ability to prepare reports and formulate recommendations concerning development. Ability to deal with sensitive inquiries and constituent concerns. Ability to conduct short- and long-term planning. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.  

Skills: Excellent planning and organizational skills. Proficient computer skills and budgetary skills; interpersonal and problem-solving skills; grant writing and administration skills. 

Physical Requirements  

Minimal physical effort is generally required to perform duties under typical office conditions; occasional light physical effort required when conducting field inspections; ability to maneuver over terrain for field inspections. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, speak and hear. Vision requirements include the ability to read routine and complex documents, use a computer and operate a motor vehicle.  

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Other Information

FLSA Exempt
Non Union
Excellent Benefits