Deputy Director of Planning

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the supervision of the Director of Planning and Development.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Exercises supervision over support staff, part-time or temporary employees as assigned, primarily with project management responsibility.

POSITION CLASSIFICATIONS: The position of Deputy Director of Planning in the City of Stow is classified by the Stow Municipal Civil Service Commission, is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not included in a collective bargaining agreement.

PURPOSE: Assists the Director of Planning and Development in managing the planning and zoning functions of the Department and coordinates the economic development plans, programs and services. Supports the mission, vision and goals of the Department. Oversees daily operations and assists the Director in developing and carrying out plans, programs, budgets, policies, procedures, and initiatives of the Department. Ensure accomplishment of the Department’s work in an effective and cost- efficient manner. Works collaboratively with other departments, external agencies, community groups and the public to appropriately plan for, guide and serve the community’s development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Apply extensive knowledge of the city ordinances to thoroughly and accurately review zoning and building permit applications for completeness and compliance with all applicable requirements in local, state, and federal laws.

2. Review Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals applications for completeness and accuracy that include, but are not limited to conditional use, variance, rezoning, subdivision, PUD, site plan, and text amendment applications.

3. Serve as a team leader in developing short and long-range plans; gather, interpret and prepare data for studies, reports and recommendations.

4. Coordinate department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.

5. Assist in the development and implementation of growth management, land use, economic development, utility, housing, transportation, facilities or other plans and codes to meet the City's needs, along with any inter-governmental agreements or requirements.

6. Provide information on land use applications, ordinances, codes, plans and related planning programs, services or regulations to architects, engineers, developers, contractors, owners, general public and community groups, as well as other interested persons.

7. Evaluate proposals’ development impacts related to the City's adopted plans, and make recommendations.

8. Explains, interprets and provides guidance regarding applicable Zoning Codes requirements for design professionals, architects, engineers, developers, property owners, contractors & other interested parties; meets with permit applicants, property owners, business owners, contractors, architects, and engineers regarding permit applications.

9. Creates and maintains written records and documentation of plans, examinations, etc.

10. Prepare informational documents or brochures for publication on the web and general informational materials.

11. Serve as a liaison between local government and the chamber of commerce, merchants’ associations, regional entities, redevelopment districts, port authorities and other public, private, or nonprofit groups and associations interested in economic development.

12. Assist in the coordination of Stow's economic development incentive programs including but not limited to the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA), Income Tax Sharing and Fee Incentive Program and negotiate these proposals with business owners, developers, school officials and other government officials.

13. Establish and maintain regular communication with industrial and commercial brokers, realtors, developers and other economic development coordinators on available properties.

14. Provide prompt response to Jobs Ohio, Team NEO, and/or Summit County leads.

15. Prepare detailed staff reports for applications requiring a public hearing. Provide staff support and attend Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, City Council, various staff committees, or other agencies, as needed and assigned.

16. Provide assistance to staff and the Director to develop, recommend and implement Department policies and guidelines.

17. Maintain currency of policy and practice with the organizational needs of the City and with applicable City Charter, municipal code, State and federal laws.

18. Provide assistance to the Director and staff on the comprehensive planning process work of the City.

19. Sees to the update and regular maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan, zoning and development codes and regulations, and the review and enforcement of permitting and compliance processes under these regulations. Ensures these are consistent with the City’s growth management goals and objectives and comply with law.

20. Compliance with all City of Stow city-wide and departmental policies, work rules and procedures.

21. Regular, reliable, predictable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position.

22. Maintains required licenses and certifications; attends required events and trainings; etc.

23. Perform other duties related to those of the position and/or resulting from the needs of the organization.

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

1. Considerable knowledge of the theory, principles and techniques of the planning profession and development process

2. Considerable knowledge of public administration and business management principles and practices

3. Considerable knowledge of federal, state and local laws, ordinances and codes pertaining to a wide variety of planning topics

4. Considerable knowledge of principles of personnel management, including supervision, training and performance evaluation

5. Considerable knowledge of the methods and techniques of research and analysis

6. Knowledge of the principles of budgeting and finance

7. Knowledge of real estate terminology, laws, practices, principles, and regulations

8. Knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office, database management and Internet applications

9. Knowledge of GIS programs and application Skill In:

1. Excellent interpersonal skills for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships

2. Effective and persuasive leadership comfortable with all levels of staff, appointed and elected officials, public stakeholders and others

3. Proven management skills and ability to manage day-to-day operations

4. Strong written and oral communication skills, including the editing, oversight or preparation of technical reports

5. Public presentation skills including ability to present technical information in an understandable manner to citizens, non-technical professionals, officials, and deliberative boards, commissions, and legislative bodies.

6. Strong interpersonal and public relations skills to work effectively with various officials, staff, citizens and other customers

7. Strong organizational skills

8. Ability to understand and manage high-profile, sensitive or controversial political situations

9. Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills

10. Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines

Ability to:

1. Conduct self at all times in an ethical, professional and respectful manner.

2. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with citizens and stakeholders, both internal and external.

3. Foster meaningful discussion with the public and create effective forums for public input while moving the Department’s programs forward.

4. Work on several projects or issues simultaneously without compromising quality of work.

5. Lead the City in strategic planning efforts by bringing various interests together and addressing problems in a proactive manner.

6. Quickly grasp and manage highly complex and technical issues in a fast-paced environment and in a context of inter-related and sometimes conflicting stakeholder and governmental requirements.

7. Interpret, explain, and apply complex guidelines, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.

8. Articulate the Department’s goals and work in an understandable and appropriate manner for the particular audience or individual;

9. Work independently but under general policy and strategic guidance.

10. Willingness and ability to demonstrate the Public Service Competencies of Service Orientation, Results Orientation and Teamwork and Cooperation.

11. Maintain consistent and punctual attendance.

12. Physically perform the essential functions of the position, including: − correctable visual acuity to read a computer screen and a typeset page; fine finger dexterity to manipulate computer keyboard and mouse; and ability to talk and hear sufficiently to communicate with city officials, employees and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's degree in city planning, urban design, community development, geographic information systems, architecture, public administration, or related field.

2. A minimum of four (4) years experience in municipal planning.

3. Must possess thorough knowledge of zoning laws and comprehensive plans, including their formation, process of adoption and enforcement.

4. Must have extensive knowledge of planning programs and processes. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.

5. Must have a working knowledge of personal computers, Microsoft Office and GIS applications.

6. Must have the ability to establish effective working relationships and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with City employees and officials and the general public.

7. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Ohio Driver’s License throughout the term of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The employee has exposure to chemical compounds found in an office environment (e.g., toner, correction fluid, etc.); has contact with potentially violent or emotionally distraught persons; may be required to work irregular hours; has exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather conditions; exposure to extreme non- weather related heat or cold; exposure to shaking objects or surfaces; exposure to second-hand smoke; exposure to hazardous driving conditions; may be required to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements may be in excess of those for Sedentary Work in situations where the employee lifts more than above or on days where the employee spends significant time walking and standing.

Note: In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered sedentary to light work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet; however, when involved in construction environment, noise level may be loud.

By advertising with APA Ohio, our sponsors are helping to support the advancement of good planning in Ohio. Would your organization like to join the movement? APA Ohio offers exceptional opportunities to showcase you