Director of Planning and Growth Management

Salary : $121,944.76 - $197,550.50 Annually

Location : MD 20646, MD

Job Type : Full-time

Job Number : 2024-00242

Department : County Administrator's Office

Opening Date : 12 / 24 / 2024

Closing Date : Continuous

Summary

This position is opened until filled with a best consideration date of January 7, 2025.

The hiring range of $121,944.76 - $197,550.50 is commensurate with experience.

This advertisement is a repost. Previous applicants need not re-apply.

Charles County Government is seeking an experienced Director of Planning and Growth Management to perform executive planning and growth management work in directing the County's planning, codes and permits, inspections and enforcement, infrastructure planning, engineering, and transportation programs. In addition, the Director will plan, organize and direct the programs and functions directed to managing the County's land use, development, public facility planning, property acquisition, permitting, public transportation, and related areas. Work is performed under broad administrative direction, with the employee responsible for determining work plans, methods and procedures, and guiding departmental activities to achieve required goals and objectives.

Essential Job Functions

• Plans, directs, controls, and coordinates diverse work programs involved in managing the department. Establishes and monitors controls to evaluate performance in meeting program and County goals and objectives; takes appropriate actions to correct performance and to adjust programs to meet requirements.
• Manages positions and personnel to make best use of employees; selects employees and develops their capabilities; plans for succession of key personnel; counsel's employees and administers discipline; handles human resource matters in accordance with agency policy and procedures.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates long-term and short-term strategic plans, goals and objectives for the department; approves work methods and procedures; reports on overall progress and effectiveness of programs.
• Plans and uses resources economically; prepares accurate budgets and monitors expenditures. Develops informational resources and ensures their appropriate use. Ensures efficient maintenance and operation of physical facilities and equipment.
• Establishes and maintains effective means of coordinating plans and schedules with other County departments and external organizations; takes appropriate actions to maintain effective coordination in the event of delays and other problems; ensures that unit activities do not conflict with organization goals.
• Develops plans to meet unexpected situations, new developments and changes in programs; prepares for emergencies; understands the factors and conditions affecting programs and recommends appropriate responses when these change.
• Directs preparation of management reports; develops and presents conclusions and recommendations.
• Communicates understanding and support of organization goals and programs through actions and spoken and written words; interacts effectively with individuals and groups at all levels; maintains ties with external organizations; keeps all interested and involved parties informed of matters requiring their attention.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable policies, rules, regulations and laws; stays abreast of legal, regulatory and policy developments affecting areas of responsibility; enforces legal and regulatory requirements impartially.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.
• Serves as the Zoning Officer for Charles County. Reviews staff recommendations and reports in making Zoning Officer determinations.
• Conduct department staff meetings as needed; attend management and professional meetings and seminars as required.
• Respond to public inquiries as needed; investigate and resolve complaints or refer to appropriate parties.
• Attend community meetings as required, often outside of regular working hours.
• Ensures implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Acts as a liaison between Federal, State, and Local Governmental agencies whose policies, laws, regulations, and directives impact departmental and County activities, operations, projects and programs.
• Establishes, reviews, and approves standard operational procedures. Reviews and evaluates new or existing industry standards, codes, regulations, and practices to develop procedures. Designs procedures to ensure work performed by employees and contractors is completed in a safe, efficient, quality, and cost-effective manner and complies with applicable codes, standards, regulations, and contracts.
• Seeks opportunities to motivate employees and demonstrate, develop, or enhance employee skills and competencies. Plans for succession of key personnel.
• Presents and recommends actions on a broad range of policies, procedures, operations, programs, services, activities, and projects to the Board of County Commissioners. Prepares or reviews other oral and written presentations as needed or requested.
• Interacts and coordinates communication with citizens, customers, developers, engineers, contractors, regulatory or oversight agencies, County departments or divisions, and other agencies or parties in response to requests for information, to explain work requirements, or to provide guidance. Keeps all interested and involved parties informed and implements appropriate actions to maintain effective communication and coordination in the event of delays or other problems.
• Monitors results and takes appropriate actions or make adjustments to improve results when needed. Reports on overall progress and results as required or requested.
• Participates in the Executive Leadership Team and assists in the development and execution of the Commissioner goals and objectives.
• Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload.
• May serve as a board member on the Resilience Authority of Charles County and / or other boards and commissions as assigned.
• Performs special projects as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Education and Experience :

Master's degree in Planning, Business Administration, Management, Architecture, Engineering or related field. Ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience with a minimum of three (3) years in a senior level position, or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training.

Licenses or Certifications :

Must possess a valid driver's license.

Certified AICP, Professional Engineer or any other professional designation related to planning, engineering, management, leadership is preferred.

Special Requirements / Qualifications :

Subject to work beyond the normal scheduled hours of work.

This position is required to receive climate competency training level 2.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary with frequent periods of light physical activity, and is performed in office surroundings. Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 20 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards. The work requires the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Principal duties of this job are performed in a general office environment.

Department / Division : Planning and Growth Management / Administration

Pay Grade : 123

FLSA Status : Exempt

Telework Eligible : Yes

Reports to : County Administrator

Supervises : Deputy Director(s), Chief of Transit, Property Acquisition Officer,

and Assistant to the Director

Charles County Government

BENEFITS SUMMARY

www . GovernmentJobs . com / Careers / CharlesCountyMD

Health Insurance

Charles County Government PAYS 70% of cost (sliding scale based on hours worked)

Retiree Health Insurance

Health Reimbursement Arrangement - New hires who elect health insurance coverage with Charles County Government will be enrolled in a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Account ( VEBA).

Upon retirement or separation from employment, you will be able to use the funds in the VEBA account to pay for your health insurance premiums and other qualified medical expenses. You will contribute $31.75 per pay period (via payroll deduction). County Government will contribute $95.26 per pay period. The contribution may be adjusted each year based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Pension Plan (Defined Benefit Retirement Plan)

Plan Eligibility : Must work minimum 37.5 hrs / week.

Non Public Safety, Mandatory Participation 4% employee contribution

Public Safety, Mandatory Participation 8% employee contribution

Communications, Mandatory Participation 7% employee contribution

Sworn, Mandatory Participation 8% employee contribution

Corrections, Mandatory Participation 7% employee contribution

Deferred Compensation Plan

457(b) Governmental Plan - available to all employees, regardless of hours worked. Plans include : Empower, MetLife, and Nationwide Retirement Solutions.

Employee Assistance Program

A voluntary, work-based program that offers free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees.

Transfer of Sick Leave

May receive credit for up to 400 hours of accrued, but unpaid, sick leave from previous employer when they begin employment.

Life Insurance

No charge to employee (valued at 1.5x the employee's annual salary, not to exceed $250,000). Supplemental insurance and dependent life insurance are available for an additional cost. Term and whole life policies are available.

Long Term Disability Insurance

No charge to employee. The benefit pays 60% of salary at date of disability up to $5,000 / month

Flexible Spending Account

Medical and dependent care options available

Supplemental Income Products

Accident Policy, Critical Illness Policy, Hospital Indemnity Policy

Legal Resources

A prepaid legal resource benefit

Employee Leave

1,950 hours per year = 30 annual PTO hours

2,080 hours per year = 36 annual PTO hours

2,184 hours per year = 36 annual PTO hours

An eligible employee who starts after the first pay period of the calendar year will receive a pro-rated number of hours based on their hire date.

Work Schedules

Tuition Reimbursement

Full time employees are eligible to participate after completing one full year of employment, and successful completion of their probationary period. An employee is eligible to receive reimbursement for up to 12 credit hours up to a maximum reimbursement determined through the annual County Government budgetary process.

Onsite Childcare at a Discounted Rate

Located at the Department of Community Services (8190 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco, MD 20677)

House Keys 4 Employee Program

For eligible full time employees who are first time home buyers. Up to a

7,500, 0% interest loan, to be used for a down payment or closing cost toward a new home in Charles County.

Wellness Program

Employees have access to an onsite gym, the digital wellness platform - Burnalong, and monthly webinars / events at no cost to you.

Benefits eligibility is for employees who work 30 hours or more per week unless otherwise noted. Effective : July 1, 2019

Please describe your experience and leadership style in managing senior level positions that are responsible for overseeing a variety of program areas or divisions. How do you ensure the department, as a whole, works together as a team to avoid working within their own silos?

This position requires giving frequent presentations before boards and County officials. Please describe your experience working with elected officials.

Give a specific example of how you have helped create an environment where differences are valued, encouraged and supported.

Describe your experience in working in a high-performing organization, and your understanding of the high-performing organizational model.

Describe your problem-solving skills, balancing technical expertise, customer service skills, and prioritizing jurisdictional goals.

What value does Community Engagement bring to the type of work performed in a Permitting and / or Planning Office? What methods have you used in the past to engage the community in your work?

Required Question

Salary : $121,945 - $197,551