Planner II

The Planner II is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal, state and local funding regulations through annual plans, performance reports and application processes and for developing methods that encourage communication between the department and various community partners, as well as the community at large.  

·        Complete annual and other recurring funding plans and performance reports in compliance with regulations.

·        Coordinate public participation processes to solicit input, feedback, community needs, and program effectiveness for a variety of federal and state funded programs.

·        Coordinate application processes, including the creation and importing of online applications, tracking of submissions, compilation of scoring, creation and publication of guidelines, creation of recommendation lists, and creation of approval and declination letters. 

·        Evaluate applications and contribute to funding recommendations submitted to the County Board of Commissioners

·        Respond to citizens’ requests for information about funding availability, statistical information, and other funding sources

·        Present information to the public about funded programs and funding availability, through electronic newsletters, website, social media, and press releases

·        Respond to Commissioners’ requests for information, data needs, etc.

·        Analyze available statistical data to measure community needs and program effectiveness

·        Represent the Department at public meetings

·        Update and maintain the Department webpage

·        Update and maintain the Department policies and procedures

·        Write grants for funding to support discretionary activities and programs

·        Act as the System Administrator for and maintain the departmental grants management database

·        Provide information and analysis from a variety of data management tools

·        Provide support to other departmental teams, in the form of research, writing, proofreading or other tasks as requested

·        Perform other duties, tasks, and special projects, as required.

Qualifications / Requirements:

·        Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

·        Two years of planning experience.

·        Strong project management skills.

·        Excellent time management skills.

·        Accurate and detail oriented.

·        Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

·        Understanding of federal funding regulations.

·        Ability to exercise sound judgement.

·        Ability to interface effectively with all levels of county management, user agencies, and general public.

·        Ability to work independently and proceed with objectives. 

·        Ability to work as part of a team.

·        Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.

·        Strong interpersonal skills

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

·        Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Research and Policy Development or Public Administration.

·        Minimum of two years of experience with Federal Housing and/or Community Development plans.

·        Minimum of two years of experience in an administrative capacity.

·        Minimum of three years of experience in planning or job-related experience.

·        Ability to establish priorities (remain focused on daily operations).

·        Strong professional ethics.

·        Able to use common sense understanding to carry out written or verbal instructions.               

·        Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems.

·        Able to carry tasks to completion.

·        General understanding of departmental policies and procedures.

·        General understanding of the County of Chester standards of conduct, etiquette for interacting with elected officials.

·        Flexibility.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

·        Intermediate Word skills

·        Intermediate Excel skills

·        Basic Outlook skills (Email and Calendar)

·        Basic Internet Explorer and Chrome skills

·        Basic database  skills

·        Intermediate PowerPoint skills       

·        Familiarity with data reporting software

Salary : $56,853