Planning & Economic Development Director

City of East Chicago Planning and Economic Development OPENING DATE: September 13, 2024 CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled POSITION STATUS: Regular - Full Time Department: Planning & Economic Development Reports to: Mayor & Chief of Staff Pay Range: In accordance with the City of East Chicago’s Salary Ordinance passed by the Common Council ______________________________________________________________________________ POSITION SUMMARY Under the general direction of the City of East Chicago Mayor, Plan Commission, and Economic Development Commission; develops maintains, and controls the implementation of the City of East Chicago Comprehensive Master Plan. Promotes desirable, orderly municipal growth and development relating to land use and construction of public facilities. Develops, recommends, promotes, and implements goals, strategies, and policies to provide businesses, community organizations, and citizens with information, guidance, support, and an environment encouraging employment, tourism development, and community service opportunities. Conducts research and analyzes economic health, real estate trends, and commercial development of property including business recruitment, job development, and business retention strategies. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The below statements describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by the position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned. Serves as an advisor for the City of East Chicago Plan Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Economic Development Commission, and the Technical Review Team. Controls the physical planning activities and operations for the Planning and Business Development Department. Plans, directs, and supervises all activities of the Office of the Planning and Economic Development. Supervises personnel, establishes staff requirements, budget controls, and purchases of supplies and equipment. Develops policies, procedures, and programs for the City’s community and economic development functions to enhance economic growth and activities consistent with the goals of the City. Researches develops and proposes current and advanced plans for the development, redevelopment, and/or extension of the physical structure of the City. Helps maintain and update the City's GIS database and helps create pertinent maps. Helps maintain and update the City’s GIS database and creates pertinent maps. Page 2 of 4 Updates the Comprehensive Master Plan and ensures that current or proposed projects are within the framework of the Plan. Provides designated authorities with recommendations, studies technical data, and estimates of contracting services required to implement and establish specific plans. Informs and submits plans and proposals to City, Regional, and State Agencies seeking their opinion, cooperation consideration, or approval for land use and construction of public facilities. Establish procedures and policies for the control of land use through zoning and subdivision regulations. Direct or conduct investigations and inspections about zoning requests, violations, variances, and regulations as required. Issue zoning clearances and certificates and initiate legal action when deemed necessary. Direct technical and clerical staff in the maintenance of records, maps, files, data, and other related information concerning department operations. Conduct continuous public information and education programs to facilitate understanding and acceptance of current and advanced planning objectives relating to City growth, development, or redevelopment. Compile and present pertinent data and resource materials requested to obtain or maintain local, state, and federal grant proposals, local work programs, etc. Directs maintenance of records to meet grant requirements. Coordinates the City’s economic development activities with existing State, local, Federal, and private development agencies. Provides City representation and serves as a liaison for a variety of meetings, advisory groups, board committees, agencies, councils, and/or other related groups. Serves as a liaison between property owners, businesses, City staff, and others regarding development projects and programs. Develops partnerships with outside agencies and business/property owners and works effectively with the community. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in economic development. Coordinates communications with multimedia regarding any economic development in the city. Manages the City’s role in promoting reinvestment and revitalization of commercial districts. Provides technical support to other agencies and departments on planning, business development, redevelopment, and zoning concerns. Attends a substantial number of evening meetings. Work on several city special events throughout the city. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Knowledgeable of zoning laws and redevelopment codes. Considerable knowledge of the theory, principles, and techniques of the planning profession and development process. Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and codes about a wide variety of planning topics. Considerable knowledge of real estate terminology, laws, practices, principles, and regulations. Working knowledge of brownfield remediation programs. Knowledge and ability to operate a computer for data input, retrieval and record keeping, database management, or GIS. Page 3 of 4 Ability to manage multiple projects effectively and meet firm deadlines. Ability to deal fairly and openly with the public and address their concerns in a timely and accurate manner. Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills. Ability to read, interpret, and apply data, drawings, and instructions for assigned work. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to operate a vehicle. Good communication, organizational, and planning skills. Ability to clear a criminal background check, driver’s license check, and drug test. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s or Master's degree in urban planning, public administration, economics, or related field and a minimum of three to five years of progressively responsible planning experience. REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS Must possess a valid driver’s license. AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) is preferred, or the ability to obtain certification within two years. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Environment - Work is performed in an office setting. Physical – Primary functions require sufficient ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods; to occasionally stoop, crawl, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, turn, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate with others to exchange information. Occasionally push/pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds; occasionally required to lift/carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Vocal – Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas using spoken words and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly. Vision – See in normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in normal audio range with or without correction. HOW TO APPLY Mail, fax, or email a cover letter and resume to the Department of Human Resources. Ms. Loretta Vaughn Secretary City of East Chicago 4525 Indianapolis Blvd. East Chicago, Indiana 46312 Fax: (219) 397-5755 ecapply@eastchicago.com Note: If you email your cover letter and resume to ecapply@eastchicago.com please type on the subject line your name and Applying for Planning & Economic Development Director. For example, Joe Smith is applying for Planning & Economic Development Director. The City of East Chicago does not discriminate in its employment decisions based on race, color, religion, gender, age, genetic information, disability, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Job Type: Full-time Benefits: Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Retirement plan Vision insurance Schedule: 8 hour shift Monday to Friday License/Certification: Driver's License (Required) Work Location: In person

Salary : $59,000 - $101,000