Director of Community Development and Planning

The position is a highly visible and responsible part of the Pierce Township senior management team. The role directs, coordinates, and administers the operations of, Planning & Zoning, and Codes Enforcement and assists in the administration of Community and Economic Development. Responsible for oversight of the community’s short- and long-range planning and growth management process, administration and updates to zoning codes, plan review process, and enforcement of property maintenance codes. Directs all aspects of the Township’s planning and zoning enforcement activities, including assisting the Township Administrator in promoting new development and redevelopment of commercial, industrial and residential sites within the Township. Responsible for the development and maintenance of key relationships with developers, business leaders, elected and appointed officials, property owners and other community partners. Requires excellent interpersonal skills, including building relationships, synthesizing and resolving conflicting goals and opinions, and inspiring confidence in the goals and direction of the community. Incumbent must maintain confidentiality and exhibit the highest standards of ethics.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The position reports to the Township Administrator and works regularly with the Township Board of Trustees. The incumbent directly supervises the Planning Department (Planning & Zoning and Codes Enforcement) and, works directly with the Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals members.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

The following highlight, but are not limited to, the responsibilities of the position.

• Oversees planning processes for the community, including periodic updates to the Township Land Use Plan, small area plans, zoning overlays, updates to existing zoning regulations, and development of new zoning requirements in response to new issues (solar farms, short-term rentals, etc). May represent the Township before review and approval bodies.
• Works to streamline and improve the permitting process through implementation of new technology and procedures to provide a better user experience and transparency of data to the public.
• Manages education for Board members, public outreach and education on planning and zoning in the community.
• Oversee and participate in community meetings associated with land use planning and new zoning code development.
• Supports the Department’s Code Enforcement efforts by providing a roadmap and expectations for the operation of zoning and property maintenance code enforcement activities.
• Works with historic preservation entities, environmental protection programs, architectural review entities, agricultural bureaus, and home owner associations.
• Oversee the preparation of studies, reports, and recommendations regarding land use, transportation, open space preservation, recreational needs, land economics, and other related policies.
• Oversees the research, preparation and administration of grants.

• Supports the Township Administrator in developing, managing and implementing the economic development strategy for the Township, including the community’s short- and long-range planning. Manages continuing efforts to develop and employ strategies for new commercial and industrial growth, and fosters quality redevelopment in the Township’s business areas.
• Evaluates, identifies and promotes model community and business/economic development projects for attraction and retention.
• Conducts periodic economic impact analyses to support economic development and planning efforts.
• Meets with businesses, property owners and other community stakeholders to understand the overall growth and development needs within the Township. Develops strategic partnerships with community agencies, including Clermont County Community Development, Clermont County Port Authority, REDI Cincinnati, JobsOhio, and Clermont County Chamber of Commerce.
• Organizes regular roundtable meetings/luncheons with business managers, owners, and property developers in the community.
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of economic development including new incentive tools for prospective businesses.
• Effectively collaborates with other Township Departments on development, redevelopment, planning and policy development.
• Analyzes and/or models development proposals to ensure proper long-term return on investment & positive community impacts.

• Develops a workforce that is committed to superior customer service, is results oriented and works well within a team environment. Appoints, supervises, provides training and manages performance and ensures accountability of staff. Ensures compliance with Township and Department policies, and state and federal laws and regulations.
• Prepares Departmental budget and ensures that operational costs remain within budget by monitoring expenses on a monthly basis. Projects revenues from fee programs such as permitting fees. Ensures the efficient and economical use of Departmental funds, staffing, materials, facilities and time.
• Prepares an annual work plan for the Department and monitors and reports progress during the year. Oversee the Township’s permitting desk and ensure web access to applications and FAQ’s.
• Ensures staff receives regular professional training and development opportunities through both external and internal avenues. Provide technical assistance to staff when necessary. Ensure proper interpretation, application, enforcement, and development of Township Zoning Ordinances and other code approvals within the Department’s purview.
• Work with Township Fiscal Officer in records management program, ensuring records are organized, searchable, and/old unneeded records are properly disposed of based on Ohio Revised Statutes.

• Works closely with the Township Communications Specialist in maintaining up-to-date information on the Township website for the Economic Development and Planning & Zoning webpages. Coordinates with the Communications Specialist on social media outreach for ongoing projects as well as general public information and updates.
• Participates in the Township’s strategic planning process, providing information and advice to the Township Board of Trustees and appointed boards, commissions, and Township staff. Coordinates the Department’s activities with those of other Township Departments to ensure a consistent approach to common projects and initiatives and the cost-effective delivery of public services.
• Attends Board of Trustee meetings and other governmental and community meetings and events. Assist Township Administrator in special projects and other duties in support of the organization.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The incumbent will have knowledge of:

• Land development codes, comprehensive planning, permitting laws, and zoning, subdivision and land development regulations. Thorough understanding of zoning law.
• Federal and State laws governing the creation and enforcement of zoning codes, environmental regulations (such as stormwater runoff regulations), transportation management, and historic preservation.
• Current issues and innovative approaches to land development and redevelopment.
• Principles and practices of economic development, including site development and marketing.
• Financial incentive programs allowed by State Statutes such as Tax Increment Financing, Special Improvement Districts, CIC’s, Joint Economic Developments, Community Reinvestment Areas, Enterprise Zones, and other incentives commonly utilized within Ohio Townships.
• Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems, Census data use and interpretation, financial trend analysis.
• Design and construction practices. Read and interpret building plans and specifications.
• Data synthetizations and analysis, including development of complex real estate and economic development agreements.

The incumbent will have the ability to:

• Provide superior customer service. Be accessible to the public and development community. Promptly respond to requests for information.
• Provide innovative solutions and ability to think “outside the box” in addressing significant issues.
• Anticipate and stay abreast of market innovations and trends. Understand the overall economic climate and how market demand relates to development potential in the community.
• Successfully develop and supervise staff to meet the needs of the Department.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with correct composition, spelling, and punctuation.
• Build and maintain confidence in the Township government with the community and business interests.
• Work independently and effectively managing multiple and conflicting tasks simultaneously.
• Work under stressful conditions and manage hostility with grace and empathy.
• Develop and coordinate various meetings with a wide range of participants. Attend evening, and at rare times, weekend meetings.
• Approach work tasks in an organized fashion. Develop a schedule for project completion and ensure timelines are met.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A degree from a four-year accredited college or university with a degree in business, accounting, finance, economic, urban planning or public administration. A master’s degree in business, urban planning, or public administration is highly recommended. A minimum of five years of recent, increasingly responsible management and supervisory experience. Five years of experience in strategic leadership and management of a planning & zoning and economic development organization.

Preferred qualifications include designations (or ability to obtain) as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), certification with the American Institute of Planners (AICP), and/or graduation from the Economic Development Institute.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, stand, use fingers, talk, hear, grasp, reach with hands, see using close vision, see using distance, and adjust vision between close and distant. Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing semi-skilled movements in the operation of computer keyboard, telephone, copier, calculator and manual files. Ability to lift, carry, or pull up to 30 pounds. Employee may be exposed to outside conditions periodically, including hot and cold weather in evaluating property.

FUNCTION OF POSITION DESCRIPTION

This position description has been prepared to define the general duties of the position, provide examples of work and to detail the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as the acceptable experience and training for the position. The description is not intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the duties of employees under supervision. Pierce Township retains and reserves any and all rights to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from any portion of this description in its sole judgement.

This job description is not a contract for employment and is in no way intended to provide any guarantees of employment that would conflict with the at-will nature of the position.

Pierce Township is an equal opportunity employer in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Township will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person