Planning & Urban Design Manager / Village Planner

Department: Development Services

FLSA: Non-Union Exempt

Pay Grade: 9

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.  Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate the programs and activities of the Planning and Urban Design Division within the Department of Development Services; coordinate assigned activities with other Village departments and outside agencies; and provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Development Services, Village Attorney, Village Manager and the Village Board on planning issues.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives administrative direction from a Director of Development Services.

Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical and clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES--Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

     Essential duties and responsibilities

Assume management responsibility for services and activities of the Planning and Urban Design Division including technical assistance to the Plan Commission, advisory committees and related organizations for planning and zoning, historic preservation programs.

Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommend and administer planning policies and procedures.

Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for Planning and Urban Division; assign work activities, projects and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; identify and resolve problems.

Serve as liaison for the Planning and Urban Division with other Village departments, divisions and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.

Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the Planning and Urban Division annual budgets.

Assist in the preparation and revision of planning documents including the Comprehensive Plan, and general plans and zoning ordinances.

Respond to inquiries from the general public and Village staff.

Serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions and committees as directed; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence as required.

Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.

Select, train, motivate and evaluate planning personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.

Process Plan Development applications.

Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.

Manage the Planning and Urban Division to support the Department of Development Services mission to enhance the quality of life in the Village of Oak Park by providing efficient, consistent, cost-effective, courteous and prompt customer services designed to encourage investment in our community.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Monitors Planning and Urban Design Division’s MAP (Measure, Analyze, Perform) Performance Management indicators and reports on progress to the Director of Development Services.

QUALIFICATIONS

       Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of municipal planning and zoning.

• Management skills to analyze programs, policies and operational needs.

• Principles and practices of program development and administration.

• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.

• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.

• Principles and practices of graphic design.

• Methods of research, program analysis, and report preparation.

• Pertinent Village codes and ordinances related to various housing programs.

• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.

      Ability to:

• Manage, direct and coordinate the work of lower level staff.

• Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.

• Oversee and direct the operations, services and activities of the Planning and Urban Design division.

• Develop and administer division goals, objectives and procedures.

• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.

• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.

• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and

      implement recommendations in support of goals.

• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.

• Perform complex research and analyses.

• Compile various data and statistics regarding housing programs.

• Build strong relationships with advisory boards and commissions, elected officials, neighborhood groups and the development community.

• Use a computer to produce various graphic designs.

• Prepare conceptual and working drawings and plan specifications.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Establish and maintain interpersonal skills in the workplace to effectively communicate and interact with others. 

• Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.

      Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

                        -         Making observations

                        -         Communicating with others

                        -         Reading and writing

                        -          Operating assigned equipment.

Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of:

                        -         Making sound decisions

                        -         Demonstrating intellectual capabilities.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience:  Seven years of increasingly responsible planning and management experience in a municipal government environment with at least three years of supervisory experience.  AND

Training:  Possession of a Masters Degree in Urban or Regional Planning or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.  AICP membership is desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work in an office environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; assist contractors and professionals.

Diversity Equity & Inclusion Statement

The Village of Oak Park commits itself to diversity, equity and inclusion by recognizing that creating a mutually respectful, multicultural and equitable environment does not happen on its own, it must be intentional. This includes providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, military or veteran status or any other characteristics.