PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Salary : $66,690.83 - $87,400.00 Annually

Location : West Springfield, MA

Job Type : Full time

Job Number : 00268

Department : Planning Department

Opening Date : 12 / 17 / 2024

Closing Date : 2 / 14 / 2025 12 : 00 AM Eastern

Description

The Planning and Development Director performs professional and administrative duties in planning, organizing and coordinating the Town's planning, land use, inspections, conservation, economic development, and community development functions and activities. Employee is required to perform all similar or related duties.

Examples of Duties

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Responsible for the administration of the functions of the Planning Department including supervision of any Department staff and oversight of the functions of the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and Redevelopment Authority.
• Serves as technical advisor to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals by preparing reports and recommendations and serving as the liaison between the boards and the public, developers and other Town boards and commissions.
• Acts as principal contact for all manner of development proposals in the Town and coordinates the review of subdivisions, site plans and special permit applications for commercial, recreational, office, industrial and residential development with pertinent staff members and members of other departments.
• Directs and carries out a Long Range Strategic Planning Program for the Mayor and Planning Board.
• Oversees the administration of all awarded grants; coordinating legal documents, surveys and appraisal requirements and with State officials to secure grant funding.
• Conducts field inspections for planning studies, development proposals to ensure compliance with approvals and regulations.
• Provides comments and advice to the Mayor, Planning Board and other Town Boards and Commissions as requested; researches and writes zoning and subdivision regulations and design guidelines.
• Conducts independent statistical and narrative research pertaining to economic, social and physical factors affecting the Town; makes projections for growth and impacts by analyzing growth trends, population data and development pressures.
• Provides information and guidance to members of the public and land use owners as required pertaining to land use and zoning matters.
• Attends classes and educational seminars to maintain certification as a Town Planner and to maintain knowledge of changes in planning laws and / or regulations.
• Prepares documents for legal appeals and provides legal testimony in court as required.
• Serves as staff advisor and coordinates planning studies.
• Coordinates and oversees projects by vendors / consultants.
• Prepares and administers the department's operating budget.
• Undertakes high level strategic planning for Town initiatives that include smart growth through development strategies that meet the community's needs and goals of a vibrant, thriving city with strong neighborhoods.
• Coordinates the implementation of economic development priorities as identified in Town plans, policies and as assigned.
• Serves as primary contact for business development inquiries.
• Provides the Mayor and Town Council recommendations designed to stimulate expansion of existing industry and businesses, as well as attract new industry, business, and investments.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience : Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning or a related field; five to seven (5-7) years municipal planning experienceor any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Special Requirements :

Certification as Planner by the AICP is desirable

Certification as a Notary desired

Valid Class D Motor Vehicle Driver's License

Supplemental Information

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

Knowledge : Thorough knowledge of municipal planning, research data and the collection of data in support of the Town's planning services. Working knowledge of personal computer systems including office software and the application of GIS. Working knowledge of Town and state land use regulations and permit procedures. Knowledge of state bidding law (Chapter 30B).

Abilities : Ability to meet and deal with the public effectively to accomplish the Town's planning goals and objectives; ability to take the initiative required to handle problems effectively; ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing; ability to operate a computer; ability to maintain confidential information; ability to maintain, manage, and organize records; ability to deal appropriately with clients, Town employees, Town officials and other governmental agencies. Ability to deal with sensitive inquiries and complaints. The ability to conduct short and long-term planning goals and results.

Skill : Proficient written and oral communication skills. Excellent data processing skills.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time employees who work an average ofhours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis. To learn more details, visit our benefits page.

Salary : $66,691 - $87,400