Director of Planning & Development

Job Description

This position requires the application of specialized knowledge, technical and administrative skills that contribute to the formulation, implementation, and updating of comprehensive and subsidiary plans for the City’s physical development. Acts as a liaison with the public, outside agencies, other city departments, and consultants to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships in order to provide organizational support to city departments and projects.

Job Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Assist with the review; development; implementation or revision of the various elements of the Comprehensive Plan
2. Research; analyze; and prepare reports on long-range planning issues including changes to the Comprehensive Plan and other land development policies and standards
3. Develop; implement; and monitor long-term plans; goals and objectives focused on achieving the City’s missions and priorities
4. Assist with strategic and administrative functions related to planning; zoning; and code enforcement
5. Assist the Mayor and City Administrator in establishing priorities for preparation of community development grant applications
6. Assist in the administration of such grants; such as local share requirements and monitoring progress on the implementation of funded projects
7. Grant writing and other development of funding plans as needed for acquisition of financial resources
8. Prepare and review a variety of written materials including reports; discussion papers; graphics and other materials; collect analyze and interpret social; economic; demographic and land use data and summarize in report form
9. Prepare reports on planning and development for the Mayor; Planning Commission; City Council; appointed committees; and other City staff
10. Provide information to the public regarding special projects; public facilities; the overall capital project program; respond to questions and resolve complaints as needed; attend and organize community meetings and make presentations related to capital projects and special projects to include ODEQ and ODOT
11. Responsible for establishing; maintaining; and coordinating working relationships with Federal; State; County ; and regional agencies involved in community development
12. Assist the public with inquiries and request for information regarding the planning process; code standards; and practice design issues
13. Assist in the research and development of City planning policies and procedures; ordinances; and resolutions as required
14. Prepares information for dissemination to potential business clients; including economic; statistical; financial; population; growth; demographic and other information
15. Must clearly communicate ideas and information both orally and in writing
16. The position will serve under the general direction of the Mayor; will routinely coordinate project activities with the City Administrator; and must work effectively with City elected officials; staff; boards; outside agencies; and the general public
17. Other duties as assigned

Knowledge; Skills and Abilities

Qualifications 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 the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

1. Minimum of four (4) years progressively-responsible experience in land use planning and community/economic development preferred
2. Bachelors degree in Urban Planning; Economic Development; Public Administration; or equivalent combination of experience; training; and education
3. Demonstrated success with municipal plan creation; community development projects; finance strategies; grant writing; and administration desired
4. Prior experience in an Oklahoma municipal government preferred

Language Skills

1. Ability to read; analyzes; and interpret governmental regulations; health insurance contracts; retirement policy; etc. Ability to write reports and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from city administrators; department superintendents; and employees.
2. Ability to deal assertively and effectively with people in sometimes difficult situations.
3. Listening skills.

Mathematical Skills

1. The ability to apply math concepts that relate to the city administration; particularly relating to: percentages; costing; statistical analysis; and budgeting.
2. The ability to read and understand blueprints and engineers' drawings and reports.

Reasoning Ability

1. Ability to apply the best interpersonal skills to a diverse population in very differing situations.
2. The ability to find the balance between elected officials on one side and employees on the other. Developing the ability to handle being the person "in the middle".
3. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where diverse interests are represented.
4. Recognize unsafe conditions and situations.
5. Must be able to understand both oral and written communications.
6. Must be able to interpret rules; policies; and procedures to employees.

Other Qualifications

1. Ability to analyze planning or community development issues and problems in a clear and concise manner
2. Ability to develop responses and solutions to planning or development issues
3. Ability to work with a minimum of supervision
4. Ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting for extended periods of time and operating assigned equipment and vehicles
5. Ability to communicate with others and to assimilate and understand information; in a manner consistent with the essential job functions
6. Ability to operate assigned equipment
7. Ability to make sound decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions
8. Must successfully complete required drug testing and physical examination per City of Tahlequah's policies.
9. Have and maintain a driving record sufficient to satisfy the insurance mandates placed upon the city.
10. Establish employment eligibility under USDOL and City of Tahlequah rules and policies.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. During the course of this job; the employee will be expected to engage in verbal communication and active listening. Additionally; the employee will often be required to alternate between standing and sitting. On occasion; walking; reaching with hands and arms; climbing or balancing; as well as stooping; kneeling; or crouching may be necessary. Furthermore; the employee may occasionally need to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
2. Visual Acuity Level One: This position demands specific visual abilities; such as keen close vision; accurate depth perception; and the capacity to adjust focus.
3. Although the Director of Planning and Development's role is typically classified as light work; it is far from sedentary. This position demands continuous mobility; with the director constantly on the go; except during scheduled meetings.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job; the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually light to moderate; but can be noisy and exposed to hazards at times.