Description: Under general direction of the Planning Director, performs advanced professional level planning work; supervises staff and serves as a team leader on important projects or initiatives; assumes responsibility for the department in the Planning Director’s absence; exercises independent judgement in zoning administration, development review, comprehensive planning, transportation, and other planning activities; and performs related work as required.

Primary Tasks:

• Develops and makes presentations to elected and appointed boards and community groups on a variety of planning topics.
• Supervises staff employees by assigning duties, conducting reviews, assisting in hiring and evaluating staff, and providing mentorship.
• Manages, facilitates, and/or coordinates special projects related to land use, growth management, and transportation.
• Facilitates and/or provides oversight on rezoning, text amendment, variance, and site plan review projects.    
• Provides staff oversight and support on code enforcement activities. 
• Prepares formal written reports, memos, technical papers, and other correspondences.
• Develops solutions to problems of a technical or policy nature using professional research, analysis, and evaluation techniques.
• Manages, facilitates, and/or coordinates preparation of comprehensive plan and similar plans.
• Serves as a staff liaison or resource to Town boards and committees, which may include Planning Board, Transportation Advisory Board, Historic Preservation Committee, and Architectural Review Board.
• Responds to requests for information from the Town Board and other boards and committees, development professionals, business owners, and citizens.
• Coordinates with various governmental agencies, local civic groups, business leaders, developers, and others regarding planning and community development matters.
• Performs other duties as apparent or assigned.

Education: Graduation from a college or university with a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, geography, landscape architecture, public administration, or closely related field; master’s degree is preferred.

Experience: Minimum 8 years of experience of an increasingly responsible nature in municipal planning; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Prior supervisory experience is required. Prior experience in development review, conditional rezonings, and zoning administration is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices pertaining to urban planning and community development.
• Thorough knowledge of North Carolina planning, zoning, and community development laws.  
• Familiarity with GIS technology and its applications.
• Ability to prepare and present, in a clear and concise manner, oral and written reports on planning and development activities to internal or external agencies.
• Ability to assign work to supporting staff in a clear and concise manner and ability to analyze and provide constructive feedback on work products.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate department performance in a systemic manner and identify recommendations for improvement (as needed).
• Ability to mentor supervised staff in a manner that is supportive and helps achieve the highest performance and satisfaction from staff.
• Ability to write in a professional manner with thorough knowledge of sentence structure, English language vocabulary, grammar, and spelling.
• Ability to exercise critical analysis to resolve complex planning problems and to present clear and concise recommendations.
• Ability to manage comprehensive planning and related studies using internal staff and/or consultant resources.
•  Ability to deal effectively with public and community groups concerned with municipal planning.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town officials and various diverse groups and agencies.
• Ability to effectively direct and coordinate the work efforts of other personnel involved in planning and zoning programs and projects.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat Professional.  
• Knowledge of online process systems such as Mecklenburg County’s Acella and Peak agenda setting software.

Position is open until filled.