POSITION SUMMARY:
The Long-Range Planning Manager is a professional and managerial position which performs advanced-level professional planning and supervisory work and is responsible for managing the Long-Range Planning Division within the Planning and Development Department. This employee performs a variety of complex work in handling the programs and staff of this Division.
The primary duty of this employee is to oversee the Long-Range Planning Program of the Planning and Development Department which includes the guidance of area, corridor, and neighborhood planning for Spartanburg County; tracking various indicators for growth and forecasting types and location of growth; participating in the countywide focus on transportation planning; and ensuring excellent customer service, among many other duties. The position will supervise professional planners and paraprofessional/technical staff either directly, or through subordinate supervisors. This position is responsible for directing, overseeing, and assigning work activities and projects, monitoring workflow and progress. The successful candidate will be responsible for composing, reviewing, and evaluating reports, documents, and recommendations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
•  Oversee the Long Range Planning Division of the Planning Department; supervises and evaluates assigned staff; coordinates and assigns work of individuals and the team; prioritize and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; monitors status of work in progress and reviews and edits completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; provides progress and activity reports to management and recommends process improvements as needed.
•  Manages the transportation planning program; including direct supervision of lead staff of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) known as the Spartanburg Area Transportation Study (SPATS), which is responsible for the development of transportation plans and programs that utilize federal and state funding. Ensure that all funding is utilized in the most efficient manner and in the County’s best interest. Responsible for communication and coordination with SCDOT and FHWA.
•  In consultation with the County Administration and County Planning Director, develops goals and implements the annual work plan for the Long-Range Planning Division. Creates project scopes of work, budgets, and timelines for major projects to ensure the activities of the Division advance County goals and priorities. Priorities would include a focus on automobile traffic circulation, the County’s overall multimodal transportation network, developing policies and recommendations pertaining to County growth, and other priorities outlined in the County’s Strategic Plan and identified by the Planning Department.
•  Oversees the preparation of various long-range plans that seek to accomplish County Council goals. These plans include, but not limited to corridor, area, and neighborhood plans, economic and community development plans, strategic planning initiatives, redevelopment plans, the Comprehensive Plan and Update, place-making programs, and other special planning projects. Assembles partners and funding to implement said plans. Coordinates the resolution of barriers/problems to implementation with other County departments and governmental agencies.
•  Manages the collection and analysis of data through surveys, mapping, scenario modeling, studies, forecasting, and other methods that aid decision-makers. Prepares and presents comprehensive and analytical reports that present and interpret data, identifies alternatives, and justifies conclusions. Oversees GIS mapping team and analyses that are vital to developing long range plans, as well as the administration of the County’s zoning ordinances.
•  Provides feedback and analysis on the County’s planning/zoning ordinances. Assists with ordinance analysis, updates, and implementation.
•  Manages projects, to include requests for qualifications (RFQ) and requests for proposal (RFP), consultant scope and deliverables, marketing, education, and public relations.
•  Participates in the development and management of the departmental operating and capital budgets. Prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations, submits justifications for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies, monitors and controls expenditures, and evaluates employee requests for supplies and equipment.
•  Performs other duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Must be physically able to operate various office machines including computer, multi-line telephone, scanner, copier, etc. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work, involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for periods of time. Work involves climbing, bending and stooping for short periods of time. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of 5 to 15 pounds.
Requires the ability to:
•  Speak and/or signal people to exchange information.
•  Read and prepare various legal documents, using proper format.
•  Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
•  Successfully work with and influence staff and external stakeholders.
•  Balance different perspectives.
•  Understand and navigate complex situations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Required:
•  A Bachelor’s degree in planning or closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
•  A minimum of five years of professional planning work with considerable land use and/or zoning experience, including progressively responsible management and administration experience in a supervisory and leadership role.

Preferred:
•  A Master’s degree in planning or closely related field.
•  Experience with Geographic Information Systems (ARCGIS Pro or ARCGIS Online).

LICENSE / CERTIFICATION and OTHER REQUIREMENTS
•  All regular full-time and part-time employees of Spartanburg County are required by state law to  participate in the South Carolina Retirement System.
•  Required valid driver’s license issued in South Carolina.
•  Preferred AICP or other related certifications, but not required.