Planning & Development Director

The City of Webster Groves is seeking a Director of Planning and Development to join our team. The Planning & Development Director is a highly visible position providing leadership, direction, and general administrative oversight to the Planning and Development Department and is responsible for the community's growth management planning process, including resident involvement, the City’s comprehensive plan, zoning and land use ordinances, and development codes and policies. Work involves significant community engagement and public involvement with elected officials, residents, and other governmental entities. As a member of the City’s leadership team, collaborates with the City Manager, City Council, and other City departments on strategy and policy to ensure that the City’s mission and core values are incorporated into operational activities and services within the Planning and Development Department. We welcome your unique perspective and talents!Our City values diversity and inclusion, along with empowering our team to serve residents, business owners, and other stakeholders.Responsible for fostering a culture of innovation; provides leadership in the delivery of superior services to City residents and businesses.Provides overall supervision, leadership, and direction for management staff; ensures competent performance. Assigns areas of accountability and delegates authority to subordinate supervisory personnel.Provides professional guidance, training and policy interpretation. Provides guidance to managers in resolving/improving performance standards. Maintains knowledge of all department activity.Exercises authority over all department staff including hiring, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination of individual employees within established City policies.Identifies training needs and opportunities for the department.Defines and implements the goals and objectives for department operations.Provides leadership and management to all assigned staff. Audits work on a regular basis to ensure adherence to pertinent regulations.Directs staff on complex work and interpreting the application of policy and procedure.Researches, recommends, develops and implements policy and procedures for operational effectiveness, sustainability, and safety. Monitors all operations for effective application of department policies, procedures and standards.Develops work plans and strategies to meet business needs-both short term and long term; Ensures clear direction, proper implementation and City conformance to legal requirements.Develops, recommends, and implements annual departmental budgets; forecasts necessary funding for staff, equipment, material and supplies. Monitors budget throughout the year with assistance from division managers. Identifies and develops future capital improvement projects.Prepares short and long-term capital improvement plans associated with Planning and Development. Prepares and administers the Department’s budget to control expenditures and maintain fiscal integrity.Conducts special research and studies for the City Manager, preparing comprehensive reports and recommendations based on findings. Conducts and provides technical guidance to other Departmental heads and advisory boards on various public works issues.Represents the Department and City on external matters when dealing with public and private agencies and organizations, the media, general public and state and federal agencies. Represents the Department on internal issues to the City Manager, City Council and Boards and Commissions.Counsels staff on changes and interpretations of laws, guidelines, policies and procedures.Prepare quarterly and annual reports of Department activities.Reviews all agendas, staff reports, and background information necessary for the City Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Board of Adjustment and Architectural Review Board to fulfill their responsibilities.Develops recommendations on matters related to timely changes to the Comprehensive Plan, small area studies, Zoning Code, and Subdivision code.Makes oral and written presentations to the City Council regarding revisions to the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, Historic Preservation Ordinance, Tree Preservation and Landscape Ordinance, Property Maintenance Code, and any other code provisions implemented and enforced by the Department, as required.Prepares memos, support material, and resolutions/ordinances for CUP’s, rezoning, subdivisions, text amendments, and other planning actions requiring Council approval.Meets with members of the public and development community to explain City policy and procedures regarding development and redevelopment, and to explore opportunities for development/ redevelopment consistent with City goals.Works with other departments to coordinate programs and activities.Consults with contractors, owners, architects, engineers and other interested parties regarding construction codes.Other duties as assigned.Bachelor’s Degree in urban/regional planning or related field.Master’s degree preferred.Minimum of ten (10) years professional work experience in planning or community development.Minimum of five (5) years supervisory experience.Certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of community development, zoning, planning, building and fire codes and enforcement, and related urban and rural problems.Thorough knowledge of management and supervisory principles and practices including program planning, budgeting, grants, direction, coordination, and evaluation.Thorough knowledge of community economics, geography, demography, community design, community organization, and other similarly related planning subject matter.Extensive working knowledge of residential building construction including structural framing, electrical, heating/air conditioning and plumbing systems.Working knowledge of pertinent construction codes and ordinances, proper inspection.Knowledge of the principals and practices of code compliance programs.Knowledge of blueprints, layouts, construction plans, parcel maps, and zoning maps.Knowledge of the City, Department, and Division’s operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, State, and Federal regulations related to department programs and operations.Knowledge of principles and practices of budgeting, fiscal management, project management principles and techniques.Ability to effectively utilize the principles of strategic and long and short-range planning.Skill in analyzing complex administrative information and issues, defining problems and evaluating alternatives and recommending methods, procedures and techniques for resolution of issues.Ability to research and analyze detailed information and make appropriate recommendations.Ability to develop department goals and objectives.Ability to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate projects and programs.Ability to develop, interpret and implement regulations, policies, procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, and other department specific documents.Ability to prepare, recommend and monitor an operating budget, including line item budgeting.Knowledge of administrative policies and procedures of the City.Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.Knowledge of management and supervisory practices & principles, including the ability to make final employment recommendations, preparing performance evaluations, managing time off, and maintaining personnel records.Ability to adapt and take control of situations, dictating subordinate activities in a responsible manner.Ability to instruct and train in methods and procedures.Ability to organize, assign, and modify the work assignment of others, and (re)-establish priorities to meet deadlines.Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in English in both written and verbal form.Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.Ability to communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provision of Freedom of Information Act and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.

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