Responsible for planning and organizing the Borough planning, zoning and lands programs; supervising Planning Department personnel, coordinating with other departments and agencies; acting as Principal Planner and Zoning Administrator; participating in community development activities as directed by the Borough Manager; and serving as technical advisor to the Planning Commission, Borough Manager and Assembly.The Director of Planning and Community Development is an at-will employee.
BOROUGH DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT STYLE:
Exercises an eclectic management style drawing from all doctrines and schools of management techniques to produce the most desirable results. Sets a good example through conduct and work habits, motivates and develops staff, encourages, promotes and “sells” a positive “customer” (citizen) service and response. Is a team-player and fosters teamwork in subordinates. Adaptable personality and skills to work openly and effectively with all persons including those who possess diverse opinions and perspectives on the role of planning and land use. Understands and practices delegation while accepting ultimate responsibility; fixes problems and not blame; offers explanations in a positive mode instead of making excuses. Is accountable and holds others accountable. Produces and expects high quality work and work product.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
The Director of Planning and Community Development position requires an individual who is a good listener and has the ability to express ideas and relate information clearly and effectively in both written and verbal form and is able to provide objective advice in matters which are controversial. Must be an assertive, intelligent, and high energy person. A sense of humor is a definite plus.
The person must respect the requirement for public openness and process, while maintaining confidentiality as appropriate. This person must possess unquestioned personal and professional integrity. This person must project a professional presence in manner, appearance, and behavior and be willing to devote substantial amounts of time to meetings and activities occurring beyond normal office hours
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Knowledge of principles of organization and administration. Understanding of leadership skills including communication, work organization, delegation, and performance evaluation. Ability to train, supervise and evaluate staff. Ability to develop and prepare clear and concise reports. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, subordinates, boards, commissions and committees. Knowledge of personal computers and a variety of software mandatory.
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Extensive knowledge in the management of a planning department within a municipal government. Knowledge of principles and practices of community planning, land-use control, urban design, and state and local laws and regulations pertaining to planning and zoning. Technical knowledge of principles and practices applied in the handling of population, natural resources and other economic and social data in community and regional planning. Ability to secure municipal funds. Ability to lead, train and evaluate staff members. Ability to analyze and interpret economic, fiscal and physical data leading to the formulation of advance and current planning, and to prepare comprehensive and technical planning reports. Knowledge of principles, practices and technical aspects of zoning, subdivision and land-use regulations. Knowledge of the relationship between official controls and the comprehensive planning process is essential. Working knowledge of Alaska Statutes and local ordinances governing land-use and related planning controls. Knowledge of investigation, enforcement and litigation procedures. Ability to work independently and to coordinate efforts with other staff members.
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Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with employees, coworkers, other governmental agency representatives, public officials and the general public. Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
Must be able to hear. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch; and taste or smell. Each of the listed activities also requires standing, sitting, walking, bending, stooping, and routinely lift and carry items up to forty (40) pounds. A great deal of communication in person and by telephone. Long hours of sitting at a desk and working with a personal computer. Travel occasionally, using air and/or water transportation to out of town meetings and functions.
LICENSES:
Valid State of Alaska driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to the Borough’s insurance carrier.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Requires graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) or major course work in one or more of the following fields: public or business administration, urban planning, landscape architecture, resource management or equivalent field and five or more years of experience in municipal planning or a closely related field in a supervisory role. AICP certification preferred.
Any combination of related education and/or related experience will be considered if the candidate possesses the demonstrated ability.
