GENERAL DEFINITION
The Assistant Planning/Grant Administration Director position undertakes assignments related to a full range of project management responsibilities in the Department. The primary focus of these responsibilities is to manage long-range planning functions within the Department and assume responsibilities of Director in their absence. Performs complex technical, professional and administrative work in the field of planning. This position coordinates and manages the long-range planning functions. The position is responsible for development, maintenance, and implementation of the comprehensive plan and other plans, including village, corridor, transportation, and special programs. This position is responsible for transportation aspects of the department that include grants and other aspects of transportation. This position will be responsible for grants and grants administration for both transportation and planning grants. Work requires independence of action, substantial contact with the public and collaboration with others.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP
This senior-level position is an integral part of the County’s leadership team, thereby directing and managing the Long-Range Planning function within the Department of Planning and Community Development. Position serves under the general supervision of the Director of Planning and Community Development. Supervision is exercised over planning staff, and over subordinate personnel as may be assigned by the Director. Provides professional staff support to the County Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, and other bodies as assigned. Position assumes management responsibilities of the Director of Planning & Community Development in their absence.
TYPICAL TASKS
- Manages the long-range planning function of the department;
- Makes presentations to the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, and other bodies, under the supervision and direction of the department Director. Supervises and manages the development and implementation of plans, programs, ordinances and policies in furtherance of the county’s adopted land use and planning goals and objectives;
- Oversees the development and continued maintenance of the county’s comprehensive plan and other plans, including neighborhood, small area, village, corridor, and special program plans;
- Performs long-range and comprehensive planning studies, as requested;
- Oversees updating of the county’s zoning and subdivision ordinances; prepares ordinance amendments as necessary to meet the goals and objectives of the comprehensive plan;
- Responsible for research/analysis of complex community issues and plans of development and the development of recommendations;
- Exercises a high level of independence with minimal day-to-day oversight by the director in the execution of their assignments;
- Charged with making management level decisions regarding assigned responsibilities as delegated by the director as necessary or appropriate;
- May manage staff from time to time as necessary for assigned projects;
- Performs research and analysis to anticipate growth, development, population and economic trends;
- Maintains census data and other relevant statistical information related to demographic, development trends, and planning opportunities and constraints;
- Answers questions from the public related to long-range planning, adopted plans, and ongoing planning projects;
- Seeks and facilitates public input in the development of long range plans and programs;
- Develops, implements and monitors a long-range planning work program to manage complex and simultaneous planning projects;
- Researches, writes and administers grants, as required;
- Assist with and oversees planning, transportation and Community Development grants; administers the county’s housing rehabilitation and indoor plumbing programs, including fiscal oversight of payback funds;
- Supervises and manages the county’s transportation planning functions; coordinates with local, state and federal agencies to provide transportation planning on a local and regional scale;
- Reviews and provides analysis and comment for current planning applications as part of the county’s Development Review Team;
- Maintains and develops new systems and databases as necessary for long range planning functions and recordkeeping;
- Assists with budgetary development and other fiscal functions of the department;
- Assures outstanding customer service is delivered by long range planning staff to all external and internal customers;
- Seeks to improve or establish new permitting, project tracking, and case management processes, incorporating technology as appropriate;
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of planning; working knowledge of local, state and federal ordinances and regulations relating to land use, planning and zoning; skill in conducting research and analyzing data pertaining to planning issues; ability to express ideas effectively, orally and in writing; ability to prepare clear and concise reports and make oral presentations on technical information; ability to work with citizen committees; knowledge of public participation processes; ability to establish excellent working relationships with co-workers, regional planning staff, grants agencies, property owners, developers, County officials, and the general public; ability to work as part of a team and to provide appropriate leadership in a collaborative environment; ability to manage comprehensive planning projects.
TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelors degree in regional and urban planning, geography, land use, public administration or a closely related field and a minimum of three years experience working for a local, county or regional government planning agency. Experience in coordinating and managing long range planning projects. Experience in conducting research, analyzing data and preparing written reports. Experience in planning and managing public participation processes. Experience in zoning administration, subdivision and site plan review and technical report writing is desirable. Excellent public relations and communications skills are required. Masters degree and AICP certification is desirable. VDOT’s Locally Administered Projects (LAP) Qualification Program certification desirable.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND RELATED OBLIGATIONS
Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must be able to sit for long periods of time while operating a computer and telephone. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to conduct site visits and negotiate terrain with varying slopes and ground conditions, in varying weather conditions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
In general the job is performed in a climate controlled office setting. However, outdoor visits to sites with various terrains and in varying weather conditions may occur during all seasons of the year.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE
Franklin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Franklin County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with the employer.
Pay: $73,840.00 - $95,992.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
