Director of Planning & Economic Development

...

Van Buren Township, MI

Van Buren Township

<p><strong>Human Resources instrumentally progresses the Township culturally and competitively to create a modern form of municipal government by developing expert knowledge of HR trends. From four-day work&nbsp;<span class="bx-messenger-ajax bx-messenger-ajax-black" data-entity="date" data-messageid="139446" data-ts="1675951200">weeks</span>&nbsp;(4DWW&rsquo;s) to mitigating unconscious bias in employment decisions and talent practices, we create redefining engagement. Always fostering a diverse representation and inclusive environment within our teams promoting true equality.</strong></p> https://www.vanburen-mi.org/

keywords: position summary,position details,oversee,zoning,variance requests,site plans,economic development,counsel and advise,project management,prepare reports,safety,networking,required knowledge,required abilities,education,experience,work environment,physical abilities

Full Time

$85,000 to $90,000 DOQ

Overview: <p class="p1"><strong>Salary Range: $85,000 to $90,000 DOQ<br /></strong></p> <p class="p1"><strong>Excellent Benefit Package: Employer Paid %</strong></p> <ul> <li class="p2">Healthy Habits- Free Onsite Gym Benefits</li> <li class="p1">4 Day Work Week Mon-Thurs</li> <li class="p3">The Blues of Michigan Medical/Dental (90%)</li> <li class="p3">Vision (100%)</li> <li class="p3">Defined Contribution (12%), Vested after First Contribution</li> <li class="p3">Life Insurance $100,000 (100%)</li> <li class="p3">Generous PTO Banks</li> <li class="p3">Education Tuition Assistant Plan</li> <li class="p3">HCSP of $2500 annually (After 2080 hours of employment</li> <li>The Charter Township of Van Buren is an equal-opportunity employer.</li> </ul> <p class="p1">This is administrative division head directing the activities of the Van Buren Township Planning &amp; Economic Development Division. As Director, the employee is responsible for overall direction and management of the division and performs professional and administrative work in planning, reviewing, organizing and coordinating development activities. This position also oversees building code enforcement and staff in coordination with the Public Services Director, the Township Engineer, Township Supervisor and other department heads and consultants. Additionally, the Director oversees contract and Township employees responsible for planning and development related operations to protect the health and safety of the public. Significant emphasis is placed on maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of operations. Although general direction is received from the Public Services Director, the duties and responsibilities require considerable independent judgment and initiative. Interacts in a consistently pleasant and helpful manner with fellow employees, visitors and residents of the Charter Township of Van Buren, and demonstrates the highest standards of internal and external customer service.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>
Responsibilities: <ul class="ul1"> <li class="li1">Oversees the administrative functions of the Planning &amp; Economic Development Division including; personnel, budgeting, financial, and general administration.</li> <li class="li1">Oversees all planning and zoning functions of the Township.</li> <li class="li1">Oversees the Township&rsquo;s building department.</li> <li class="li1">Jointly oversees the Township&rsquo;s condemnation and demolition activities.</li> <li class="li1">Acts as Zoning Administrator for the Township and is responsible for the administration and enforcement of applicable local ordinances and State laws.</li> <li class="li1">Provides staff support for the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Local Development Finance Authority, Township Board of Trustees, and attends other meetings as may be required.</li> <li class="li1">Receives and processes variance requests, land division requests (in coordination with Assessing Dept.), and development plans; prepares case files and is responsible for publication notices and notifying property owners, as necessary; makes recommendations to Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Local Development Finance Authority and Township Board based on professional planning principles and the comments of other reviewing agencies.</li> <li class="li1">Acts as coordinator of the site plan review and building plan review processes which involve external agencies, departments, and consultants.</li> <li class="li1">May conduct site plan reviews, variance reviews, or any other necessary reviews of planning/zoning applications.</li> <li class="li1">Develops and implements, with direction from leadership, the Township&rsquo;s economic development strategies.</li> <li class="li1">Serves as a liaison to economic development entities at the state, regional, and local level.</li> <li class="li1">Counsels and advises the Township Board, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Local Development Finance Authority, planning consultants, architects, engineers, contractors, developers, realtors, property owners, and the general public on planning and zoning matters; represents Township in legal actions involving zoning ordinance violations.</li> <li class="li1">Recommends priorities, develops new policies and procedures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations; reviews major changes and problems with the Public Services Director.</li> <li class="li1">Ensures quality and compliance with policies, regulations, ordinances, best practices and current planning standards.</li> <li class="li1">Performs Project Management, writes RFP&rsquo;s, and prepares presentations at public hearings and meetings.</li> <li class="li1">Maintains records and reports in compliance with State and local regulations and other applicable laws.</li> <li class="li1">May draft or oversee the development of ordinances, ordinance amendments, or resolutions.</li> <li class="li1">May prepare reports, studies, presentations, or publications as directed by the applicable boards and commissions.</li> <li class="li1">Enforces safety rules and regulations and ensures proper training of personnel.</li> <li class="li1">Supervises and coordinates the resolution of complaints.</li> <li class="li2">Keeps abreast of professional developments, new administrative techniques, legal issues and other current events.</li> <li class="li2">Works with development of the Township's Geographic Information System, as it relates to divisional operations.</li> <li class="li1">Maintains effective networking relationships with peers and other colleagues in and outside the Township.</li> <li class="li1">Maintains effective working relationships with township officials, employees and the general public.</li> <li class="li1">Represents the Township interests at various commissions, committees and other industry related events and activities.</li> <li class="li1">Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.</li> <li class="li1">Drives personal or township vehicle as required.</li> <li class="li1"></li> </ul> <p class="p3">The above list of job requirements, duties and responsibilities, physical abilities and other abilities are meant to be representative only and not all encompassing.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>The Township reserves the right to add to, delete from, change and/or amend the requirements, duties and responsibilities, physical abilities, and other abilities herein above set forth at any time and without prior notice.</p>
Requirements: <p class="p1">The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of the position.</p> <ul class="ul1"> <li class="li1">Considerable knowledge of municipal planning, zoning, and building/construction codes.</li> <li class="li3">Extensive knowledge of the policies, procedures, required for effective operation of divisional operations.</li> <li class="li3">Considerable knowledge of data processing and other technologies as related to divisional operations.</li> <li class="li3">Considerable knowledge of the basic principles of organization and management.</li> <li class="li3">Ability to effectively organize and direct divisional activities and to analyze and resolve problems.</li> <li class="li3">Ability to communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds</li> <li class="li3">Possession of a valid State of Michigan Driver&rsquo;s license</li> <li class="li3">Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field.</li> <li class="li3">Minimum of five years&rsquo; experience in planning, building, or economic development in a municipal environment is required.</li> </ul> <p class="p1"><span class="s2"><strong>PREFERRED ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:</strong></span></p> <ul class="ul1"> <li class="li1">Graduation from an accredited college with a Master&rsquo;s degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field.</li> <li class="li1">AICP certification is highly desired.</li> <li class="li1">Prior experience as a department or division director in a local governmental organization.</li> <li class="li1">Prior supervisory experience</li> </ul> <p class="p1"><span class="s2"><strong>Physical Abilities and Work Environment<br /></strong></span>The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.</p> <p class="p5"><span class="s2"><strong>Environment</strong></span>: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with some travel to different sites; when visiting parks or construction sites the incumbent may be required to walk on uneven and slippery surfaces, be exposed to all weather conditions, dust and pollen, and mechanical hazards such as construction equipment; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends and may be required to travel outside Township boundaries to attend meetings.</p> <p class="p5"><span class="s2"><strong>Physical</strong></span>: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.</p> <p class="p4"><span class="s2"><strong>Vision</strong></span>: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. <span class="s2"><strong>Hearing:</strong></span> Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.</p>