Director of Planning

Description

Vacancy is in the Planning and Zoning Division of the Department of Development Services. Posting will remain open until sufficient applications are received . Under administrative direction, oversees the Planning and Zoning Division. Manages a multi-functional team of planners, zoning enforcement officers and other staff. Develops departmental priorities and objectives related to planning, plan review and zoning activities. Plans, organizes, and directs the day-to-day activities and operations. Develops the City's long-range comprehensive master plans, mid-range planning elements, land use planning, and special projects. Responsible for budget development and reviews for the Planning Division; coordinates the development of projects and program reports; develops and implements administrative policies, procedures, and practices. Establishes clear timelines to meet statutory deadlines and other legal requirements. Participates in and attends public events, meetings, and communicates with planning customers. Recommends action to be taken by the City of Hartford Planning Commission on the City Plan and prepares recommendations to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Historic Properties Commission. May serve as the City's spokesman with respect to Planning policies and practices. Performs related work as required. Distinguishing Characteristics This position reports to the Director of Development Services. This position works directly with Department leaders and City staff as needed. Incumbent performs and oversees the most complex planning tasks requiring a high degree of knowledge related to all areas of current and advanced planning and zoning functions. This position is in the unclassified service and incumbent is appointed and serves at the pleasure of the Mayor in accordance with Chapters IV and V of the City Charter.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Through knowledge of:

• Modern principles, practices, technical legal issues, and research methods of various phases of City planning, policy planning, zoning and urban renewal.

• Federal, state and local laws, policies, procedures, and regulations governing urban renewal, zoning and city planning.

• Complex development, land use and site plan reviews, including historic and wetlands review practices.

• Zoning, wetlands and historic preservation.

• Recent development, current literature and sources of information relating to municipal planning and administration.

• Research methods and procedures involved in assembling, analyzing and interpreting complex statistical data.

• Principles of supervision, training and performance management and evaluation.

• Budget development and administration.

• Program and policy development.

Proficiency in:

• Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize and direct a multi-faceted planning division and staff.
• Create and manage the development of databases as necessary to effectively manage division.
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports, studies, and other written materials.
• Initiate, organize, and set priorities in a team environment.
• Research, interpret and apply federal, state and local law, policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Create training materials and develop professional advancement paths for staff.
• Oversee modifications or changes to local codes, ordinances and procedures to reflect best practices.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with local, state and federal officials and the general public.
• Interact with a diverse population.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with travel to different sites. Incumbent may be required to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

Open to all applicants who meet the following qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college with major coursework in Urban Planning, Public or Business Administration, Architecture, Political Science, Law, or a closely related field and five (5) years of administrative and supervisory experience in a complex organization with a focus on urban development and City planning. Master's degree in the areas of assignments mentioned above is preferred.A Master’s Degree in Planning from an accredited college recognized by the American Institute of Planners may be substituted for part of the experience requirements. Licenses; Certifications; Special Requirements Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification desired or must be obtained within the first year of employment. A COPY OF YOUR DEGREE OR TRANSCRIPT MUST BE ATTACHED TO YOUR APPLICATION. A DEGREE OR TRANSCRIPT SUBMITTED WILL BE VERIFIED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT. HARTFORD RESIDENCY PREFERRED: A completed CITY OF HARTFORD RESIDENCY AFFIDAVIT including proof of residency as indicated on the RESIDENCY AFFIDAVIT may be submitted.