Director of Planning and Growth Management

• Plans, directs, controls, and coordinates diverse work programs involved in managing the department.  Establishes and monitors controls to evaluate performance in meeting program and County goals and objectives; takes appropriate actions to correct performance and to adjust programs to meet requirements.
• Manages positions and personnel to make best use of employees; selects employees and develops their capabilities; plans for succession of key personnel; counsel’s employees and administers discipline; handles human resource matters in accordance with agency policy and procedures.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates long-term and short-term strategic plans, goals and objectives for the department; approves work methods and procedures; reports on overall progress and effectiveness of programs.
• Plans and uses resources economically; prepares accurate budgets and monitors expenditures.   Develops informational resources and ensures their appropriate use.  Ensures efficient maintenance and operation of physical facilities and equipment.
• Establishes and maintains effective means of coordinating plans and schedules with other County departments and external organizations; takes appropriate actions to maintain effective coordination in the event of delays and other problems; ensures that unit activities do not conflict with organization goals.
• Develops plans to meet unexpected situations, new developments and changes in programs; prepares for emergencies; understands the factors and conditions affecting programs and recommends appropriate responses when these change.
• Directs preparation of management reports; develops and presents conclusions and recommendations.
• Communicates understanding and support of organization goals and programs through actions and spoken and written words; interacts effectively with individuals and groups at all levels; maintains ties with external organizations; keeps all interested and involved parties informed of matters requiring their attention.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable policies, rules, regulations and laws; stays abreast of legal, regulatory and policy developments affecting areas of responsibility; enforces legal and regulatory requirements impartially.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned. 
• Serves as the Zoning Officer for Charles County. Reviews staff recommendations and reports in making Zoning Officer determinations. 
• Conduct department staff meetings as needed; attend management and professional meetings and seminars as required.
• Respond to public inquiries as needed; investigate and resolve complaints or refer to appropriate parties.
• Attend community meetings as required, often outside of regular working hours.
• Ensures implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Acts as a liaison between Federal, State, and Local Governmental agencies whose policies, laws, regulations, and directives impact departmental and County activities, operations, projects and programs.  
• Establishes, reviews, and approves standard operational procedures. Reviews and evaluates new or existing industry standards, codes, regulations, and practices to develop procedures. Designs procedures to ensure work performed by employees and contractors is completed in a safe, efficient, quality, and cost-effective manner and complies with applicable codes, standards, regulations, and contracts. 
• Seeks opportunities to motivate employees and demonstrate, develop, or enhance employee skills and competencies. Plans for succession of key personnel.
• Presents and recommends actions on a broad range of policies, procedures, operations, programs, services, activities, and projects to the Board of County Commissioners.  Prepares or reviews other oral and written presentations as needed or requested.
• Interacts and coordinates communication with citizens, customers, developers, engineers, contractors, regulatory or oversight agencies, County departments or divisions, and other agencies or parties in response to requests for information, to explain work requirements, or to provide guidance. Keeps all interested and involved parties informed and implements appropriate actions to maintain effective communication and coordination in the event of delays or other problems. 
• Monitors results and takes appropriate actions or make adjustments to improve results when needed. Reports on overall progress and results as required or requested. 
• Participates in the Executive Leadership Team and assists in the development and execution of the Commissioner goals and objectives.
• Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload.
• May serve as a board member on the Resilience Authority of Charles County and/or other boards and commissions as assigned.
• Performs special projects as assigned.

Master's degree in Planning, Business Administration, Management, Architecture, Engineering or related field. Ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience with a minimum of three (3) years in a senior level position, or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training.

Licenses or Certifications:
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Certified AICP, Professional Engineer or any other professional designation related to planning, engineering, management, leadership is preferred. 
 

Special Requirements/Qualifications:
Subject to work beyond the normal scheduled hours of work.
This position is required to receive climate competency training level 2. 
 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of principles and practices as applied to the responsibilities of the department.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and County land use and environmental law, regulations, standards, and principles of land use development.
• Knowledge of permitting and inspection activities relating to planning, development review, land use, and building.
• Knowledge of administrative practices and procedures as applied to the operations of a large and diverse department.
• Knowledge of management principles and practices as applied to budgeting, personnel, purchasing and related operations.
• Knowledge of county policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of customer service and quality standards.
• Ability to plan, organize and direct the operations of the department.
• Ability to provide advice, estimates, projections, options and proposals to the board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator and County staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others encountered in the work.
• Ability to direct the work of professional, technical and support staff.
• Ability to create and support a proactive and positive attitude to lead, motivate, develop, and direct employees.
• Ability to read, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to set, prioritize, and achieve goals.
• Ability to effectively manage conflict and resolve disputes.
• Ability to work independently with little direction.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. 
• Skills to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions.

Additional Information

The work is sedentary with frequent periods of light physical activity and is performed in office surroundings.   Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 20 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards.  The work requires the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Principal duties of this job are performed in a general office environment.

Department/Division:     Planning and Growth Management/Administration

Pay Grade:                          123

FLSA Status:                       Exempt

Telework Eligible:              Yes     

Reports to:                          County Administrator

Supervises:                         Deputy Director(s), Chief of Transit, Property Acquisition Officer, and Assistant to the Director