Senior Planning Coordinator

Job Description

GENERAL POSITION DESCRIPTION

The position of Senior Planning Coordinator is primarily responsible for the management of planning staff activities and responsibilities for the MPC. This responsibility includes current land development planning, long range planning and GIS services. This position will report directly to the Executive Director. This position will work under moderate supervision with a high degree of latitude to exercise initiative and independent judgement.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

• Performs and manages complex and sensitive professional planning projects, research and analysis.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• Oversees specialized planning functions such as large-scale new development proposals.
• Provides overall management of planning services.
• Advises the Executive Director on all planning related matters.
• Advises various councils, boards, commissions and elected officials in planning related issues as needed.
• Serves as a liaison and performs all necessary functions in support of the Planning Commission as needed.
• Evaluates operations and activities, recommending improvements and modifications.
• Handles sensitive personnel matters.
• Provides professional planning assistance as needed in the preparation and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan
• Manages agency wide GIS analysis and services while providing GIS technical guidance to all MPC planning staff.
• Participates in Budget Preparation.
• Attends a moderate number of evening and weekend meetings.
• Performs professional work related to a variety of planning assignments.
• Provides overall supervision of the Site Plan Review Process and Pre-Application Conference
• Acts as Ex-Officio to the Historic Preservation Commission and manages MPC personnel responsible for processing HPC applications.
• Provides overall supervision of the MPC website and related online platforms..
• Manages overall staff training activities.
• Develops and refines processes related to the implementation of the Unified Development Code (UDC).
• Acts as a liaison with City and Parish departments and agencies as it relates to planning functions of the Agency which may include serving as committee or board member as determined by the Executive Director.
• Ensures timely implementation of all land development related and assigned planning projects.
• Be a creative innovator in the development of processes and procedures as it relates to Planning Activities
• Collects a variety of statistical data and prepare reports and maps on topic such as census information, land use, other publicly accessible data.
• Performs quality control review on planning activities, applications and projects.
• Identifies funding opportunities and writes grants applications for the organization.
• Identifies notable projects and initiatives and prepare award submissions for state and national recognition.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
  
  

General Qualifications

Education and Experience

The Senior Planning Coordinator requires a bachelor’s degree in planning, architecture, public administration or related field and five years of professional planning experience. Educational accreditation beyond the minimum educational requirement may be considered in lieu of the required planning experience. Combinations of education and experience equivalent with the minimum requirement (in the required fields) may be considered at the discretion of the Executive Director. Applicants that possess an AICP Certification are preferred. Experience working in a governmental entity is preferred.

Professional Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of urban planning and development and local government policies and procedures.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations including recent changes.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to municipal planning and administration.
• Knowledge of local government procedures and practices.
• Citizen involvement techniques and processes.
• Knowledge of the philosophies, practices & techniques of planning.
• Principles and practices of research and collection.
• Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations.
• Geographic imagery formats commonly used for municipal government applications.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, database management.
• General knowledge of GIS mapping software products including ESRI, ArcGIS and Autodesk, and AutoCAD map 3d.
  
  

Skills And Abilities

• Must be innovative, detail-oriented, experienced in highly visible/controversial projects.
• Capable of managing multiple, high priority assignments simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop good working relationships at various levels and to resolve complaints and conflicts.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret research data for reports and apply mathematic techniques in practical situations.
• Strong technical and creative writing skills.
• Reading comprehension to understand technical and legal materials.
• Ability to provide effective supervision and staff management.
• Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.
• Oral communication and interpersonal skills to present plans and explain planning concepts clearly to the public and public officials.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems.
• Ability to create graphic designs, development strategies and render site plans via sketches and/or computer graphics is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
• Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind.
• Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops desirable.
• Interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with elected/appointed officials or other decision makers.
• Consistently demonstrates respect, responsiveness, and professionalism towards others while providing superior service for customers.
• Works effectively with colleagues, subordinates, and supervisors from all backgrounds and levels.
• Ability to keep the Executive Director and Deputy Director well informed at all times on key issues and follow through effectively in implementing decisions and requests.
  
  

DEADLINE AND FORM OF RESPONSE

A letter of interest, resume, addressed to Stephen R. Jean, AICP will be accepted by e-mail or postal service until the position is filled. (Note: the Executive Director reserves the right to interview and make employment offers at any time during the posting period).