Director of Planning and Economic Development

POSITION: DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPEMENT

DEPARTMENT: PLANNING DEPARTMENT

REPORTS TO: MAYOR APPOINTMENT/EXECUTIVE STAFF.

Appointment runs concurrently with Mayor.

Grade/Union/Hours: Non-Union/Salaried/Full-time

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the Mayor, the Director is responsible for the operations of the Department of Planning and Community Development. With the support of the Town Planner and Planning Clerk, the Director’s duties and responsibilities include:

• Supervises the work of the Town Planner and Planning Clerk. Prepares annual Planning Department budget and assists Director of Finance with the Town's Capital Budget. Supervises the preparing of grant proposals and administration of grants
• Generates proposals, recommendations and technical advice to the Planning Board and Town Council, including organizing documentation and presenting analysis. Areas of responsibility include: proposals for development/redevelopment; project status reports, policy and economic development initiatives; rezoning of land; making projections relating to the impacts of development or regulatory changes on Town resources; purchasing or disposal of Town land and property; and interpreting the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.
• Serves as the Town’s Administrative Officer, coordinating the Town’s land development process. Reviews and approves administrative subdivisions, minor subdivisions and land development application, and convenes the Technical Review Committee to review Major Land Development projects.
• Coordinates with the Public Works Director, Building Official, Water Director, Fire Chief, Recreation Director, Solicitor and Office of the Mayor on review of land use planning, development and management of projects. Consults on zoning and building matters as required.
• Drafts ordinances and regulations, amendments to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, and Conservation and Management Plans and strategic plans.
• Research and compose issue descriptions, analysis and recommendations. Must demonstrate objectivity, accuracy and specificity. Advocates for thoughtful, long-term land use and policy best practices.
• Areas of expertise for which the Planning Director is to be able to engage: zoning, land development regulations, stormwater runoff, historic preservation, Community Development Block Grant programs, housing, recreational development, streetscape design, project management, transportation planning, US Census data, Natural Hazard Mitigation and Recovery, energy development; adaptive re-use of historic mills.
• Works closely and cooperatively with public and private technical staff, coordinating with such agencies as the Department of Environmental Management, Division of Statewide Planning the Department of Transportation, and the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission; as well as staff from fellow municipalities and Federal agencies, as needed
• Provides administrative support and recommendations to the Cumberland Historic District Commission. Provides assistance to Cumberland Land Trust in the acquisition of open space and critical resource areas. As requested, provides support to the Cumberland Conservation Commission.

· Six (6) years of experience in a planning office, two (2) of which may be substituted by a Master's Degree in Planning or a related area. Two (2) years of experience as a Department Head or Program Director

• Membership in good standing with the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Certified Planners is preferred.
• Adept at troubleshooting and problem solving utilizing excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to make public presentations to large and small groups
• Must have valid drivers’ license for local and out of town meetings and site visits
• Experience managing both people and multi-faceted projects effectively

COMPENSATION

SALARY RANGE: $87,100 - 113,230

ADA/AA/EOE EMPLOYER

Pay: $87,100.00 - $113,230.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Salary : $87,100 - $113,230