Category: 
Job


Location: Gastonia, NC

Planning Director

Salary: $92,164.80 - $150,363.20 Annually

Closing: 9/16/2024

Description
Are you a visionary leader with a passion for urban planning and community development? The City of Gastonia is seeking a dynamic and experienced Planning Director to join our team. Gastonia is poised for significant growth and transformation. We invite you to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our vibrant city, ensuring sustainable development, enhancing the quality of life for our residents, and attracting new businesses and visitors.

This positon will perform complex professional and administrative work planning, directing and supervising current and long range planning functions, historic districts and other design review processes, geographic information systems and community visualization techniques, maintaining files and records and preparing reports; does related work as required. Work involves setting policies and goals under the direction of the City Manager. Department supervision is exercised over all personnel within the department.

Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership and direction to the planning department staff, ensuring effective team performance; Conduct regular staff meetings, performance evaluations, and provide professional development opportunities. Work to provide exceptional customer service and working with development community for positive outcomes.
  • Develop and implement long-term planning strategies and policies in alignment with city goals; Oversee code enforcement, creation and updating of comprehensive plans, zoning regulations, and land use policies.
  • Manage and oversee planning projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget: Coordinate with other city departments, agencies, and stakeholders on planning initiatives.
  • Ensure all planning activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations; Interpret and enforce zoning ordinances, land use regulations, and development codes.
  • Conduct public hearings, community meetings, and presentations to inform and engage the public on planning matters; Address public inquiries and concerns regarding planning and development issues; Serves as liaison and performs all necessary functions in support of the Planning Commission, Historic District Commission and Board of Adjustment;
  • Analyze demographic, economic, and environmental data to inform planning decisions; Prepare and present detailed reports and recommendations to city officials, boards, and commissions.
  • Develop and manage the department's budget, ensuring efficient use of resources; Secure funding and grants for planning projects and initiatives.
  • Collaborate with other city departments to ensure cohesive and integrated planning efforts; Provide technical assistance and guidance to other departments and staff on planning-related matters.
  • Develop, review, and update city planning policies and procedures; Advise city officials on planning-related policies and legislative matters; Advises City Council on planning-related issues
  • Mentor and train planning staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth; Ensure staff are up-to-date with the latest planning trends, technologies, and best practices.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
  • Minimum of 10 years’ progressive experience in urban planning
  • Or related field and extensive experience in urban planning including extensive supervisory experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

  • AICP certification and/or Congress for New Urbanism (CNU) accreditation is required or must be obtain within 12 months of hire
  • Complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) IS-700, IS-100, IS-200, IS- 300, and IS-400 training within twelve months of hire.
  • Valid driver’s license

How to Apply
Apply online at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/gastonianc/jobs/4603962/planning-director