JOB SUMMARY:

This is a senior level administrative position with the City of Frederick, Maryland, responsible for managing all areas of the Planning Department. The successful candidate supervises the administration of the City's planning, zoning, subdivision, forest conservation, and historic preservation activities. The Director of Planning, Zoning, and Development Review provides staff support to the Mayor, Board of Aldermen, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Historic Preservation Commission, reviewing development proposals and making recommendations as to compliance with federal, state, and local land use laws. This individual provides expert urban planning counsel to the City Administration and departments, promoting the best application of planning principles and methods. Supervision and direction are given to a diverse employment group of professional, paraprofessional, technical, and office support staff. This is an appointed position that serves at the pleasure of the Mayor, with advice and consent of the Board of Aldermen. This is a highly visible position with regular hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and frequent work required after hours to attend public and community meetings.

• Coordinates the operations of the Divisions of Current Planning and Comprehensive Planning and Urban Design, including the Transportation Planner and the Zoning Administrator.
• Manages the Planning Department's overall operation, including development of work programs, preparation of the annual budget, and administration of personnel matters.
• Responsible for the preparation, maintenance, and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Responsible for establishing, maintaining, and interpreting the City's land development regulations, including the zoning, subdivision, and forest conservation ordinances and the Frederick Town Historic District Guidelines, and when necessary, rendering determinations on how the Land Management Code should be applied to specific inquiries.
• Monitors Planning Department expenditure from allocated funds, and assures conformance with the City's budgeting, accounting, and procurement procedures.
• Maintains national, state, and regional liaison and legislative review.
• Provides staff support and technical advice to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, and other City boards, commissions, councils, task forces, and appointed ad hoc groups, as appropriate, on planning and related matters.
• Supervises the Planning Department's professional review of development applications, including the management of department resources to ensure thorough assessment of all proposals.
• Confers with community stakeholders, including the public, civic organizations, architects, engineers, developers, and contractors, in the planning and development of projects.
• Coordinates the preparation of plans, studies and research as directed by the Mayor, and as approved or recommended by the Board of Aldermen, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Historic Preservation Commission.
• Formulates municipal policy alternatives relating to physical, economic, and social development of the community for consideration by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.
• Promotes the professional development and training of the Planning Department staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning or a related field plus ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning, which includes three (3) years of management duties in a closely related field is required, or a combination of education and experience demonstrating the ability to perform essential duties.

• Vehicle Operator's license with satisfactory driving record that meets insurability standards of the City's insurance carrier is required. The employee must maintain the license for the duration of their employment.

• Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and county legislation as it pertains to planning and zoning, as well as theories, principles and practices of governmental planning and zoning
• Considerable knowledge and experience in budget preparation and fiscal management.
• Knowledge of basic computer software is required, with familiarity of the Microsoft Suite of products. Access, ARC view and GIS systems knowledge is desirable.
• Strong and effective written and spoken communication skills including the ability to effectively and clearly present complicated information to officials, peer groups, and citizen groups.
• Ability to effectively supervise, direct, and evaluate the performance of staff members.
• Ability to research issues, analyze data, and effectively write reports and plans for presentation to elected officials, citizen boards, and the general public.
• Ability to interact with the general public and to respond to inquiries, by phone and walk-ins, concerning all aspects of the Planning Department and City government.

OTHER DESIRABLES:

• Experience in similar local jurisdictions.
• Ability for varied working hours as needed, including evenings and other special meetings as needed.