Planning and Development Director
Hall County, GA
Salary: $125,000—$140,000, DOQ
Closing Date: January 20, 2022
Overview
If there is such a thing as the perfect place to make a living and raise a family, Gainesville-Hall County ranks high on the list. Bordered by Lake Sidney Lanier and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the sheer beauty of the landscape inspires families to grow and thrive while the flourishing economic environment attracts shopping, medical, financial and educational institutions that are second to none, an ideal balance. Hall County is the epicenter of an aggressive economic environment in Northeast Georgia. Gainesville, the county seat, is a bustling city of more than 41, 464 people. Located 50 miles northeast of Atlanta and 35 miles northwest of Athens. Hall County has 1520 full-time and approximately 320 part-time employees.
Job Summary
Hall County seeks a professional Planning and Development Director who is a team player and has a proven record successfully leading planning and zoning functions within a public/governmental agency/organization. The ideal candidate will be an innovative thinker who can articulate a clear vision and develop a culture, within the Planning Department, that embraces emerging trends and planning best practices. The new director must be able to demonstrate effective performance through clear, concise communication; collaboration; proper allocation and utilization of resources; sound impartial decision-making and personal accountability. The director must have a thorough understanding and knowledge of planning, zoning, and land use principles, including the interpretation and implementation of laws, codes, rules, and regulations. In addition, the director should be skilled in providing positive, solutions-oriented, and effective recommendations for development and redevelopment to meet the needs of the community. The ability to identify and implement new and innovative approaches to cultural changes within a department is an important qualification expected of the new director. This position requires promoting a culture of teamwork by treating coworkers, stakeholders, and developers with respect and dignity and must have outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with diverse groups. The “ideal” Planning and Development Director will be an excellent communicator who has a collaborative and informative management style. Candidates should possess highly developed interpersonal and active listening skills, as well as the ability to build trust with the County Administrator, Elected Officials, Constitutional Officers, County employees and the general public.
Find out details about the position by reviewing the recruitment brochure at www.mercergroupassociates.com
Job Responsibilities
– Answers the telephone; provides accurate information to callers and/or forwards calls to appropriate personnel; takes messages as needed; greets and assists office visitors;
– Takes initiative to problem solve and find answers to questions from the public and staff;
– Provides clerical support to the Board of Zoning Appeals; to include the preparation of meeting agendas and packets, typing correspondence, preparing legal advertisements, taking meeting minutes, as requested, etc.;
– Assists customers in applying for permits; explains permitting procedures, and reviews submitted information for accuracy and completeness; may perform initial analysis of zoning cases and prepare drafts of staff comments and recommendations for Board review;
– Processes and issues zoning permits;
– Reviews commercial and residential projects;
– Enters permit information into the computer software and completes necessary paperwork; maintains permit records and files;
– Performs routine clerical work, including but not limited to typing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, entering and retrieving computer data, processing daily mail, ordering office supplies, etc.;
– Receives and responds to public / customer inquiries, requests for assistance and complaints regarding department policies and procedures;
– Attends training, meetings, seminars and/or workshops to enhance job knowledge and skills; and
– Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
· A bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, business administration or related degree from an accredited university is required. A master’s degree is preferred.
· A minimum of five years of progressive responsibility, including supervisory and/or management experience, in urban/regional planning, community development, economic development, or zoning/code enforcement or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job is required.
· AICP or other planning/development certifications are desired and will be noted during the vetting process as an indication of commitment to continued professional development.
· Five years supervisory experience is required.
Compensation & Benefits:
The starting salary for this position DOQ (depending on qualifications) and is expected to be in the range of $125,000—$140,000 with a very comprehensive benefits package including: A comprehensive benefits package includes: Health, dental and vision insurance, 457 Deferred Comp and 401(a) Retirement Plans, Paid Time Off, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, as well as a comprehensive wellness program and family health center. Relocation assistance is negotiable.
Interested candidates must submit by email a cover letter, resume, salary history, and (5) five job related references (with phone numbers and email addresses), not later than January 20, 2022 to: Lisa Ward, Senior Associate, Mercer Group Associates at lisaward912@gmail.com. Please direct any questions to Lisa Ward at 706-983-9326.
