This position will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Commission’s (MPC) Development Services and Current Planning divisions. The Director role is an integral part of the MPC’s executive leadership, as such, the work of the Director will be of critical importance to other MPC Directors, elected officials, community leaders, and private sector developers. Responsible for current planning, plan and site review, City and County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), Zoning Ordinance updates. Prepares and presents staff findings, including written case reports and recommendations, Plan Reviews to the ZBA Boards, Planning Commission, and Elected officials. Works with various committees, task forces and neighborhood associations communicating with developers, designers, contractors, the public, and various governmental agencies. The ideal candidate will have skills in problem solving, multi-tasking, adapting to rapidly changing environments, negotiating, communicating, managing, mentoring, collaboration, and team building.

Essential Duties:
• Ability to read and comprehend city, county, state and federal regulations
• Ability to analyze complex problems and recommend solutions
• Ability to exhibit diplomacy and judgement when dealing with employees and the general public ( excellent internal and external customer service)
• Ability to exercise sound judgement
• Ability to train and guide others
• Ability to read and comprehend site plans, blueprints and specifications
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with the general public, City and County employees, vendors, management, contractors, and public officials to provide guidance and to explain the activities and operations of the Department.
• Prepares written documents, Council/Commission reports, studies, proposals, budget documents, letters, memos, etc.)
• Provides written and verbal directions to staff.
• Produces written documents such as policies, methods, procedures for improving productivity, and develops plans and specifications for additions or revisions to current ordinance and development related plans.
• Represents the MPC, City and/or County with other groups, agencies, boards, and committees through membership or participation in professional organizations.
• Attends meetings of the City Council and County Commission meetings and citizen’s and civic groups to make presentations regarding development, administration, and implementation.
• Reviews the work products of others to ensure compliance with departmental operating procedures, zoning ordinances, and federal, state, and local regulations.
• Provides managerial and supervisory support and staff evaluation, collaborates with the senior members of the Executive team
• Directs the day-to-day activities of the Department which includes planning, coordinating, administering, and evaluating programs, projects, processes, procedures, systems, standards and services, ensuring compliance with Federal, State and local laws, regulations and codes as well as MPC policies and procedures
• The successful candidate will perform key activities to include problem solving, managing, and executing multiple tasks, adapting to rapidly changing environments, negotiating, communication, project management, ability to manage and mentor, and collaboration and team building. Project management
• Think strategically and discern the implications of regulatory requirements and business strategies and have excellent relationship building and project management skills
• Have the collaborative style and consensus-building skills to form and nurture effective partnerships and key alliances with MPC Commission, community business leaders, elected officials, political leaders, media, the public and other stakeholders
Licenses, Certifications & Employment Standards:
• Must possess and maintain a valid class C driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in Public Administration, Urban or Regional Planning, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, with seven to ten years planning related experience; with at least three years of planning related experience within a public agency.
• Three to five years Project Management or personnel management experience
• GIS experience required, working knowledge of Esri products preferred
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred (not required)
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) preferred (not required)