Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development

CLASS TITLE:  Deputy Director of Planning & Community Development

 

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

 

PURPOSE OF THE CLASSIFICATION:   

Assists the Director of Planning & Community Development in the development and implementation of departmental plans, programs, budgets, policies, and initiatives.  This position will be assisting in the management of the City’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and administering grants, including those related to the Certified Local Governments (CLG) Program.  The Deputy Director also represents the department in the community and may act as Director in their absence.

 

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

• Plans, organizes, and manages specific projects aligned with departmental goals.

• Serves as an ex-officio member of the City of Muskogee Historic Preservation Commission. 
• Administers the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program from the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office. 
• Acts as the liaison to the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office on behalf of the City of Muskogee.
• Actively conducts field research for Certificate of Appropriateness and Historic Designation applications, prepares staff reports, agenda items, and other reports as necessary for the Historic Preservation Commission meetings. 
• Serves on community committees and boards on the topic of Historic Preservation as the liaison for the City. 
• Researches, prepares, submits, and administers grants for the purposes of Historic Preservation and other programs as assigned.
• Assists in preparing staff reports, ordinances, resolutions and other reports as necessary for the planning related boards and commissions.
• Assists in creating, reviewing, and administering mapping projects for the City’s GIS, communicating with multiple departments across the city to collect pertinent information for the system. 
• Interfaces with other partners and governments to share and gather information for GIS systems. 
• Assists in updating city maps after approved applications that affect lot or city boundaries and/or land use. 
• Completes tasks related to short-range and long-range planning as assigned by the director. 
• Assists in plan review of blueprints and surveys that need Planning’s approval before permits are issued.
• Assists in compiling the monthly department report to submit to the Communications Manager for publication.
• Attends Public Works and Council Meetings with the Director each month, and presents any agenda items the department has in the absence of the Director.
• Actively attends public functions with the Director of Planning giving the Planning Department a face within the community.
• Serves as the Acting Director of Planning & Community Development in the Director’s absence as assigned. 

• Researches and resolves customer complaints and answers inquiries from the public.
• Gives presentations to a variety of individuals or groups.
• Operates standard office equipment and software, with proficiency in Microsoft Office, ArcGIS Pro, and Adobe Acrobat.

• Performs other work as necessary and or as assigned reporting to work on a regular and timely basis.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. 

 

 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

The Deputy Director of Planning & Community Development reports directly to the Director of Planning & Community Development.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience:  Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Urban Design, Regional & City Planning, Public Administration, Government, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or other related degree. Minimum of four (4) years’ experience in customer service, planning, and/or administration/compliance of local, state, and/or federal regulations. Specific experience in GIS, work at the municipal level, highly detailed research skills, grant writing and administration, and group leadership skills are preferred, or any combination of experience and education.  Applicants with relevant planning experience or experience in municipal or governmental settings may substitute a combination of their experience and certifications for the required education. 

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:  

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban planning, community and economic development;
• Knowledge of the economic, social and physical needs of an urban community;
• Knowledge of historic preservation practices;
• Knowledge of the federal grant process and procedures;
• Knowledge of computers and electronic data processing;
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures;
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to understand, interpret, explain and apply laws, regulations, ordinances and policies;
• Skills in establishing and maintaining professional and effective relationships with City staff, community leaders, organizations and the general public while acting with tact and diplomacy;
• Skills in high level, detailed research.
• Skills in GIS data processing and map creation;

Applicant should be a Certified CDBG Administrator or have the ability to become an administrator within two years of employment. 

An American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or AICP Candidate designation is preferred, but not required. 

Physical Requirements:  The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.  On a case-by-case basis, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, arm and hand steadiness and finger dexterity will be needed enough to use a keyboard and telephone.  Occasional walking, standing, lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to twenty (20) pounds; reaching, balancing, stooping, handling and climbing are required.   Vision, speech and hearing sufficient to perform essential tasks.  Punctuality and reasonable attendance is essential.  Must submit to drug screening and fitness to work physical exam.

 

Licenses and Certificates:  Possession of a valid Oklahoma Class D driver’s license is required. 

 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:  Working environment is primarily indoors in an office setting; requires some travel to various city locations to conduct field studies.

WORK HOURS:  8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.