Deputy Director of Development

About the Role

The Deputy Director of Development is a professional position responsible for assisting the Director of Development in administering the Township's zoning, subdivision and land development, permitting, and public meeting processes. This role performs advanced professional work involving coordination of development applications, ordinance administration, zoning and planning initiatives, permitting, and interdepartmental project management. The Deputy Director may act on behalf of the Director when assigned or in the Director's absence. Sound judgment, professionalism, political awareness, excellent customer service, and the ability to build trust with elected officials, residents, and the development community are critically important. The position is classified as salaried and exempt from overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

It is expected the Deputy Director of Development will achieve the designation of Alternate Zoning Officer and the certification of Building Code Official within six months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for residents, developers, engineers, attorneys, contractors, and public agencies; coordinate application processing and project tracking; ensure statutory deadlines are met; and manage projects.
• Land Development
  • Assist in administering the Township's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) and applicable provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
  • Coordinate and assist with technical review of development applications with Township departments, consultants, utilities, county agencies, and outside regulatory agencies.
  • Assist with management of assigned subdivision, land development, conditional use, and related applications from pre-application meetings through final approvals.
  • Help prepare written staff reports, recommendations, resolutions, ordinances, and correspondence for the Planning Commission, Board of Commissioners, and other boards or committees.
  • Meet with developers, engineers, architects, attorneys, residents, and business owners to explain Township requirements and facilitate development projects.
  • Serve as Acting Director of Development during the Director's absence.
• Zoning & Permitting
  • Assist with administration of the Township’s Zoning Ordinance, interpretation of ordinances, enforcement coordination, and code-related research.
  • Assist with and complete the review of residential and non-residential permit applications.
  • Research, draft, and recommend amendments to development regulations and planning documents to improve zoning and permitting compliance.
  • Develop and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, residents, developers, consultants, and governmental agencies.
  • Prepare presentations and communicate technical information clearly during public meetings.
  • Perform administrative and supervisory duties as assigned.
  • Serve as Alternate Zoning Officer during the Director’s or the Zoning Officer’s absence or as assigned.
• Boards and Commissions
  • Assist with preparing Planning Commission packets.
  • Assist with preparing Zoning Hearing Board packets.
  • Coordinate Board of Commissioners mailings and agenda materials.
  • Coordinate required legal advertisements and public notices.
  • Attend Planning Commission meetings and Zoning Hearing Board meetings and hearings.
• Department Support
  • Serve as backup to Permit Clerks & Coordinators.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of municipal planning, zoning, land development, and local government administration.
• Working knowledge of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Sunshine Act, Right-to-Know Law, and related statutes.
• Ability to interpret Township ordinances, policies, and administrative procedures.
• Ability to analyze complex development proposals and recommend practical solutions.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; GIS and permitting software experience desirable.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Public Administration, Urban Studies, Geography, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• A minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning, zoning, community development, or related public-sector work.
• Experience presenting before municipal boards and elected officials.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver's license.

Certifications at time of hire are welcome but not required. The selected candidate must obtain designation of Alternate Zoning Officer and Building Code Official certification within six months of employment, unless extended by the Township.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to talk and hear; use hands or fingers to handle and feel; frequently use the telephone and computer while communicating with internal and external customers.
• Requires manual dexterity and visual acuity to operate a personal computer and other standard office equipment.
• May sit for several hours each day but will also need mobility and the ability to stand and walk continuously for long periods of time.
• May seldom lift, push, or pull up to 25-100 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work area will encompass a wide variety of settings including administrative duties in an office setting.