Planning & Development Director

About the role

Welcome home to Louisburg, Kansas, a close-knit, close-to-everything community of about 5,000 just 20 minutes south of the KC metro area. With Overland Park, Kansas, knocking at our door to the north, we are looking for a Planning and Development Director to encourage and manage future growth in this Miami County, Kansas, community.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates planning efforts on behalf of the City;
• Oversees both existing and new plans;
• Develops metrics and tracks metrics for the purpose of reporting goals and objectives progress on a regular basis;
• Draft regulations pertaining to land use and development;
• Gather and analyze data from market research, census and economic and environmental studies;
• Conduct field investigations to analyze factors affecting community development/decline, including land use;
• Assess the feasibility of development proposals and site plans and identify for approval or denial;
• Assists in the management of the city’s current infrastructure and urban resources;
• Acts as additional contact for communications between the city and the general public, development groups, builders, investors, etc.;
• Plans, directs, coordinates and reviews required work plans for current, long range and special planning projects;
• Conducts planning studies;
• Covers with City and regional boards and commissions for design and implementation of plans and planning efforts;
• Advise the Council and City Administrator of all possible grants or other opportunities that may benefit the City;
• Aids in the preparation of all forms authorized or required by the State or Federal government;
• Acts as permit coordinator for all building and sign permits;
• Manages all department equipment and resources, has authority to purchase necessary equipment and supplies, and assists in the preparation of the city’s annual budget;
• Assists other departments as the need arises;
• Works closely with Public Works employees concerning utility questions and functions of new and existing projects;
• Oversees the recruitment, employment, evaluation and release of staff with approval from the City Council;
• Oversees Planning & Zoning Coordinator in reviewing and preparing reports for a variety of boards, commissions and committees, including the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Convention & Tourism Committee, and City Council;
• Answers phone calls and emails regarding development proposals, permit questions, and other property / planning questions;
• Prepares and oversees budget, code department invoices and statements for line-item budget accounting;
• Monthly and annual reports of master plan progress and goal setting for out year planning and budget considerations.

Requirements

• A master’s degree from an accredited university in communications, planning, or other closely related field is required. A bachelor’s degree combined with 7+ years of experience may be substituted for a master’s degree.
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in communications, planning or closely related field is required.
• AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification is preferred, APA (American Planning Association) membership is required.
• The employee must be able to accurately prepare reports, memos, and other documents; to interpret data; anticipate problems; and read and interpret written instructions.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and prioritizing skills are required.
• Must possess a high level of computer skills with advanced knowledge of various computer systems, telephone systems and other office equipment.
• Must possess the ability to learn and adapt to new situations is necessary.
• Must possess the ability to interpret data, ordinances, agendas and other written instructions.
• Must demonstrate advanced public relations, organizational, oral and written communication skills.
• Must possess the ability to communicate clearly and professionally through both verbal and written skills with customers in English.
• Must possess the ability to organize, multi-task, plan and set priorities to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Must possess the ability to pay close attention to detail and to make reliable and prompt decisions using available information.
• Must possess the ability to effectively work with both staff and citizens.
• Must demonstrate good work habits, maintain a professional appearance and attitude and follow policies and procedures.
• Must project a friendly, courteous, patient and professional image at all times, even under adverse conditions.
• Must demonstrate poise, tact and diplomacy with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and situations.

Qualifications

• Must possess the ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Must possess the ability to read computer screens and email, mail and talk on the phone.
• Must possess the ability to lift up to ten (10) to fifteen (15) pounds. On occasion may need to lift heavier items.

Skills

• Excellent organizational, time management, and prioritizing skills.
• Advanced computer skills with knowledge of various computer systems, telephone systems and other office equipment.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new situations.
• Ability to interpret data, ordinances, agendas and other written instructions.
• Advanced public relations, organizational, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally through both verbal and written skills with customers in English.
• Ability to organize, multi-task, plan and set priorities to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail and to make reliable and prompt decisions using available information.
• Ability to effectively work with both staff and citizens.
• Good work habits, professional appearance and attitude.
• Poise, tact and diplomacy with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and situations.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

$75,000-$85,000/year, based on experience.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and as needed.