Position Description

The City of Inver Grove Heights seeks an experienced Planning Manager to oversee its Planning Division. The Planning Manager is responsible for long range comprehensive planning and current physical development planning activities of the City. The Planning Manager shall serve as a strategic partner to the Community Development Director, City Administrator, City Council, Economic Development Authority, and Planning Commission related to the development and implementation of City policies, strategic priorities and goals. The incumbent shall perform those duties through successful implementation of policies, procedures and process in collaboration with assigned staff and other City staff, and external partners and stakeholders. This position has Direct Supervision over the following positions: Senior Planner, Associate or Assistant Planner. The hiring range for the position is $105,144 to $123,448/yr., plus excellent benefits. Full salary range is $105,144 to $133,557/yr.

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• Develops and implements policies and procedures; leads process improvement efforts to leverage opportunities for continued improvement and sustained efficiencies to the essential systems, services and outcomes of the Planning Division and larger department.
• Formulates and recommends policies and procedures to guide development, growth and other land use issues consistent with the goals and priorities of the City Council.
• Directs and participates in advanced, highly complex professional land use planning activities.
• Facilitates the development, implementation and maintenance of current and long-range community plans and development policies.
• Performs and manages complex and sensitive professional planning projects, research and analysis.
• Oversees the issuance of land use decisions.
• Provides leadership to the Planning Division. Directs and assists planning staff with the research and analysis of land use, zoning and development issues and requests, and preparation of staff reports and presentation of those reports to the Planning Commission, City Council and other commissions and advisory boards.
• Supervises the day-to-day operations of the Planning Division. Participates in the recruitment and selection of division staff. Assigns work, provides training and support, resolves issues and evaluates performance of assigned staff. Recognizes and rewards quality performance and takes appropriate steps to correct poor performance. Holds employees accountable for quantity, quality and timeliness of work as well as appropriate workplace conduct.
• Supports the Community Development Director with the drafting of development contracts; oversees development and review and approval of development contracts, coordinates security and escrow requirements, and completes required development fee calculations.
• Identifies technology needs and implements such technology to improve staff efficiency and customer experience.
• Coordinates activities with other divisions within the department and with other departments across the organization, outside agencies and stakeholder groups.
• Leads the selection, orientation, training and evaluation of assigned personnel; provides staff motivation and training related to performance and career development.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with local, state and federal laws.
• Keeps informed of current trends in the field of urban planning and community development, including legislation and professional practices and techniques.
• Informs the Community Development Director as to budgetary needs for the planning division.
• Designs and coordinates planning, land use and zoning projects, including contracts for service and grant applications.
• Attends evening meetings of the City Council, Planning Commission and other City commission and advisory boards, as required or necessary.
• Serves as Zoning Administrator.
• Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as required or directed.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
•Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning or closely related field of study.
•Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in the municipal planning field.
•One to two years previous program management experience overseeing planning, zoning, environmental, and community development programs and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications:
•Previous supervisory experience.
•Professional experience in municipal land use planning within Minnesota, notably the Twin Cities metropolitan area, or other metropolitan service areas. including working within the structure of a comprehensive planning process under the guidance of a regional planning authority.
•Master's degree in Urban Planning, Architecture or other similar discipline.
•American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
Supplemental Information

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Thorough knowledge of the theory, principles, practices and techniques of planning development, land use, economic development, and related community development services.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations governing the administration of planning and community development and other department services/functions.
• Knowledge of City personnel rules and policies, principles and practices of management and supervision, and City organization and structure.
• Ability to effectively use common business productivity software, such as Microsoft Word, Outlook and PowerPoint, as well as mapping software and other applications utilized in the preparation of reports.
• Knowledge of and ability to appropriately apply accepted research and study techniques and methods used in the assessment, analysis and preparation of planning reports and recommendations.
• Ability to effectively and professionally manage, plan, prioritize, delegate and evaluate the daily activities of the Planning Division and assigned staff.
• Ability to analyze complex planning and community development issues and problems, evaluate alternative solutions, and develop sound and concise conclusions, recommendations and courses of action.
• Ability to present proposals and recommendations clearly and logically in public meetings.
• Ability to understand, interpret, explain and apply local, state and federal law and regulations governing land use planning and physical development functions.
• Ability to develop clear, concise and comprehensive technical reports, resolutions, ordinances, correspondence and other written materials.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and professional working relationships with the City Council, commissions, governmental officials/agencies, staff, private and community organizations, developers, business leaders, consultants and others encountered in the course of the work.
• Skill at conflict resolution.
• Strong organizational, time management and project management skills.
• Customer service and public relation skills in dealing with respectfully and tactfully with consultants, developers, business leaders, members of the public, City personnel and outside agencies.