Position:  Area Plan Executive Director                

 Opening Date:  February 22, 2025                                     Closing Date:  Until Filled

Salary:  $119,600

Department: Area Plan Commission                                 Location:  County-City Building

Status:   Full-Time                                                                                               

Job Category: PAT (Professional, Administrative, Technological)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Description:

Incumbent serves as Executive Director for the St. Joseph County Area Plan Commission, responsible for overseeing the operations and personnel of the Division of Planning and Zoning and Division of Code Enforcement within the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Growth (IPG). Incumbent also serves as the Zoning Administrator for the County and is a co-director of the IPG Department.

Essential Functions:

Oversees division operations and personnel, including developing and administering policies of the Area Plan Commission and the Area Board of Zoning Appeals; as well as the Code Enforcement Division, delegating work assignments; providing training/corrective instruction; evaluating performance; interviewing and hiring job candidates; maintaining discipline and recommending corrective action and/or termination as warranted.

Develops annual work plan for the operation of the division and administers plan upon approval of the Area Plan Commission.

Maintains and ensures custody and preservation of Commission and Board records and documents.

Proposes and prepares text amendments to the zoning ordinances of the member jurisdictions.

Serves as a member of various planning, economic development, and advisory committees.

Prepares special studies and reports for various elected officials, legislative bodies, and the Commission as requested.

Meets with developers to assist in preparing project schedules for zonings, variances and subdivision submittals.

Performs special assignments as directed by the Plan Commission.

Performs additional duties in conjunction with the co-directors of the department such as preparing and administering the department budget, secure and deposit filing fees, attending meetings, and offer principled planning advice when needed.

Administers and proposes amendments to the code enforcement ordinances as necessary. 

Develops and amends policies and procedures for the code enforcement program.

Communicates with the public, elected officials other county departments regarding code enforcement activities.

 Performs related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

Baccalaureate Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Environmental Studies, Geography or related area, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Thorough knowledge of planning principles and concepts, fundamental planning issues, and planning theory.

Working knowledge of federal and State land use codes, development concepts, urban design, platting of land, environmental issues, growth management, economic development, housing, and transportation.

Working knowledge of budget processes, and ability to make arithmetic calculations and administer department budget, ensuring cost-effective operations and maintenance of accurate records.

Working knowledge of standard office procedures, spreadsheet/database software, word processing software, and various other computer programs used by the Department, with ability to apply such knowledge to a variety of interrelated processes, tasks, and operations.

Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to prepare detailed written reports and maintain complete/accurate files.  

Ability to properly operate standard office equipment, such as computer, copier, and telephone.

Ability to direct assigned personnel, including developing and administering policies, delegating work assignments, establishing division and department goals/standards, providing training, evaluating performance, interviewing and hiring job candidates, maintaining discipline and recommending corrective actions and/or termination as warranted.

Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of division and department information and records according to state requirements.

Ability to comply with all employer and department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, developers, elected officials, community organizations, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.

Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with difficult persons.

Ability to work independently and with others in a team environment, often under time pressure, and on several tasks at the same time.

Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written or oral instructions.

Ability to compile, analyze and evaluate data, make determinations, and present findings in oral or written form.

Ability to read construction and site development plans and determining conformance to the appropriate zoning and subdivision codes. 

Ability to testify in legal proceedings/courts as necessary.

Ability to occasionally work extended and/or evening hours and occasionally travel out of town for conferences/meetings, sometimes overnight.

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid state driver’s license.