JOB SUMMARY

The position is responsible for directing the city’s planning, zoning, and economic development operations.
 

MAJOR DUTIES

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the department, including its planning, zoning, and economic development functions.
• Managing and implementing the city’s comprehensive planning, zoning, and land-use policies.
• Implements programs to attract, retain, and expand businesses in the city, coordinates projects with city departments and outside agencies.
• Serves as the primary economic development contact for all new development and/or business location/expansion/retention.
• Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, and priorities of the city; identifies resource needs; recommends, develops, and implements approved policies and procedures.
• Oversees the work of the Planning and Zoning Commission, including public hearings, staff analysis, and recommendations for annexation rezonings, variance, and/or special land use.
• Manage and implement long-range planning projects, including the Comprehensive Plan and other master plan efforts; Administer the zoning, sign, and land development ordinances, including making recommendations to revise, update and/or modify ordinances; identifies impacts of proposed ordinance changes and of applicable local, state, and federal regulations; and makes presentations to the Board, commissions, and other officials.
• Oversees the implementation of the special local, state, and federal districts, zones, and overlays.
• Serves as the city’s liaison with such organizations as the Chamber of Commerce, the County Economic Development Agency, Acworth Development Authority, Georgia Economic Development Agency, and other business-related organizations and agencies.
• Review and process zoning applications, land-use permits, and development proposals in accordance with city codes and zoning laws.
• Conduct zoning analysis and provide recommendations for zoning amendments, variances, and other land-use decisions.
• Work collaboratively with developers, businesses, local officials, and community members to facilitate economic development projects and ensure they align with city goals.
• Coordinate with other government departments, stakeholders, and consultants to promote development, annexation, business retention, and revitalization efforts.
• Develop and implement strategies to attract new businesses, annexation, support existing businesses, and enhance the city’s overall economic vitality.
• Oversee the preparation of planning reports, zoning ordinances, economic development plans, and other related documents.
• Serve as a liaison to city officials, developers, and the public to address concerns and provide guidance on zoning, land use, and economic development initiatives.
• Acts as staff liaison to the planning and zoning commission.
• Monitor trends and conditions in the local economy and develop recommendations for improving the city’s economic position.
• Provide recommendations and engage in the strategic planning process to align with the strategic vision of the city leadership.
• Prepares division budget requests and manages approved funds, controls expenditures.
• Recruits, hires, trains, develops, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines full- and part-time personnel.
• Performs other related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of city and departmental policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and methods used in Planning and Development administration.
• Knowledge of land-use regulations, zoning laws, and economic development practices.
• Knowledge of budget management principles.
• Knowledge of personnel management principles.
• Knowledge of project management principles.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in prioritizing and planning.
• Skill in negotiation.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The City Manager or their designee assigns work in terms of division goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of division activities.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include city ordinances, city policies and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied management, administrative, and supervisory duties. Working with a variety of stakeholders contributes to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to direct the operations of the Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Department. Successful performance contributes to the provision of quality services to residents and visitors and to the development and growth of the city.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co‑workers, other city personnel, representatives of external organizations, community partners, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, motivate persons, negotiate matters, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects.
• The work is typically performed in an office.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position has direct supervision over the Assistant Director of Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development and joint supervision with other Department Heads of the Office Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department in order to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require three to five years of related experience.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.