Planning and Development Director

Supervised by: City Manager
Supervises: All department personnel

Position Summary:

Under the general supervision of the City Manager is responsible for the promotion of development within the City and the maintenance of strong, effective public and community relations. Oversees four divisions: Planning, Community Development, and Downtown Development Authority (DDA).

Essential Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

Develops and updates a comprehensive master plan that reflects the collective vision of the community. Conducts short- and long-range planning studies of City resources and physical surroundings. Identifies development trends and keeps abreast of land use laws and regulations.
Reviews private and public developments that require review. Guides developers to comply with the master plan. Explains alternative development methods to ensure conformity to statutes and regulations.
Participates in the recruitment and hiring of personnel. Supervises personnel, evaluates performance, and oversees training and professional development. Takes disciplinary action according to established procedures.
Prepares and presents annual budget for the department, administers departmental budget, and ensures that the authorized budgetary procedure is properly used. Reviews and authorizes purchase requests, expense reports, and other related requests.
Acts as liaison between the City, developers, real estate contacts, architects, citizens, other governmental agencies, and municipal professionals regarding Planning, DDA, Economic Development, Inspections, and Community Development issues. Serves on special committees and participates in civic and professional organizations as appropriate.
Serves as liaison and advisor to a number of boards and commissions including the Planning Commission, Community Development Committee, Economic Development Authority, Brownfield Authority, and as executive director to the Downtown Development Authority.
Writes and administers grants-in-aid.
Keeps abreast of changing regulations and policies through continued education and professional growth. Maintains cooperative relationships with peer agencies and other governmental units. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate.
Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. A qualified individual with a disability must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements include the following:

A bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, in urban planning, public administration or a related field, Masters degree preferred
Five or more years of experience in planning or related municipal environment.
Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners or ability to achieve certification within one year.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of applicable state and local land-use ordinances and regulations.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal planning, economic development, housing conservation, and land-use issues.
Thorough knowledge of the practices of plan review and site inspection.
Considerable knowledge of municipal operations as they relate to the development and growth of the City, and general understanding of municipal operations as a whole.
Good knowledge of public relations practices and personnel management.
Skill in interpreting and applying planning guidelines and ordinances.
Skill in compiling and evaluating complex planning, land-use, and zoning code guidelines and formulating policy, standards, and service recommendations.
Skill in managing department operations and programs.
Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including computers and related software, and the ability to master new technologies.
Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgement, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with developers, residents, elected officials, employees, other governmental and regulatory agencies, and professional contacts.
Ability to effectively communicate and present ideas and concepts, and make presentations in public forums.
Ability to travel to various locations within the City; Valid driver’s license required.
Ability to critically assess situations and solve problems, and work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and changing work priorities.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. A qualified individual with a disability must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear and view physical sites or documentation. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move items of light weight.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a business office setting and occasionally in the field. In the course of field activities, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and may become loud in field situations.

Applications are available by clicking here. Please mail your completed application to the following:
City of Inkster
Telane Ransom
Human Resources
26215 Trowbridge
Inkster, MI 48141

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City of Inkster, Michigan
26215 Trowbridge • Inkster, Michigan 48141
(313) 563-4232

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