Description

The Planning and Development Director assists in the leadership, planning, directing, management, and review of the City’s activities and operations.  This description is general in nature and is not intended to list all duties and responsibilities. 

• Advise City Manager on long-term business and financial planning, including technical assistance regarding tax abatements, public improvement districts, tax increment reinvestment zone, and economic development agreements.
• Assist City Manager with developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area; help establish appropriate service and staffing levels; and monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures.
• Develop, conduct, coordinate, and maintain status reports on assignments generated by the City Manager.
• Direct the activities of their assigned departments by meeting with directors to delegate projects and responsibilities, review and evaluate work methods and procedures, and identify and resolve problems.
• Perform both assigned and independent work, skilled administrative and operational duties, including but not limited to, preparation and/or assistance on operating reports, feasibility studies, complex-research projects, grant writing, program development, meeting, and special event organization, and making recommendations for improving service delivery.
• Performs all reviews of site development plans, plats, zoning changes, utility evaluations, development agreements, Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ), Public Improvement District (PID), Chapter 380 agreement, and voluntary annexation applications.
• Administers and manages the City’s Comprehensive Plan and zoning ordinances; oversees advanced-level land use and planning activities.
• Identifies and tracks internal and external resources; manages bond or project funds, grant funds, and other resources related to the completion of a project; processes contracts, change orders and amendments, purchase orders, and payments related to capital projects.
• Coordinates with external entities on permits, right-of-way/easements, design, and construction; coordinates work activities with other departments including Engineering, Public Works, Finance, Parks, and Downtown.
• Oversee special project assignments within various departments, as directed.
• Responsible for the administration and application of the Unified Development Code (UDC).
• Works closely with economic development projects.
• Implementation of the Downtown Strategic Plan.
• Assists in the analysis, tracking, and allocation of Living Unit Equivalents (LUE’s) for water and wastewater.
• Assist with information flow and follow-up between the City Manager’s Office, City Council, and other internal and external stakeholders; implement City Manager direction, on his/her behalf.
• Confer with and advise department heads, coordinate preparation of operating and administrative reports, and participate in budget preparation.
• Facilitate and lead interdepartmental teams or committees to accomplish a task, objective, or special project.
• Assist with strategic planning activities, monitor performance management, and monitor City Council goals and objectives.
• Assist with development of a legislative program; monitor and notify City Manager of legislative activity impacting the City of Liberty Hill, as appropriate.
• Attend regularly scheduled and special meetings of the City Council, attends conferences, committee and staff meetings; assist City Manager at meetings and make recommendations on subjects under discussion, keep abreast of current and projected developments in Federal, State, Regional and Local programs affecting local government.
• Draft and prepare documents, including but not limited to, letters, memorandums, correspondence, manuals, spreadsheets, presentations for the City Manager and City Council, as requested.
• Represent the City Manager and his/her office at various events, including but not limited to, civic, community, City Council and city staff meetings, when requested.
• Provide direction to helpers, assistants, seasonal employees, interns, and temporary employees, as appropriate.
• Strong organizational leadership skills.
• Leads efforts to maintain customer service and public service ethics; manages compliance with various state and federal requirements; and provides grant oversight and relationship building with partner agencies.
• Create an environment of trust and be skilled in implementing organizational and cultural change.
• Leads a team of accomplished professionals and should be fully invested in their continued success.
• Work effectively with the Mayor and Council, Boards, Committees, be responsive to their requests, and provide them with accurate and timely information, candid advice on difficult issues, and make professional recommendations.  Attends all Council meetings.  Offers advice, options, and feed-back.  Executes all directives tasked by Council.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned. Additional work hours may be required to complete projects during peak work periods.

Requirements

Education:

• Master’s degree in public administration preferred; and at least Four (4) years’ experience in a municipality or equivalent work experience.
• Six (6) years of experience as a Development Director, City Planner, Assistant Planner, Deputy Planner, or Planner and/or any combination of the above experience or equivalent work experience matching the essential duties and responsibilities for the position.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Texas Driver’s License
• AICP Certification a plus

Additional Knowledge:

Skills and Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• Knowledge of City of Liberty Hill policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of project management principles, including the ability to review and recommend project improvements based on scope and budget.
• Knowledge of public management and local government service delivery, including new concepts and innovations, to recommend improvements.
• Skill in complex problem solving; identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Skill in analyzing, researching, and compiling data and thoughts to solve problems.
• Skill at the advanced level, working with Microsoft Office 365, and other software systems to complete work.
• Skill in providing exceptional service to internal and external customers.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships, including using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Skill in creating new concepts and promoting innovation through continuing education and professional networking.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in oral and written forms, speak publicly, and listen intently to other points of view.
• Ability to work independently to manage multiple work tasks while balancing competing priorities with attention to detail and in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to handle records and complex situations of a confidential nature.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently while handling multiple tasks and changing priorities with attention to detail.
• Ability to support controversial positions, negotiations of sensitive issues and/or presentations with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to prepare budget documentation and to monitor expenditures to implement fiscal control and maintain budget compliance.

Conditions of employment:

• Must pass a drug test, criminal history background check, and social security number verification.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with ADA.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions* of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
• Works in an office setting; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Travels to City of Liberty Hill buildings and professional meetings as required.
• Regular and punctual attendance is required for this position.  Must have personal transportation.  Must be able to attend meetings during the evenings and weekends.
• Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

***PLEASE COMPLETE THE CITY APPLICATION and submit with your resume. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Liberty Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.