Planning Division Manager

Description
The Village of Brookfield is seeking qualified candidates for the full-time position of Planning Division Manager in the Community Development Department. The salary range for the position is $79,889 - $103,856. The Village provides a full complement of benefits including paid vacation days, personal days, sick days, and 12 1/2 paid holidays. Additional benefits include health and life insurance, participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), and optional deferred compensation plans.

The Planning Division Manager is an exempt, non-union position who reports directly to the Community Development Director.

The objective of the Planning Division Manager is to organize and lead the Village's land use regulations and planning functions, as well as support the Village's economic development. The Planning Division Manager is tasked with the review and coordination of development proposals, TIF management, redevelopment initiatives, incentive-related projects, and review of plans in conformance with general planning principals and specific requirements as outlined in the Village's Zoning Code (Section 62 of the Village's Code of Ordinances) and other code provisions affecting land use.


Essential Duties and Areas of Responsibility
Plan Reviewer & PZC Staff Liaison - The Planning Division Manager will (1) review development and redevelopment plans for conformance with Zoning Code and other land use regulations and will prepare agendas and minutes for Commission action; (2) act as a staff liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission and prepare and present staff reports on development proposals, including a staff analysis of proposed variances and text amendments sought by an applicant along with a staff recommendation; (3) bring other relevant matters before the commission such as facade improvement applications, updates to the Comprehensive Plan, special purpose plans (e.g. Open Space plans or active transportation plans), best practice studies or presentations; (4) present Planning and Zoning Commission matters to the Village Board and Committee-of-the-Whole as needed.

Economic Development - Assist in advancing the Village's economic development objectives by supporting redevelopment initiatives, evaluating project feasibility, assisting in negotiation and administration of development agreements and serving as a liaison to developers, property owners, and business stakeholders to facility high-quality investment and strategic growth consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, Economic Incentive Policy, and any other plans, policies, or initiatives adopted by the Village

Project Manager - Develop and coordinate economic and planning projects, including implementation of economic development initiatives, coordination of development projects, participation in pre-development meetings with potential investors and/or developers and support of projects that advance the Village's economic development goals and consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. This would entail the collection and interpretation of data needed for said plans and vendor management when consultants are utilized to advance planning projects

Public Resource - Provide consultations delivering technical and professional planning advice to various stakeholders. These may include Village Board of Trustees, real estate professionals and property owners (e.g. architects, engineers) who consider undertaking development projects within the Village. The consultations may be delivered via informal meetings with stakeholders or by teleconference or via formal presentation to Village stakeholders (e.g., at a Village Board of Trustees meeting or Chamber of Commerce meeting). The Planning Division Manager serves as a resource to residents, property owners, contractors, business owners, and others.

Grant Writer - The Planning Division Manager will apply, monitor and oversee grants typically related to capital projects. All or nearly all grant applications will relate to planning or economic development or capital projects that implement departmental goals.

Peripheral Duties
Manage additional staff, as needed, within the planning division, including but not limited to contractors, interns, and vendors.
Advise the Director on emerging trends in planning that affect economic development strategies and tactical approaches.
Perform other duties as assigned, including helping to advance projects from concept through entitlement.
Perform related duties as assigned in support of planning, redevelopment, and economic development initiatives.
Attend professional seminars to keep abreast of trends and developments in the field of planning and economic development

Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Geography, Architecture, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Economic Development or a closely related field is required.
Master's degree in Urban Planning, Economic Development, Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA) or a closely related field is preferred.
Prefer 3-5 years of experience in a municipal department handling current development projects in a community with infill-type development and redevelopment, or an equivalent combination of training and/or experience.
Possession of a valid driver's license at time of hire and ability to maintain a valid driver's license.
AICP or CeCd certification at time of hire is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Writing - Ability to write effectively to a variety of audiences including the Village Board of Trustees and Planning and Zoning Commission and policy makers, external groups including grant funding agencies and citizen groups and Village website readers. The written work products may vary in formality, ranging from formal memoranda to trustees and PZC commissioners, informal website new postings and grant applications.

Public Speaking - Ability to communicate orally effectively in various forums including the Village Board of Trustees and PZC, Commissions, grant funding agencies, professional associations, media outlets, and other venues.

Leadership - Ability to lead projects from concept to execution.

Teamwork - Ability to establish effective working relationships including intra- and inter-departmental projects.

Ethics - Adherence to the American Planning Association or AICP code of ethics.

Vendor Management - Ability to manage vendors including those utilized to conduct planning studies and to implement projects based upon said studies.

Zoning Review - Ability to read and understand complex building plans and blueprints.

Customer Service - Exemplary customer service skills required. Additionally, a commitment to ensure impartial and consistent code enforcement in a challenging environment is required, in recognition of the fact that Village staff enforcement affects residents' and business owners' private property. A high degree of patience for listening to citizen complaints with a focus on problem resolution is imperative.

Software - Ability to use Microsoft Office products and GIS software is a plus.

Language - Bi-lingual skills are a plus.

Safety Functions
Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety and security policies/procedures.
Immediately reports all unsafe conditions and acts to supervisor.
Report all potential hazards, accidents, and injuries according to Village policy and procedures.
Recommends improvements to safety and security practices.
Obeys and adheres to all safety rules and work practices.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The employee performing the duties of this position works in an office environment and work is generally performed in a seated position for prolonged periods of time. The office environment generally has light noise levels and is temperature controlled. While performing the range of duties for this position the employee must have the physical ability to regularly sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel or crouch. The employee must have the physical ability to reach items with arms and hands with manual dexterity and fine motor skills sufficient to operate computers, various pieces of office equipment and perform all essential and peripheral job functions. The employee must have the physical ability to hear ordinary conversations such as questions from residents or visitors, as well as other sounds, such as a telephone ringing, etc. The employee must have the physical ability to occasionally lift to waist level and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance.

Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various developments and construction sites and is subject to weather conditions. Rarely to occasionally, the employee may be exposed to wet and humid conditions, extreme heat, extreme cold, and airborne particles at worksites. The noise level in the office work environment is usually but not always quiet, whereas it is moderate to loud in the field.


How to Apply
Please complete the employment application by clicking the "Apply" button. Please include a cover letter and resume. If selected, a successful completion of a criminal background check, post-offer physical and drug screen, and driver abstract record search are required. This position will remain open until filled.

The Village of Brookfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer