CAREER OPPORTUNITY: TOWN OF ALTAVISTA – Director of Planning and Community Development. The Director of Planning and Community Development provides strategic leadership and management of the Town’s Planning and Community Development Department including the performance of professional and complex technical work administering and enforcing the Town’s Zoning Ordinance, as required by the Zoning Ordinance and the Code of Virginia.
Job Responsibilities include making recommendations on Zoning and Planning policy and ensures the policy is effectively carried out, advising the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and other municipal officials on questions relating to the application and interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance; administers and interprets the Zoning Ordinance, including site plan requirements, zoning amendments, special use permits, variances including the appeals processes; making determinations related to the nonconforming status of lots, uses, and structures as required by the Zoning Ordinance and state law. Serves as a key member of the leadership team in determining policy issues, including comprehensive planning objectives, and subdivision development.  Other duties include recommending and preparing ordinance amendments, making presentations to the public, Planning Commission and Town Council; and investigating and citing violations of Town Zoning Ordinance; preparing annual department budget and leading and supervising special projects. Work is performed under the general direction of the Town Manager or his/her designee.  Management and supervision are exercised over Community Development department subordinate personnel.
Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in planning or a related field. A minimum of five years of directly related and progressively responsible experience in planning, zoning, and community development. Prior experience in municipal or city/town government is preferred. A master’s degree in planning or a related field, membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners and VAZO certification as a certified Zoning Administrator are highly desirable. Additional education may be substituted for experience where applicable. Must demonstrate a significant commitment and ability to providing excellent customer service to the residents of the Town of Altavista. Successful candidate must possess excellent oral and written communication skills, effective supervisory skills, ability to build productive relationships with Town leadership, including Town administration, department heads, coworkers, subordinates, registered and licensed professionals, contractors, developers and most importantly the public.