County of Berks, PA · 1 month ago
Assistant Director (Planning Department)
The County of Berks, PA is seeking an Assistant Director for the Planning Department to assist the Executive Director in managing operations and strategic initiatives. The role involves providing leadership, overseeing project assignments, and engaging with various stakeholders to implement planning programs and policies.
Responsibilities
Assists the Executive Director and Board in advancing regional planning strategic initiatives, long-term land use planning goals, and County policy development
Assists the Executive Director in preparing, monitoring, and managing the Department budget, including invoice reviews and financial reporting
Processes and manages staff scheduling, leave approvals, and timesheets, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness
Assists with the development, implementation, and maintenance of Departmental procedures and policies to improve departmental efficiency
Engages with municipalities, developers, County departments, State and Federal agencies, and community stakeholders to implement planning programs and plans
Participates in and completes special projects and assignments for the Planning Commission and the Board of Commissioners
Assists in the preparation and planning of special projects, studies, and community engagement initiatives
Assists the Executive Director in reviewing and approving staff work products for alignment with departmental policies and professional standards
Fosters a positive, collaborative, and professional work environment that promotes teamwork and staff engagement
Assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Executive Director in their absence
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory, management, or project leadership capacity
Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of regional and community planning
Strong understanding of local government structures, policies, and decision-making processes
Ability to develop and manage departmental work programs and budgets under the direction of the Executive Director
Ability to use technological solutions to manage planning data effectively and support strategic, evidence-based regional planning efforts
Demonstrated leadership ability to motivate, train, and guide planning staff toward achieving departmental goals
Skilled in organizing and directing staff in the completion of complex projects, studies, and plans across multiple planning disciplines
Excellent facilitation skills, with the ability to lead meetings, engage stakeholders, and communicate effectively in public forums
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with elected and appointed officials, agencies, and community stakeholders
Demonstrates creativity, independent judgment, and sound decision-making in addressing specialized or complex planning issues
Ability to work diplomatically and effectively within established County policies and procedures
Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Effective written and verbal communication skills with a high degree of professionalism and discretion in handling confidential information
Ability to maintain composure and perform effectively under pressure
Physical presence in the office is required
Ability to handle stress
Preferred
Experience with a federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
Company
County of Berks, PA
It is the mission of Berks County government and all County employees to administer and deliver services to the citizens of the County in the most effective, efficient and professional manner possible within the constraints of the financial resources available.