Summary:  The incumbent assists with the management and supervision of the Economic & Community Development Department, which includes the divisions of Building Safety, Code Enforcement, Planning, Economic and Downtown Development.  The individual reports to the Director of the Economic & Community Development Department and assumes the duties of the Director in his/her absence. This position assists in the development and implementation of department goals, objectives and priorities. The Assistant Director supervises, trains, and evaluates assigned staff and aids in the direction of work.   
 

Essential Functions:  This list may not include all tasks and/or knowledge which may be expected of the employee, nor does it cover all specific duties which may be required.  Other duties may be assigned.  Reasonable accommodations may be available to assist individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. 

•  Performs a variety of difficult administrative professional tasks, including oversight and coordination the City's land use regulations including zoning and subdivision activities. 
•  Develops, prepares, and presents a variety of complex reports and recommendations for assigned boards, commissions, and committees.   
•  Has responsibility for the maintenance and updating of the City’s Comprehensive Plan including the land use, transportation, housing, neighborhood revitalization, historic preservation and economic development elements.   
•  Oversees data collection and analysis for reports and studies, conducts field inspections, and prepares zoning amendments.   
•  Conducts and oversees the technical review of complex building and construction plans for compliance with City and other applicable building codes, including but not limited to, architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire safety, fire alarm and extinguishing systems, hazardous materials, health, barrier-free accessibility and other applicable codes. 
•  Participates in the preparation and administration of departmental budgets. 
•  Gathers, coordinates and maintains statistical data and creates reports.  
•  Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints. 
•  Supervises and reviews the work and performance of subordinate personnel.  Recommends and assists in implementation of goals, objectives and continuous improvement methods. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:  Supervises, leads and mentors the Building Official and City Planner. Coordinates the day-to-day operation of the Department to ensure that the public receives quality programs and services delivered effectively and efficiently. Works with and makes recommendations to the Director in the planning, organizing, coordinating, and development of all division goals and operations. 
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the City’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems in consultation with subordinate staff and Human Resources.  
Oversees compliance with work safety rules and works to minimize human and financial loss resulting from department operations. 
Assists with the supervision and preparation of the department’s 4 separate budgets (municipal and federal), monitors progress and expenditures to ensure monies are properly administered in compliance with city policies and federal/state laws and regulations. 

Qualifications: 
 1) Education/Experience:  a. Required – Bachelor’s degree with coursework in Urban Planning; Public or Business Administration; Structural Engineering; Architectural; or Construction/Safety related fields.  Municipal planning experience which has included at least 5 years at a supervisory or management level.  Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted. b. Preferred – Master’s degree in pertinent fields.

 2) General Skill Levels 
 Knowledge of: 

• Principles, practices and theories of Urban Planning, Community/Economic Development and Design, and zoning/subdivision design.
• Applicable state, federal and local laws, regulations and ordinances.  
• HUD requirements, zoning, planning and code enforcement knowledge and ability to interpret federal program regulations, construction codes, etc., so that they are administered fairly and consistently within the guidelines, and without compromise, without conflict, and within the intent of laws.
• Economic development opportunities and means of expanding the tax base by encouraging investment from both inside and outside of the community. 

 
Skills in:

• Implementing department mission, goals, and procedures; determine needs for capital expenditures, personnel and operating budgets; and prepare special reports or analyses.
• Utilizing a wide variety communication, demographic, workforce, labor market, etc. data and information.
• Providing effective leadership to subordinate personnel and to develop cooperative working relationships with employees, senior management, elected officials and developers. 
• Maintaining positive professional relations and an informed community on regional issues.
• Utilizing professional networks, business acumen, communication, and professional social skills.
• Providing adequate training and instruction to pertinent staff members.
• Continuously monitoring, networking and researching available opportunities.
• Assisting local organizations, businesses and individuals with establishing economic and community development plans and projects.
• Resolving misunderstandings concerning code enforcement and required regulations associated with those code guidelines.
• Directing a workforce of different personalities and interests to function as a team. 

Ability to:

• Administer development programs in accordance with current planning practices and standards.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, orally, and in writing and a working knowledge of computer applications related to work.
• Plan and supervise the technical work of subordinates and prepare technical and administrative reports.
• Balance political concerns with code compliance issues.  Research codes and programs to keep them current with national and federal regulations and adjusted to meet local conditions.
• Read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Write reports for City Council, business correspondence, and procedures.
• Present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Apply mathematical and basic statistical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Define problems, collects data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Use word processing, spreadsheet, Internet, GIS and e-mail software.
• Identify, coach and mentor subordinate supervisors to develop their own supervisory and technical skills to manage departmental divisions.
• Direct, appraise and discipline staff in a respectful and constructive manner.
• Share responsibility with others and delegate responsibilities as appropriate.
• Review staff financial reports. Resolve problems, suggest corrections, and provide corrections.
• Analyze and prepare monthly and annual department reports.

3) Certificates and Licenses:  

Illinois Driver’s License – required  American Institute of Certified Planners – preferred   

4) Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.  Work is performed primarily in an office environment.  Work requires travel to other office locations and other agency facilities in town or around the state for meetings and training, as well as occasional visits to work sites.  Work includes attending meetings outside of normal work hours.  There are no extraordinary physical demands on this position other than incidental outdoor work including occasional oversight work in dusty, moist or humid conditions and in a range of outdoor temperatures. 
 
 
Equal Employment Opportunity We value diversity and the many contributions that are made to our City by people from all walks of life. Therefore, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or any other attribute or characteristic protected by law. 
 

ADAAA It is the policy of the City to comply with all federal and state laws concerning employment of persons with disabilities and act in accordance with regulations and guidance issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).  Furthermore, it is the policy of the City not to discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in regard to application procedure, hiring, advancement, discharge, compensation, training or other terms, conditions and privileges of employment.  Employees shall make requests to Human Resources for reasonable accommodations.