Job Abstract

The Chester County Planning Commission seeks a Design and Technology Director responsible for division management and administration with a focus on implementing the County’s comprehensive plan, Landscapes3. The Design and Technology Director oversees and coordinates Development Plan Review, Geographic Information Systems, Urban Design, and Graphics within the Planning Commission. The position entails defining current projects and priorities, guiding program development, managing staff, providing work review, and supporting advanced technical assistance to the Planning Commission.

Experience and qualifications for this position include: The ability to work on conceptual designs; understanding of the land development review process in Pennsylvania; GIS program management experience; experience in drafting community planning documents; and working knowledge of the operation of a graphics section, including design fundamentals and the application of design concepts in the community planning field

The successful candidate must have strong supervisory, time management, and leadership skills as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills. The Planning Commission operates in a hybrid work environment.

• Program administration (develop and promote work programs).
• Staff guidance and development (monitor workload and performance and provide feedback).
• Public relations (answer questions, provide guidance, etc.).
• Prepare annual staff performance reviews.
• Office production (assist with managing production schedules within the office).
• Oversee regular staff meetings with Graphics, IT, and the Act 247 Review Sections.
• Regularly meet with the Planning Commission’s Graphic Arts Supervisor to discuss workload, set priorities, and identify opportunities for design initiatives within planning programs.
• Oversee all IT operations and direct staff on research initiatives to keep pace with improved technology.
• Promote IT initiatives that 1) use innovative technology to maintain a high level of service and quality product, 2) ensures stability, and 3) is easy to use for Department operations.
• Promote the use of web-based applications for use in Department Internet and intranet websites to expand the ability of the Department to help educate the public and communicate ideas.
• Review products and documents from the IT, Act 247 Review and Graphics Sections and offer staff appropriate feedback.
• Oversee production of Act 247 reviews, site redesigns, urban designs, interactive maps, and graphic products.
• Coordinate with other county departments, as needed.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

· Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Eight years of progressive job-related and project management experience.

· Strong supervisory, management, and leadership skills.

· Excellent public relations skills.

· Excellent research and analysis ability.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Accurate and detail-oriented.

· Strong time management and organizational skills.

· Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems.

· Ability work effectively as part of a team.

· Strong working knowledge of the principles of budgeting.

· Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

· Ability to work on conceptual design and policy development.

· .

· GIS program management experience in a planning related organization.

· Management experience in adapting existing organization workflows to new technology.

· Thorough understanding of the land development review process in Pennsylvania.

· Experience in drafting community planning documents and ordinances.

· Working knowledge of the operation of a graphics section, including design fundamentals and the application of design concepts in the community planning field.

· Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.

· A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

· Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, r a related field.

· Four years of management and supervisory experience.

· Eight years of general planning experience.

· AICP Certification (American Association of Certified Planners).

· Exceptional project management skills.

· Effective conflict resolution skills.

· Advanced GIS technology/training (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and related solutions).

· Familiarity with GIS programming tools.

· Strong professional ethics.

· Advanced interpersonal skills.

· Flexibility in managing last minute requests.

· General knowledge and understanding of County of Chester policies and procedures.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Working knowledge/experience in the latest Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Bridge).
• Expert knowledge/experience in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Intermediate to Advanced Word skills
• Intermediate to Advanced Excel skills
• Intermediate to Advance PowerPoint skills
• Intermediate Outlook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Intermediate to Advanced skills in remote working and collaboration tools.
• Intermediate GIS Software (ArcGIS) skills.
• Intermediate 3d Visualization software skills (e.g., SketchUp, Lumion software).
• Basic Project Management Software Skills.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• Ability to work at a computer screen approximately 75% of the day.
• Outdoor work includes commuting to meetings and limited fieldwork collecting remote data.

• Confidentiality is crucial to this position.
• This position requires professionalism.
• Ability to work extended hours, as necessary.