DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT (VILLAGE OF SKANEATELES)

51090

Competitive

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for administering all laws, codes and regulations relating to the operation of land use within the Village of Skaneateles. Work is performed under general direction of the Village Board with considerable leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in the planning and direction of the Codes Enforcement Office. An employee in this class exercises supervision over subordinate staff. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Plans, organizes, directs, and reviews administrative procedures necessary to the operation of land use planning and zoning administration and coordinate those activities with the Code Enforcement Office, managing interim deadlines and communicating milestones with internal and external stakeholders.

Collaborates with legal counsel and the land use boards (Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission) to develop, refine, and use forms and processes to ensure accurate and timely exhange of information to facilitate transparent, consistent decision making, from application to approval.

Establishes and maintains systems and processes for a central record depository to all records currently maintained by the land use boards and Code Enforcement Office, including applications and related documents in support of key decisions.

Ensures submissions are received according to established protocols and cutoff dates.

Conducts public meetings of land use boards, including preparing agendas in collaboration with legal counsel and board chairs, distribution of materials to board members and posting of such matters online, and management of and accountability for the preparation and publication of all legal notices in connection with applications.

Establishes, tracks, and communicates all escrow funds for expert assistance required by land use boards, such as engineering and legal, and related arrangements and instruments with applicants, in partnership with the Village Treasurer and outside consultants.

Provides guidance to and support for the Code Enforcement Officer and Deputy Code Enforcement Officer, as needed, providing consistency in determinations related to building and zoning permit applications, applications to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.

Oversees the online application system, including training new personnel and making sure that all applications received by the Village are received according to established procedures.

Contributes to comprehensive planning and development initiatives, facilitating stakeholder engagement across Village boards and the community, articulating growth objectives in a context of infrastructure and other constraints.

Represents the Village at regional planning symposiums and similar events, acting as a tactful spokesperson for the Village’s planning and development agenda, writing grants and conducting outreach when needed.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of planning principles, theories, and practices, including urban design, zoning ordinances, and environmental regulations.

Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal planning laws and codes.

Good knowledge of the principles and practices of administrative supervision.

Good knowledge of organizational structure, functions, operations, objectives and goals of the department.

Skill in understanding and analyzing architectural plans, construction drawings, reading surveys, and subdivision plats in the context of state and local planning and zoning laws.

Ability to design and refine technology applications in support of the Village’s established online building and zoning permit application system and record repository.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to plan, direct and supervise the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with other public officials, with building contractors and with the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in municipal planning, public administration, planning, or a related field and four (4) years of experience working in the public sector.

NOTE: New York State Public Officers Law requires United States Citizenship

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT

Once appointed, candidates must meet the training and certification requirements set forth by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control (see section 434.5-Certification of Code Enforcement Personnel-of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR)).

Original date of composition: 12/2025