Description

DIRECTOR OF PLANNING

City of Green, OH (pop. 27,299). The City of Green (Green, OH | Official Website) seeks candidates for the position Director of Planning. Located between Canton and Akron along 1-77, the City of Green retains its small-town feel, while growing as a full-service, retail, residential, and industrial center. An hour south of Cleveland, Green residents enjoy the attributes of a close-knit community with convenient highway and local airport access.

About the Position

The Director of Planning is responsible for and oversees the efficient operation of the Department of Planning and its Zoning Division, including the implementation of the long-range plan to ensure orderly and well-managed growth within the City of Green. The Planning Department responsibilities are completed by a team of nine (9) employees reporting to this position which includes an assistant director, community development, economic development, planning, and zoning.

Key responsibilities:
• Oversee commercial and residential development in the city and ensure compliance with master plan, ordinances, and resolutions.
• Responsible for the proper application and enforcement of zoning ordinances and procedures.
• Manage the review of proposed changes to the Land Development Code, ordinances and development districts. Provide extensive review of all subdivision, commercial and residential developments.
• Negotiate and oversee negotiations for the purchase of real estate for City purposes.
• Manage economic development functions including, Enterprise Zone program, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program, Municipal Economic Development Grant program, and Community Reinstatement Area (CRA) program.
• Coordinate capital improvement projects for parks, general government, and transportation through the capital improvement plan, grant administration, and private development.
• Research county, state, and federal financial assistance programs and direct other staff members in application processes. Prepare grant legislation and ensure grant compliance.
• Manage flood plain requirements per ODNR rules.
• Prepare the annual operating budget for the City of Green planning department and oversee the proper allocation of funds. The Planning Department budget for fiscal year 2026 is $1.16 million.
• Review, revise, and educate public, city council and administration on existing land development codes and property maintenance codes.
• Work with the Community Improvement Corporation designed to promote economic, commercial, and civic development of the community.
• Act as technical resource for the following Boards and Commissions: Planning and Zoning Commission, Design Review Board, Historical Preservation Commission, Parks and Recreation Board, and City Council /along with the other administrative departments.
• Represent City of Green on Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study Technical Assistance Committee or other Subcommittees of AMATS and the Green Chamber of Commerce.

Requirements

The Director of Planning will be a detail-oriented professional with a hands-on approach to city-wide planning and strong problem-solving skills. The successful candidate will have some combination of the following qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree with strong preference for formal education in urban planning, community development, economic development, and/or urban design.
• A master's degree in one of the fields noted above is preferred but not required.
• Five or more years of experience in planning and community/economic development.
• American Planning Association / American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Successful supervision or leadership background.
• Experience working in local and/or state government.
• Demonstrated ability to perform on-site field work to support decision-making.