Deputy Director of Planning

Full-Time Planning Deputy Director of Planning Posted August 12, 2026 | Apply by August 26, 2026 The Deputy Director of Planning, under the direction of the Director of Planning, assists in planning, organizing, coordinating, and evaluating the activities and programs of the Planning Department. The Deputy Director of Planning provides day-to-day operational support to the Director of Planning, supervises department personnel, oversees assigned projects, and serves as the Director of Planning in their absence or as delegated. Responsibilities include supporting the Director of Planning in the administration and implementation of community development projects, economic development initiatives, water and wastewater infrastructure projects, hazard mitigation projects, GIS/mapping activities, planning efforts, and project administration. General Duties and Responsibilities 1. Department Administration: Involves planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and evaluating all activities and programs of the Planning Department. This duty will consist of: Assist the Director of Planning with implementing departmental strategic plans, evaluating operations and functions, and identifying opportunities for improvement; Assist in monitoring progress toward departmental goals, strategies, and objectives; Coordinate daily department operations and ensure projects remain on schedule; Assist in the development of proposals and service agreements in conjunction with the Director of Planning, Executive Director, and Director of Finance; Participate in budget preparation, monitoring expenditures, and maintaining fiscal responsibility; Coordinate department activities with other departments, agencies, and regional partners; Ensure compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, policies, and contractual requirements; and Serve as Acting Director of Planning in the Director’s absence or as assigned. 2. Staff Management: Involves assisting with supervising and coordinating the daily operations of the Planning Department and its staff. This duty will consist of: Supervise assigned staff and coordinate daily work activities; Provide guidance, mentoring, and technical assistance to department personnel; Assist with developing, revising, and implementing departmental policies and procedures; Participate in employee recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and training; Conduct or assist with employee performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback; Participate in disciplinary actions in coordination with the Director of Planning; and Foster teamwork, collaboration, and effective communication throughout the department. 3. Public Relations: Involves facilitating and engaging in various levels of communications, maintaining contact with local government officials and administrative agencies, and participating in/speaking at community events. This duty will consist of: Facilitate and engage in various levels of communication with other internal staff members, clients of the organization, members of the Board of Directors, advisory committees, and other public agencies; Maintain regular contact with local government officials and administrative agencies; Assist in resolving client concerns and project issues in coordination with the Director of Planning; Build collaborative relationships with regional organizations and funding agencies; Represent the Planning Department at meetings, workshops, and community events as assigned; Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to support planning initiatives and grant-funded projects; Assist with public meetings, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach activities; and Deliver presentations and technical information to local governments and community organizations as needed. 4. Strategic Planning: Involves maintaining a working knowledge of the area, area conditions, community/economic needs, driving strategic initiatives, and serving as a technical planning advisor. This duty will consist of: Maintain a working knowledge of the area, area conditions, people, and community/economic development needs; Assist in implementing strategic initiatives and long-range planning efforts; Coordinate assigned planning projects from inception through completion; Provide guidance to staff on community development, economic development, transportation, water and wastewater, hazard mitigation, GIS, and other planning initiatives; Serve as a technical planning resource for local governments and partner agencies; and Assist in administering contracts with state agencies, consultants, and contractors. 5. Project Management: Involves coordinating project activities for various types of funding sources. This duty will consist of: Maintain a working knowledge of federal and state funding agencies and agency requirements (changes in policy, regulations, availability of funding, funding timetables, and any special considerations or budgetary requirements); Identify project opportunities for local governments and regional partners; Coordinate project assignments and monitor staff workloads; Monitor project progress, budgets, timelines, and compliance requirements; Provide technical guidance on grant writing, project development, and project administration; and Assist local governments with planning, funding applications, and project implementation. 6. GIS Management: Involves assisting in the oversight of GIS operations and providing technical support for mapping and spatial data initiatives. This duty will consist of: Assist in the development and maintenance of GIS databases, mapping applications, and spatial data layers; Coordinate GIS projects, contracts, and service requests; Assist in planning, implementing, and maintaining GIS hardware, software, and related systems; Evaluate new GIS technologies and applications to improve departmental services; Coordinate GIS activities with regional stakeholders; Provide GIS technical assistance and troubleshoot application issues; and Ensure quality control and integrity of geographic data and databases. 7. Other Duties: Involves any other tasks and technical assistance needed to support the planning and project development needs of the Gateway counties and cities. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in government, history, geography, business administration, public administration, English, engineering, accounting, economics, or another related field from an accredited college or university; Master’s degree or higher preferred. Certification and Trainings: Valid Driver’s License required. CDBG Project Administrator Certification must be acquired and maintained after hiring. The employee will be expected to attend professional development trainings related to specialties. Experience: Professional Level Experience. Three (3) or more years of related work experience in a non-profit or governmental organization; Five (5) or more years of directly related work experience preferred. Physical Requirements Sit for extended periods of time; stand and walk for extended periods of time; reach, stoop, crouch, and bend; ascend/descend ladders; fine motor skills; operate a vehicle; and ability to lift and carry 30 pounds. Sensory Requirements Sight; Hearing; Speaking Working Conditions Indoor office conditions; outdoor data collection or project site visits during various weather conditions and on various terrains; and possible wildlife/animal encounters during outdoor data collection or project site visits; requires intermittent standing, sitting, or stooping; work requires consistent use of computer and phone systems as well as other general office equipment; and frequent interruptions. Availability and Travel Normal business hours; nights/weekends (special events/training/local meetings); regular travel within region and state; occasional travel outside of the state; able to travel multiple days at a time; and must be able to attend meetings and answer calls during evenings and weekends. Tools, Equipment, and Vehicle Use Standard office equipment (computers, printers, scanners, phones, etc.); fleet/personal vehicle(s); cellular/tablet device; and Trimble Geo7X / Trimble R2 GPS collection equipment. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge: Principles of economic development, public administration, and infrastructure planning; Federal and state laws and administrative regulations; Concepts, theories, principles, and practice of non-profit or governmental administration; Regional planning; Geographic Information Systems (GIS); Familiarity with Economic Development Administration programs, Department for Local Government programs, Appalachian Regional Commission, USDA Rural Development, FEMA funding programs, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet planning programs; and Local government and non-profit operations, organization, functions, and challenges. Skills: Oral and written communication; Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel); Attention to detail; Creating/maintaining comprehensive economic development plans; Use of computers and other office equipment; Reasoning, problem-solving, and organization; Analytical skills; Establishing and sustaining interpersonal relationships; and Organizing and maintaining accurate files and records. Abilities: Be present and punctual; Prioritize work and meet deadlines; Work under stressful situations with patience and tact; Teamwork; Administer federal and state-funded programs; Identify workload, be flexible, and prioritize changing workloads; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, staff, committee members, partner agencies, and the general public; Attend city council, fiscal court, industrial board meetings, and staff working group meetings as necessary; and Supervise department personnel. This position will remain open until filled. Gateway Area Development District is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. We have received your application and will get back to you as soon as possible. #J-18808-Ljbffr Gwadd