GovHRUSA
Lancaster County, SC (pop. 100,336) is seeking qualified candidates to serve as its next Development Services Division Director. This is one of four division directors that serves on the County Administrator’s leadership team, with a portfolio of departments under this position.
The Community
Lancaster County is the third fastest growing county in South Carolina, located in the booming Charlotte-Metro area, bordering North Carolina, adjacent to south Charlotte. Conveniently located three hours from the SC beaches, and three hours from the NC mountains, the county is about an hour north of the capital, Columbia. It is a thriving and beautiful community with a rich history, offering a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities from the northern suburbanizing area of the county to the more rural southern end of the county.
The County is connected to a regional network of trails that connect 2.9 million people in 15 counties in North and South Carolina and has great water amenities with nearby lakes and the Catawba River serving as the western border of the County. It's an attractive place to call home, with a strong economy, affordable cost of living, and excellent schools. The County has a strong employment base from corporate headquarters to heavy manufacturing with such companies as Continental Tire, Nutramax, Red Ventures, and Movement Mortgage all calling the County home, among many others. The County also boasts having the largest active gold mine east of the Mississippi River with the Haile Gold Mine. The vibrancy and growth is palpable to all who travel through the County and this position will have the opportunity to play a crucial role in shaping the future growth and success of this community.
The Position
Lancaster County is seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to oversee the development and implementation of the county’s growth management programs in an exponential growth community that needs more parameters. Development Services is responsible for programs including land use planning, zoning, code enforcement, building permitting and inspections, and stormwater engineering. The Division Director will also work closely with stakeholders including other county departments, the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Stormwater Advisory Council, and outside agencies to ensure the orderly and efficient growth of the county.
Reporting to the County Administrator, this position will be supported by 36 employees, and a budget of almost $6 million within the three sections of Building, Planning and Zoning, and Stormwater.
Responsibilities Include:
- Developing and implementing growth management programs
- Overseeing the development review process
- Developing and implementing the rewrite of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), with consultant support
- Developing and updating the county’s comprehensive plan, with consultant support
- Managing interlocal agreements for development services between the county and municipalities
- Working with other county departments and outside agencies to ensure orderly and efficient growth
- Providing guidance and advice to elected officials and appointed boards
- Ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations
Requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Public Administration, or related field.
- Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
- At least five (5) years of experience in local government planning, zoning, and development review at the level of senior planner (or above).
- 7-10 years as a department head or similar position preferred.
- Any equivalent combination of training and experience.
Ideal candidates will possess:
- Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively with elected officials, appointed boards, developers, contractors, and the general public.
- Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to planning and development.
- Extensive knowledge of comprehensive planning and UDO development
Compensation and Benefits:
The anticipated starting range for this position is from $120,000 to $130,000 +/- DOQ/E.
A partial list of benefits includes:
- South Carolina (SC) State Retirement System
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- SC Deferred Compensation plans to include 401K and 457
- Standard Supplement Long Term Disability plan
- MetLife life insurance
- Colonial Life benefits to include: Whole life policies; Cancer policies;
- Short Term Disability plans
- Paid Annual and Sick Leave (accrued bi-weekly)
- 12 paid holidays
- On-site Health Clinic
- Employee Wellness Programs and Discount YMCA Membership
- First Sun Employee Assistance Program and benefits
- Verizon Data Plan Discount
- Hybrid work format, if appropriate
- Relocation assistance (negotiable)
- Professional development (within budget)
Selection Process & Schedule
Interested applicants should apply online with a cover letter, resume, and contact information for five (5) references by April 26, 2023. Electronic submissions are required and confidential inquiries are encouraged. Contact Alan Rosen, Vice President, GovHR USA at 954–644–9999.
Lancaster County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Application Deadline: April 26, 2023
Posted: 2023-04-10
