Planning Director jobs in Biddeford, ME

The Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission (SMPDC) is seeking an experienced, effective, and knowledgeable leader to become the Executive Director of the organization. This position will be the face of the organization. As the core steward of SMPDC’s mission, the individual in this position will provide both the administrative knowledge and effective execution required of the current programs, as well as the experience and vision to continue developing services which will best serve our member communities.

The Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission is a council of governments serving thirty-nine member municipalities from Kittery, at the southern tip of York County, to Stoneham, at the edge of the White Mountain National Forest. SMPDC cultivates thriving, sustainable communities and strengthens local governments as a leader in regional planning statewide. The organization was founded in 1964 to provide technical expertise to municipalities in York, southern Oxford, and Cumberland Counties. SMPDC offers a coordinated effort for land use, smart growth, resource management, environmental sustainability, and transportation planning.

Today, the organization is an essential resource for technical assistance to our member municipalities, offering a wide range of land use planning services. In addition, the organization runs several ongoing programs such as two Revolving Loans funds, including a Brownfields RLF which is amongst the most successful nationwide, a federally funded Economic Development District, a Metropolitan Planning Organization, as well as independent grant projects which respond to specific needs of our communities and current issues spanning housing affordability, climate resiliency, active transportation, safety, broadband and digital equity, business support programs, data analysis and more.

The key responsibilities of the Executive Director include planning, organizing, and directing all aspects of SMPDC operations and programs; serving as the chief representative and liaison of the organization to the appointed SMPDC Executive Committee; overseeing financial planning and forecasting including the annual budget preparation and over 5 million dollars in annual operations; short-term and long-range strategic planning and organizational development; overseeing organization PR and communications; managing, developing, and guiding the workloads and programs of a 15 person staff; and developing significant working relationships with governmental agencies, legislative bodies, officials of member communities, the media and the general public.

SMPDC offers a flexible work environment and is comprised of a dynamic, energetic staff. The position offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package. SMPDC’s office is located in a restored mill, and vibrant area, walking distance from both downtown Saco and Biddeford, which was just recognized as a ‘Top 10 Small City in America for Food’ by Food & Wine Magazine.

Desirable qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in public administration or a related field (master’s degree preferred), or the equivalent in education and closely related work experience; at least seven years of progressively responsible administrative experience in regional planning and economic development; broad knowledge of all aspects of regional planning, public administration and finance; excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to present effectively in environments that are often fast paced and pressure filled; ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with all constituencies, including member jurisdictions, the legislature, state and federal agencies, the financial community, the media and the general public, and competency in the Microsoft Office Suite of products.

In addition to an attractive starting pay, the position includes an excellent benefits package.

Interested applicants are asked to apply on Indeed by attaching their personal resume and a cover letter.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Regional Planning and/or Economic Development: 7 years (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Saco, ME 04072: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person