Director of Economic and Community Development

Transcription

1 The County of Northampton, Virginia Invites applications for the position of Director of Economic and Community Development County Profile Northampton County, Virginia comprises 209 square miles of the southernmost land area of a 70 mile long stretch of the Delmarva Peninsula known as Virginia s Eastern Shore. The Shore as it is affectionately named, is cradled by the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay or what is known locally as Bayside and Seaside. The Seaside, in particular, contains the largest island wilderness chain on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. The Shore is a place that has somehow managed to remain relatively unchanged through the times. Its pristine condition is mainly a result of the surrounding waters of the Chesapeake Bay and the County s isolation to large East Coast metropolises such as Virginia s Tidewater Area (Virginia Beach & Norfolk). Northampton County's central location on the Eastern Seaboard places it less than a one day drive from areas such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Northampton County contains numerous natural and cultural sites, including two large public parks, Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge and Kiptopeke State Park, located at the southern end of the county. Historic townships, such as Eastville, Cheriton and Cape Charles contain buildings that speak to over 350 years of architectural design in the United States. History The Algonquin Indian Tribe called the region now known as the Eastern Shore Accomack or "on the other side of the water place." There were over 2000 original inhabitants on the Eastern Shore at the time of the first European landings. In June 1608, Captain John Smith from Jamestown made a successful landing on the Eastern Shore. He established trading relationships with the Native Americans and charted the first known mainland map; the earliest copy of this map was published in Local government began on the Eastern Shore in 1632 with commissioners meeting as a court. They gathered in homes of individual members or in privately owned buildings such as taverns. The first official County seat was located in Townefield or what is now known as Cheriton. The County seat moved several times and was permanently relocated to Eastville in The Courthouse, which still functions today, was constructed at this time. Almost 40 years later in 1770, the Clerk's Office and Debtor's Prison were added. 1 County of Northampton, Virginia

2 Business Northampton County is home to a wide variety of employers, ranging from manufacturing to tourism based businesses. The majority of the County s employment is in services, government, agriculture, trade and manufacturing. The County s largest manufacturing employer is Bayshore Concrete products. The largest non-manufacturing employers are the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Authority and Riverside Shore Health Services. The County seeks to build its economy by attracting new manufacturing and service industries, diversifying its agriculture and aquaculture sectors, improving its tourism infrastructure, supporting and assisting in the deployment of high-speed broadband services and recruiting and attracting information technology services, and growing its entrepreneurial skills by encouraging small business location and development. To accomplish these goals, the County has formed cooperatively with Accomack County the Eastern Shore of Virginia Broadband Authority and the Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission. Additionally, the County has an Industrial Development Authority to partner and assist with financing opportunities for business development and expansion. Education The Northampton Public School System has an ethnically diverse community of 1,505 students. There are four (4) schools, including one (1) high school, two (2) elementary schools and one (1) alternative learning center. Every classroom has computers; and every school has internet access, science labs and computer labs. Of particular note is that 77% of the system s graduates pursue some form of higher education. The county also offers various opportunities for higher education, with Eastern Shore Community College situated just north of the County and several others in close proximity. South of Northampton County, through the Chesapeake Bay, is the metropolitan Hampton Roads area that boasts Virginia Wesleyan College, Norfolk State University and several campuses of Tidewater Community College. Also located in the Hampton Roads area are the campuses of Old Dominion University and Christopher Newport University. County Government The Board of Supervisors consists of five representatives, one from each of the County's five voting districts. Supervisors are elected for four-year terms. The Board is the policy-making body of the County and is vested with all rights and powers as specified by the state law. The Board takes action by adoption of ordinances or resolutions. The Board elects annually a chairman who presides at each Board meeting and serves as the official head of the County government. The administrative head of the County Board Form of government is the County Administrator. The County Administrator is appointed by the Board of Supervisors and serves at the pleasure of the Board. The Administrator is a full-time employee whose duties are to implement County policies as determined by the Board of Supervisors and oversee the day-to-day County business operations through a staff of professional department heads. This position has no definite term and the Administrator may be removed by a majority vote of the Board at any time. The Administrator-Board form includes constitutional officers that provide certain administrative functions. Northampton County has five (5) constitutional officers: Commissioner of Revenue; Commonwealth s Attorney; Sheriff and Treasurer who are elected to 4 years terms that are not limited. The fifth constitutional officer, Clerk of the Circuit Court is also elected but has an eight year term. 2 County of Northampton, Virginia

3 NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA Director of Economic and Community Development The Director s Position The Director of Economic and Community Development will serve, primarily, to oversee the County s economic development, planning, zoning, building and code enforcement programs. This position is responsible for managing and supervising staff responsible for economic development, planning, zoning, building, inspections and compliance/enforcement association with zoning and building activities. In addition, the Director will work to establish long range plans, develop policy and procedures, manage economic development activities, prepare budgets and report on events and activities to senior mangement or elected officials. The Director will manage a staff of seven (7) in the areas outlined above with a focus on developing a more agresssive program for job creation in Fiscal Year 2016 and beyond. A description is provided below for each of the County departments that the Director will oversee. Planning and Zoning The Planning and Zoning Department administers the County's comprehensive plan and land use regulations. Department staff performs erosion and sediment control administration for four of the County s five incorporated towns; zoning and subdivision administration for only one of the County s four incorporated towns and zoning, subdivision and development review for the County. The Department also serves as the first contact for developers and landowners who are considering new development or changes to existing properties. Most importantly, the Planning and Zoning department works alongside the community's citizens to create the long range goals, plans and strategies that shape the future of Northampton County. The Departmental staff provides support to the County s Planning Commission, Wetlands Board, Board of Zoning Appeals, the Agricultural and Forestal District Advisory Committee and the Board of Supervisors. The Department staffs a Zoning Administrator, Long Range Planner/GIS Coordinator, Development Inspector and Department Administrator. The Department functions with a Fiscal Year 2016 budget of $332,197. Building Inspections The Building Department administers the County s building and construction regulations and associated laws of the Commonwealth and the County. The Department reviews plans and issues permits for structures and/or building additions as well as erosion and sediment control. The Department, which is supported by permit income, is comprised of a Building Official and Permit Technician and functions with a Fiscal Year 2016 budget of $138,873. Code Compliance The County s Code Compliance function enforces a wide variety of beautification and nuisance ordinances including abandoned and inoperable vehicles, tall grass and weeds in designated areas, solid waste disposal violations and abandoned and unsafe structures. In addition, the staff is responsible for managing beautification and roadside clean-up efforts and the County s street addressing and signage program. The Department is staffed by a part-time Code Compliance Officer and a part-time Litter Control Technician. The Department functions with a Fiscal Year 2016 budget of $72,575. Issues/Challenges Continuing implementation of the County s organizational assessment which brings the County s development and regulatory agencies under the Director s jurisdiction. Maintaining a customer friendly culture within the new department among existing and new staff. Continued implementation of a strong business retention program through relationship building and development of a progressive communication program outlining the business advantages of the County. Continuous review of the current economic development model for the County to determine if opportunities exist for stronger regional cooperation and public-private partnerships. 3 County of Northampton, Virginia

4 Specific goals established for the Department of Economic and Community Development include: Creation of an environment where businesses are welcome and services are available to help them be prosperous. Major objectives in support of this goal involve completion of a review and revisions to the County s zoning ordinance to promote business development by August 1, 2015; developing a plan to assist and promote the use of the existing Industrial Park in Cape Charles by June 30, 2017; and, developing Business Incentives that can be provided by the County to stimulate business recruitment, selection, location and development by June 30,2016 Development of an infrastructure system that improves the County s quality of life. Major objectives supporting this goal include promotion of broadband availability for business and residential use and development and provision of water and sewer to the Northern and Southern Nodes of the County in a financially responsible manner by June 30, Provision of Emergency Medical Services and encouragement and support of adequate health care facilities, services and coverage for all citizens of the County, to the extent possible. A major obective in support of this goal includes partnering with Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in developing a redevelopment plan for its present facilities. NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA Organization Chart 4 County of Northampton, Virginia

5 NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA Director of Economic and Community Development Education and Experience A bachelor s degree in business or public administration, finance, economics, planning, or related field is required, supplemented by six (6) to nine (9) years of experience in managing planning, zoning, code enforcement and/or economic development programs. Demonstrated experience in implementing highly successful small business development and retention, business recruitment and marketing programs at the state, regional or local level is an important consideration. Past experience of the candidate must show a high level of performance in areas that include building a responsive development staff and building and maintaining strong relationships with the community and business community at large, working with and assisting in development of new business opportunities, marketing County assets, maintaining and strengthening cooperative regional relationships and overseeing development related functions. A Certified Economic Developer designation is preferred. Otherwise, the new Director will be expected to attain this credential within the first year of employment. Skills and Past Performance Administrative ability. Must be able to manage and administer a range of planning and code enforcement functions ensuring that policy development and implementation reflect a balanced approach to development, job creation and tax base expansion in the County. Ability to analyze area and regional business conditions and develop sound work plans fitting business development opportunities into the existing County development framework. Person must be willing to devote whatever time is necessary to achieve the goals and guidelines established by the County Administrator and Board of Supervisors. Knowledge of how to effectively use existing resources and strong, but tactful, leadership qualities are desirable. Internal relations. Ability to take time and interest in working with the County Administrator, Board of Supervisors and Industrial Development Authority to keep them informed and explain the needs of the County, relative to business development and overall economic activities in a clear and concise manner. Both written and oral communications with the County Administrator, Board of Supervisors, Industrial Development Authority, community organizations, regional partners and other parties are essential. The person must be able to accept constructive criticism and to implement needed changes as the needs arise. Candidate must be open and honest with the County Administrator and other engaged parties and able to present all sides of an issue that affect the County. Budget and finance. Should have demonstrated prior experience in successfully managing a comparably sized budget. Should have knowledge of business pro forma review and ability to analyze and structure creative financing plans for economic development related projects. Human resource management. Must have demonstrated performance and ability to select and manage well qualified and motivated personnel. Must demonstrate a personality that can communicate the County s goals and needs to employees. Must be prepared to motivate employees and demonstrate fairness in dealing with staff. Should have demonstrated a commitment to friendly and helpful internal and external customer service. Community relations. Candidate must have demonstrated involvement in community activities and demonstrate a willingness to work with and support the County s Towns in complimentary economic development related activities. Experience working with and understanding the needs of the business community and non-profit agencies as their needs relate to business development is highly desirable. Candidate should be able to present a confident image of the County s business development program to 5 County of Northampton, Virginia

6 the community at large. Must be able to demonstrate a positive, productive attitude to citizens of the community. Intergovernmental relations. Must be able to relate to and develop a good working relationship with other local governments, community and regional organizations and state economic development related agencies. Creativity. Individual must demonstrate an ability to analyze available data and create innovative programs that meet the County s goals and objectives in all functional areas managed. Professional Skills and Management Style Ability to analyze the County s strengths and weaknesses as they relate to economic and redevelopment opportunities visualize what is possible and develop realistic plans which benefit the County. Strong skills in analyzing development and redevelopment proposals and working knowledge of business planning, economic development related financing tools, redevelopment and strategic planning. Excellent facilitation skills with the ability to bring diverse groups together to form a common vision and build and maintain support in the community for that vision. Strong skills in developing and maintaining good relations with existing businesses, building strong relationships between the County and the entire business community. Good analytical skills, creative, an idea person. Self-starter, hard-working, producer. Team builder, people person; has the ability to lead people through establishment and maintenance of open communications and unbiased treatment. Ability to manage with confidence, courage to do what s right, even in the face of adversity. Flexible, can adjust to changing priorities. Efficient in planning and organization of own work and that of subordinates. Personal Traits Enthusiastic Ethical Fair and unbiased in all internal and external dealings. Apolitical Honest, open and candid Mature and self-confident Tactful, discrete, diplomatic Service and results oriented Compensation and Benefits The salary range for the position is $74,123 - $111,184, based on qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits package includes participation in the Virginia Retirement System, vacation, sick leave, group life insurance, medical insurance, professional dues and conference expenses. Relocation allowance is negotiable. 6 County of Northampton, Virginia

7 Application and Selection Process The application deadline is June 18, To be considered, please submit a cover letter, résumé with salary history and five (5) professional references online by visiting Waters & Company Executive Recruitment (WCER) website at Following the filing date, résumés will be screened by Waters & Company based on the criteria established by Northampton County. The County will review recommended candidates who most closely meet the established criteria and finalists should be interviewed in Northampton during the month of August For more information, please contact John Anzivino at richmond@waters-company.com. The County of Northampton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 7 County of Northampton, Virginia