Planning Director - Saco

Start Date: June 17, 2025 | End Date: December 14, 2025
County: York County
Job Type: Planning
More Information: Click here

SUMMARY

The Planning Director is an important position for the City of Saco, one of Maine’s fastest growing communities. The Planning Director is responsible for the daily activities of the Planning Department. The Planning Director reviews development proposals for compliance with municipal land use codes, standards and design guidelines; answers general citizen inquiries; and acts as the primary liaison to the Planning Board. This position supervises a Planning Staff of three full-time employees, and the Department works collaboratively with various city boards and commissions, such as but not limited to, Planning Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Long Range Planning Committee, and others. This position guides and assists various types of planning projects, such as long-range planning studies, transportation projects, and other such initiatives, in collaboration and coordination with regional agencies, local boards and committees, and state and federal representatives.

Salary Range: $94,000-$110,000

SUPERVISION RECEIVED  

This position reports to the Deputy City Administrator (Community Development). Considerable independent judgement is exercised in performing the daily functions of the position. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has supervisory responsibility for the Assistant Planners and Planning Compliance Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Interprets and applies applicable state, county, and local statutes, codes, ordinances, and regulations.
2. Oversees review of development projects for compliance with municipal land use codes, standards, and design guidelines.
3. Assists with updates and the maintenance of the Comprehensive plan and land development regulations.
4. Conducts reviews of various development applications and proposals including but not limited to subdivision, site plan, conditional use, and contract zone reviews.
5. Conducts periodic reviews of the City’s land use regulations, prepares environmental, zoning, and other land use ordinances and makes recommendations for updates.
6. Writes and presents formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence.
7. Researches, analyzes, and interprets social, economic, population and other planning data and trends; also presents findings to various Boards, Commissions, and Committees.
8. Collects, records, and summarizes statistical and demographic information.
9. Attends evening and occasional weekend meetings and events.
10. Prepares and administers planning-specific project grants.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

1. In-depth knowledge of planning principles and practices, with in-depth knowledge of one or more planning specializations, such as transportation planning, environmental permitting, or similar.
2. Knowledge of planning principles, methodology, practices of research, and data collection. 
3. Knowledge of or experience in reporting to a Planning Board or similar Board or Commission.
4. Ability to negotiate effectively with developers as an advocate for high standards of development in the city.
5. Written and oral communication; and interpersonal skills to present research findings to various volunteer boards, commissions, committees, and at public events.
6. Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well-defined practical problems.
7. Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions, with ability to uphold consistent decision-making.
8. Ability to perform professional planning work with minimal supervision.
9. Demonstrated facilitation skills for use with community workshops and meetings.
10. Organizational skills to manage a demanding workload and the ability to complete work products on schedule and accurately.
11. Ability to manage and prioritize workload within many different due dates and evolving regulatory provisions at the state and federal levels.
12. Ability to use existing and emerging technologies in planning, such as GIS, web-based communications, digital graphic applications, file management, spreadsheet, word processing, and project management software, proficiency with MS Office Suite software.
13. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, employees, community groups, and the public, to promote a cooperative team approach to the development review process.

OTHER DUTIES

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in planning, or similar, preferred, as is AICP (American Institute of Certificated Planners) certification. Three to five years of experience in professional planning or similar position with demonstrated leadership abilities. The ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal) and work independently on daily functions is a must, as is honesty and integrity.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Saco is committed to workplace diversity and is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran or disability status, religion, age, gender identity, or other protected status.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To be considered for the position, you must submit a completed employment application, letter of

intent, resume, and references. Apply Here.

If you have questions about the position, please contact Emily Cole-Prescott, Planning Director at (207) 282-3487 x. 357.

This position is open until filled, and we reserve the right to close it at any time once suitable candidates are identified. Early applications are encouraged.