Horry (pronounced or - ree) County, the home of Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Cherry Grove, Garden City Beach, and Conway, is located along the South Carolina Coast and is part of the second fastest growing metropolitan statistical area in the nation. This provides unique opportunities for our community. It’s warm climate, famous and historical beaches and rivers, with urban and rural settings have something to offer everyone and make it a charming place to live.  We welcome over 21,000,000 visitors every year to the Grand Strand.   With over 400,000 residents, the County has more than doubled in population in the last 20 years and is expected to grow to more than 650,000 residents by the year 2040.  This creates a dynamic environment where changes and growth in an organization and community can be seen in real time.  It affords a dynamic and forward-thinking professional the opportunity to make real differences.  The successful candidate will be a well-rounded professional who is able to lead people, maintain an excellent staff, overcome challenges, and enjoys what they do.

As employees of Horry County, we believe we live and work in one of the best communities in the nation. Enjoy the Southern hospitality, great schools, low cost of living, 90+ golf courses, 60 miles of pristine beaches, theatres, shows, incredible restaurants, numerous water sports, various sporting activities and premier shopping the Grand Strand area has to offer.  Anticipated Hiring Range is $140-150K depending on qualifications and experience.

General Job Description

Under limited supervision, is responsible for the management and administration of all sections of the Horry County Planning Department, including planning, zoning, street naming and addressing. The Development Services Director also oversees the Code Enforcement Department through its Director to ensure the seamless provision of services and clear direction for the two departments.  Develops and monitors the departmental budgets. Supervises, plans and directs the activities of professional and clerical personnel in order to ensure the proper implementation of department objectives and procedures; reviews work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy. Must understand construction principles, processes and terminology.  Reports to the Assistant County Administrator for Infrastructure and Regulation.

Duties of Position

ABBREVIATED LIST OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Supervises the operation of the Planning Department; assigns workloads and establishes work schedules; directs and supervises duties of assigned staff. Supervisory duties include instructing; assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; allocating personnel; selecting new employees; acting on employee problems; recommending and approving employee transfers, promotions and discipline; and recommending discharge and salary increases.
• Oversees the Code Enforcement Department through the Director of Code Enforcement.  Ensures coordination between both departments to provide the highest level of service for our customers. 
• Integrates and unifies all processes and systems in both departments to eliminate redundancies and facilitate consistency in quality and accuracy in all services provided. 
• Trains staff in both the Code Enforcement Department and the Planning Department in the operations of the other department so that the customer receives seamless service and so that personnel can be readily shifted between departments to efficiently respond to increases in demand for services and fully utilize all allocated resources.
• Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and makes recommendations as appropriate; offers advice and assistance as needed.
• Ensures all Planning, Zoning, and Code Enforcement related items before associated boards, Planning Commission, and County Council are fully vetted, well prepared, and professionally presented with all questions answered as may be appropriate.
• Advises the Assistant County Administrator on a variety of related topics.
• Conducts research and consults with various government officials regarding economic, social and physical factors affecting growth in the County. Studies the impact of various private and public planning projects on the County.
• Coordinates the Departments’ interaction and assistance with other County departments, governmental and private agencies, the Planning Commission and the public.
• Prepares and manages the annual budget for the Planning and Code Enforcement Departments. Reviews and approves requisitions.
• Responds to inquiries and directives from the Assistant County Administrator and County Council regarding special projects and programs.
• Prepares comprehensive reports and presentations of planning project activities and recommendations.
• Directs the preparation and maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan for the development of the County.
• Receives, reviews, prepares and/or submits various records and reports including weekly reports, budget requests, job applications, performance appraisals, project status reports, district plans, subdivision plans, flow charts, special studies, demographics, fee schedule studies, comparative analyses, organization chart, memos, correspondence, budget, etc.
• Operates a variety of equipment such as a computer, GIS software, copier, drafting instruments, telephone, calculator, etc.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the County Administrator, County Council, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, subordinates, County department heads and employees, attorneys, engineers, consultants, utility companies and the general public.

General Job Description

• Advises public and private groups in developing new concepts, plans, projects and programs.
• Represents the Planning Commission and the Departments in public presentations to explain County projects, functions, and processes.
• Attends meetings, seminars and conferences as appropriate.
• Performs related duties as required.

Position Minimum Requirements

Requires a Juris Doctor, Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning, Professional Engineering License, Architecture License or other related field with at least 15 years of experience in the Development Industry, with at least 8 years in a managerial position, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.  Legal experience in Planning and Land Use Law is a Plus.