Planning Director / Executive Director

Senior-Level Planning Job Descriptions

The employment level of Planning Director, Executive Director, Director, Owner, CEO, or President, is the top management level specializing in planning issues. Within a private sector planning firm or a nonprofit, the Executive Director directs all operations of the organization and reports to a Board of Directors. The Planning Director of a local, county or state government directs planning initiatives and typically reports to a Planning Commission, Town/City Manager, and/or Mayor/elected officials. Planning Directors are often given a significant degree of flexibility in accomplishing their tasks.

Typical Functions

• Oversees the recruitment, employment, evaluation, and release of staff and contract personnel.
• Supervises all organization staff, either directly or indirectly through senior staff
• Develops organization-wide or department-wide goals, objectives, policies and procedures
• Prepares division/department/organization operations budget
• Ensures that the Planning Commission or Board of Trustees is kept fully informed on the condition of the agency and about any trends, events, or emerging issues of significance to the agency's success
• Report events and activities to senior management and elected and appointed officials
• Represents the organization on regional/local boards
• Implements General Plan or other planning projects
• Reviews all departmental reports and presentations
• Evaluates planning-related legislation and applicability to department projects
• Evaluates proposals to local governments for organization's planning consulting services
• Attends substantial number of evening and weekend meetings
• Conducts Planning Commission and related public meetings and hearings

Typical Knowledge

• Considerable knowledge of the theory, principles and techniques of the planning profession and development process
• Considerable knowledge of federal, state and local laws, ordinances and codes pertaining to a wide variety of planning topics
• Considerable knowledge of principles of personnel management, including supervision, training and performance evaluation
• Considerable knowledge of the methods and techniques of research and analysis
• Considerable knowledge of the principles of budgeting and finance
• Knowledge of real estate terminology, laws, practices, principles, and regulations
• Knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office, database management and Internet applications
• GIS programs and applications

Typical Skills

• Effective and persuasive leadership comfortable with all levels of staff, appointed and elected officials, public stakeholders and others
• Proven management skills and ability to manage day-to-day operations
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the editing, oversight or preparation of technical reports, and the presentation of information to government entities and various committees
• Strong interpersonal and public relations skills to work effectively with various officials, staff, citizens and other customers
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to understand and manage high-profile, sensitive or controversial political situations
• Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines

Minimum Qualifications

This position level requires a master's degree in urban planning, public administration or a related field and a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible planning experience. Generally, four years of experience must be in a supervisory capacity. AICP Certification is required, or ability to obtain certification within one year. Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.

Updated May 2021