JOB DESCRIPTION

The Town of Aberdeen, a growing community located adjacent to Pinehurst and Southern Pines in the Sandhills Region of N.C. is seeking an experienced planning professional to join our team as the town's Assistant Planning Director and help guide the future of our community.

Aberdeen is a designated NC Main Street Community and has an active National Register Historic District, with a growing population approaching 10,000. Aberdeen prides itself on the superb quality of its employee pool and its history of employees gaining longevity in their careers with the town. Cross-collaboration between departments is a common and vital component of the department's work.

The successful candidate for this position will assist with leading the Town's Planning & Inspections dynamic team, consisting of a Planning and Inspections Director, Downtown Planner, Landscape Planner, Planning Technician, Chief Building Inspector, Code Enforcement Officer, and Permit Technician. The successful candidate will show the ability to perform advanced, highly-complex professional planning activities and to effectively function as the most senior planner under the direction of the Director, with expertise in a wide range of planning and zoning tasks.

Projects currently underway include several residential subdivisions, a unique public/private partnership re-development mixed-use project, and new development and redevelopment of non-residential properties. The Assistant Director will collaborate with other department staff in the preparation of items for review by our governing board, the support of several advisory boards, development plan review, ordinance revisions, and hands-on processing of land development proposals.

This position will require above average abilities to build interpersonal relationships, manage multiple projects with competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment, exhibit excellent oral and written communications, and a broad working knowledge of planning and economic development activities. The opportunity to mentor junior staff for the ongoing viability of the department is an important component of the position. Advancement opportunities within the department are likely for those who are interested and present the appropriate mix of skills and abilities.

Minimum requirements: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university, with a preference of major course work in urban and regional planning, landscape architecture, public administration, business administration, geography or related field, and strong GIS skills and experience are minimum requirements. A minimum of 6 years of experience in a Planning field is required. AICP and CZO certifications are preferred. North Carolina planning experience preferred, but not required.

Hiring range: $73,474 – $90,000 based on experience. Priority consideration will be given to submittals received by January 9, 2026.

BENEFITS

Aberdeen offers an excellent benefits package including 5% 401-k contribution, LGERS membership, paid medical, dental and life insurance, 12 paid holidays + paid birthday day off, vacation and sick leave, and annual longevity payment. Consideration will be given for a sign-on bonus and/or reimbursement for relocation expenses.

BENEFITS

Aberdeen offers an excellent benefits package including 5% 401-k contribution, LGERS membership, paid medical, dental and life insurance, 12 paid holidays + paid birthday day off, vacation and sick leave, and annual longevity payment. Consideration will be given for a sign-on bonus and/or reimbursement for relocation expenses.