Planning Director

Job Title

Planning Director #51042

Community Development

$96,301.00 - $

March 6th, 2026 at 5 PM

This managerial position plans, directs, and the Burke County Community Development Department, which consists of Planning, Zoning, Code Enforcement and Building Inspections.

• Organizes and oversees Community Development Department assigned personnel decisions such as hiring, promotions, demotions, performance management, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Conducts Community Development Department personnel performance evaluations that are timely and constructive for assigned personnel

• Directs, leads, and provides strategic oversight to the Community Development department regarding planning, zoning, building inspections, and code enforcement.
• Effectively communicates (verbally and in writing) and coordinates with the Burke County General Services Department for planning and capital projects' management including, but not limited to, contracts, site developments, and RFQs.
• Coordinates with the Burke County Parks and Recreation Department regarding park development and facility needs.
• Participates, attends, and presents at the regional planning efforts' meeting and functions.
• Plans, prepares, and coordinates special projects for Burke County as needed including, but not limited to, the digital access plans, agreements, and funding sources.
• Develops, reports, and presents information to the Burke County Board of Commissioners, Burke County Planning Board, Burke Development Inc. (BDI), Board of Directors, or other local groups as necessarily related to the functions and activities of the Community Development department.
• Monitors state and federal legislation and leads the response to regulatory changes at the County level.
• Presents planning and zoning items at public meetings, and conducts public hearings in accordance with general statue; provides clear, professional guidance to elected officials, appointed boards, developers, and the public.
• Engages in difficult negotiations requiring a well-developed sense of timing and strategy with private developers, community members, and other municipal/government agencies.
• Develops, prepares and oversees the departmental budget, including the forecasting of future operational needs, monitoring of expenses, and ensuring department compliance within the annual operating budget.
• Directs, leads and oversees the work to complete sections of the Fonta Flora State Trail and Over mountain Victory Trail in collaboration with public trail partners. Includes the managing of grant funding, general funds, and matching dollars through financial oversight.
• Works with County Finance team to manage contracts, grant funds, and purchase orders related to department services and projects.
• Interacts with and assists the general public via telephone, email, or in person to provide support, information, and assistance with programs coordinated or prepared by this position.
• Serves as County liaison to WPCOG Technical Coordinating Committee and Greenway Transit Board.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Business Administration, Planning, Management Administration, Construction Management, or another related field.
• At least six (6) years of extensive experience, preferably in a County or Municipal government Planning role, developing the necessary knowledge and skill of this position.

• Valid North Carolina Driver's License.

• Standard vision requirements, with or without corrective lenses.
• Occasionally lifts up to ten (10) pounds.
• Occasionally spends time standing, walking, using hands or finders to handle, feel, type, or text, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Routinely spends time sitting and speaking or hearing.
• Frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions.
• Occasional exposure to some disagreeable elements (i.e., dust, heat, fumes, cold, or noise).
• Subjected to considerable mental effort and potential stressful…