Planning Director; Internal​/External

Planning Director

Department
:
Planning & Zoning Department

Classification
:
Exempt (FLSA)

Annual Salary
: $72,967.96

Opening Date
:
April 13, 2026

Closing Date
:
Open Until Filled

Announcement Number
: VA#25-26-37

Performs a variety of professional, administrative and managerial duties related to planning, directing, organizing, and controlling the Planning, Zoning and Code Enforcement Department. Duties include planning, zoning, building, business and short-term rental registration, FEMA floodplain management, code enforcement, and maintenance of municipal codes. Serves as liaison and staff to the combined Planning and Zoning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Main Street, Land Use Development Committee, and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency Board.

Acts as Code Administrator for the Town.

Expected to work with substantial autonomy, under the general supervision of the Town Manager.

Provides general supervision to the department’s professionals, supervisors, and support staff.

Manages day‑to‑day operations, determines priorities, and develops guidelines. Initiates studies on long‑range and current planning/zoning issues, oversees review of development applications, permits, and registrations, and directs the development, review, and amendment of ordinances, business regulations, permits, architectural designs, traffic, and housing studies. Monitors project activities to ensure timely implementation of the comprehensive plan, land use map, affordable housing, short‑term rental, and zoning ordinances.

Issues interpretations of town zoning, planning, building, and related ordinances and regulations as needed.

Directs personnel and delegates assignments, evaluates staff performance, and recommends improvements. Makes decisions on hiring, interviewing, retention, advancement, and discipline. Conducts employee performance evaluations, participates in recruitment and selection, and develops and conducts staff training. Ensures a safe and healthy working environment and complies with the Town’s safety and health program and all applicable regulations.

Acts as administrative advisor and liaison to the Town Manager, Town Council, citizen committees, board of adjustments, planning commission, and historic preservation commission. Provides technical insight and recommendations related to planning and development policies, goals, and objectives. Develops implementation options, action plans, and budgets, and allocates personnel and resources as necessary.

Coordinates meetings of the combined commissions and boards, attends Town Council meetings, training sessions, certification workshops, and public meetings and hearings. Educates the public through media, reports, public meetings, and presentations.

Develops departmental budgets, monitors fiscal controls, and gives final approval for disbursements. Participates in town‑wide fiscal planning processes, including the Strategic Plan and Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan.

Maintains communication with citizen‑governed neighborhood associations to ensure a local system of public information and outreach with accurate and timely two‑way communication.

Oversees special function areas and districts related to subdivision development, zoning proposals, annexations, land acquisitions, building permits, historic preservation, cultural districts, business improvement districts, and special improvement districts. Oversees studies on population, housing, socio‑economic issues, business development, tourism, marketing, environment, recreation, and transportation.

Coordinates research and program options with other town departments, local governments, and agencies. Directs or conducts feasibility studies, prepares reports on project options and progress, reviews and updates ordinances, and coordinates projects with other departments or governmental agencies.

Additionally, performs other duties and assignments as required to effectuate the department’s goals and responsibilities or as directed by the Town Manager.

Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree (Master’s…