Deputy Director of Planning

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Planning Director to lead the Planning Division’s operations, staffing, and work program
• Serve as an advisor to appointed bodies and elected officials on land use policy, development trends, and planning strategy
• Lead and manage complex planning initiatives, including zoning code updates, housing implementation, and infill development projects
• Navigate politically sensitive and technically complex development proposals with professionalism and sound judgment
• Represent the department on behalf of the Planning Director as needed, ensuring continuity in leadership and decision‑making
• Oversee development review and entitlement processes, balancing efficiency, design quality, and community outcomes
• Mentor and develop professional planning staff and future leaders within the organization

We are seeking a planning leader who combines strategic vision with practical execution – someone who can guide day‑to‑day operations while keeping a clear focus on long‑term community outcomes. The ideal candidate brings proven experience shaping and implementing land use policies that create meaningful, livable places, along with the skill to clearly frame complex planning issues for policymakers and the public.

This role calls for experience navigating the challenges of infill development, redevelopment, and community‑scale change with professionalism and creativity. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership presence, the ability to step confidently into a director‑level role when needed, sound judgment in politically nuanced environments, and a deep commitment to public service and ethical planning practice.

• You enjoy shaping places that matter and turning community values into built form
• You are comfortable operating at both the strategic and operational levels of a planning organization
• You like guiding elected officials and appointed bodies through complex land use and policy decisions
• You have experience navigating infill development, redevelopment, and community‑scale change
• You thrive in politically nuanced environments and bring sound judgment and professionalism to sensitive issues
• You enjoy mentoring staff and building strong, collaborative teams
• You value thoughtful, people‑centered planning and ethical public service
• You are motivated by meaningful work that has a lasting impact on a community’s future
• You want to be part of a supportive, high‑performing team that values learning, initiative, and shared success

• We budget for renewals for professional certifications (AICP, CNU‑A, etc.) for our staff.
• We invest in your continued education and budget for conferences, educational courses and continuing professional certifications.
• Where possible, we offer the flexibility of a hybrid schedule option so you can occasionally work from home.

• Final date to receive applications:
  Thursday, February 5, 2026
• Application Screening completed by:
  Tuesday, February 10, 2026
• 1st Panel Interview:
  Week of February 23, 2026
• Tentative Department Interview:
  Week of March 2, 2026

Graduation from college with a Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree in Planning, Public Policy, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is highly desirable. Six or more years of increasingly responsible professional planning and zoning experience, including employee supervision, project management, community participation, and related work, is required.

Professional certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners is highly desirable.

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, or a related field, plus six (6) years of increasingly responsible professional planning and zoning experience, including employee supervision, project management, community participation, and related work. Substitution: A total of ten (10) years of increasingly responsible professional planning and zoning experience,…