Director of Planning & Development Services

What You’ll Be Doing

Wake County is growing, and we’re building a department to help shape that growth with purpose and vision. As the Director of Planning & Development Services
, you will lead a newly established department focused on planning, permitting, inspections, and watershed management. This is a unique opportunity to build a team, set strategic direction, and influence how development happens in one of the fastest‑growing counties in the country.

• Guide the work of four core divisions:
  Administration, Planning, Building Permits & Inspections, and Watershed Management
• Develop and implement the department’s annual business plan and long‑term strategy
• Build trusted relationships and collaborate with internal teams, external agencies, and the development community to drive innovation and resolve complex issues
• Oversee budget planning and ensure fiscal responsibility across all operations
• Monitor legislation and lead the department’s response to regulatory changes
• Represent the department in public forums, media, and community outreach
• Supervise and develop a high‑performing senior leadership team
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement in service delivery

This position is part of the County’s Senior Leadership Team and plays a key role in shaping the future of Wake County’s built environment and quality of life.

Please submit a complete application that includes a cover letter and full resume detailing your relevant experience. Applications will be reviewed beginning the week of January 19, 2026, so early submission is encouraged.

The Wake County Planning & Development Services Department exists to ensure that growth and development are managed responsibly by preserving the outstanding quality of life that all Wake County residents expect. As the population and economy continue to grow in Wake County, the need for this approach increases. The Department is the County’s leading resource for administering the County’s regulations pertaining to land development.

This work is guided by the County’s Unified Development Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, Stormwater Regulations, and North Carolina Building Code.

The Department includes various work groups to advance development in Wake County’s jurisdiction. Those groups include building permitting and inspections, stormwater, watershed management, planning and zoning. The department is also instrumental in convening stakeholders that have common interests in advanced land development projects. The stakeholders may include regional agencies related to transportation, stormwater, watershed management, or other planning efforts. The Planning & Development Services team recognizes that community engagement and stakeholder feedback are a critical step in any planning process.

As such, team members are skilled at outreach and engagement practices.

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Planning, or a related field
• Eight (8) years of experience in government administration, planning or development services including at least four (4) years of supervisory experience
• A strong commitment to public service and a track record of leading complex, multi‑disciplinary teams
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Planning, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
• Eight (8) years of senior management‑level experience as a Deputy County Manager, Deputy City Manager or Deputy Director in land use planning, environmental engineering, or development services programs

• Excellent leadership, change management execution and project management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with a track record of successful cross‑functional collaboration
• Ability to lead senior management teams by setting expectations, evaluating performance, and fostering professional development
• Excellent critical thinking skills with ability to prioritize
• Ability to identify performance measures and…