Planning Job Descriptions

Planning Director / Executive Director /
Director / Owner / CEO / President

The employment level of Planning Director, Executive Director, Director, Owner, CEO, or President, is the top management level specializing in planning issues. Within a private sector planning firm or a nonprofit, the Executive Director directs all operations of the organization and reports to a Board of Directors. The Planning Director of a local, county or state government directs planning initiatives and typically reports to a Town/City Manager. Planning Directors are often given a significant degree of flexibility in accomplishing their tasks.

Typical Functions

• Oversees the recruitment, employment, evaluation, and release of staff and contract personnel.
• Supervises all organization staff, either directly or indirectly through senior staff
• Develops organization-wide or department-wide goals, objectives, policies and procedures
• Prepares division/department/organization operations budget
• Ensures that the Board of Trustees is kept fully informed on the condition of the agency and about any trends, events, or emerging issues of significance to the agency's success
• Report events and activities to senior management and elected and appointed officials
• Represents the organization on regional/local boards
• Implements General Plan or other planning projects
• Reviews all departmental reports and presentations
• Evaluates planning-related legislation and applicability to department projects
• Evaluates proposals to local governments for organization's planning consulting services
• Attends substantial number of evening and weekend meetings

Typical Knowledge

• Considerable knowledge of the theory, principles and techniques of the planning profession and development process
• Considerable knowledge of federal, state and local laws, ordinances and codes pertaining to a wide variety of planning topics
• Considerable knowledge of principles of personnel management, including supervision, training and performance evaluation
• Considerable knowledge of the methods and techniques of research and analysis
• Considerable knowledge of the principles of budgeting and finance
• Knowledge of real estate terminology, laws, practices, principles, and regulations
• Knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS

Typical Skills

• Effective and persuasive leadership comfortable with all levels of staff, public and others
• Proven management skills and ability to manage day-to-day operations
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the editing, oversight or preparation of technical reports, and the presentation of information to government entities and various committees
• Strong interpersonal and public relations skills to work effectively with various officials, staff, citizens and other customers
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to understand and manage high-profile, sensitive or controversial political situations
• Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines

Minimum Qualifications

This position level requires a master's degree in urban planning, public administration or a related field and a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible planning experience. Generally, four years of experience must be in a supervisory capacity. AICP Certification is required, or ability to obtain certification within one year. Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.