Assistant Planning Director: Regional Strategy & Leadership

CENTRALINA COUNCIL-GOVERNMENT; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 84,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NC Local Government Retirement System

401k

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Flexible Benefits

Job summary

Centralina Regional Council is seeking an experienced Assistant Planning Director to partner with the Planning Director in advancing regional planning initiatives across Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas. The role supervises staff, leads project management, and supports local governments and regional partners.

Ideal candidates will have a master’s degree in a related field and at least seven years in land use, transportation, or community development planning, with strong leadership and grant

Qualifications

• Knowledge of local government operations, decision-making processes, and public administration.
• Understanding of North Carolina planning principles, land use regulations, and development practices.
• Strong project management, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Experience building partnerships and working effectively with elected officials, local governments, stakeholders, and community organizations.
• Strong leadership, communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and support both organizational and regional objectives.

Responsibilities

• Assist with departmental leadership, strategic planning, annual work plans, budgeting, and program development.
• Support the supervision, mentoring, and professional development of planning staff.
• Manage a variety of planning projects and provide technical assistance to member governments and partner agencies.
• Lead and support initiatives related to land use planning, transportation, community and economic development, community engagement, environmental planning, and related regional issues.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with local governments, elected officials, community organizations, and regional partners.
• Research funding opportunities, prepare grant applications, and oversee grant-funded projects.
• Coordinate contract administration, project implementation, and compliance activities.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and facilitate meetings, workshops, public engagement activities, and special events.
• Serve as staff liaison to committees, boards, commissions, and advisory groups.
• Represent the department and organization at local, regional, and statewide meetings.
• Work with the Planning Director to align departmental priorities and initiatives with Centralina’s strategic goals and mission.

Skills

Public Administration

Land Use Planning

Transportation Planning

Community Development

Community Engagement

Leadership

Project Management

Education

Master's degree in Planning / Public Policy / Urban Design / Public Administration

Job description

Centralina Regional Council is seeking an experienced Assistant Planning Director to partner with the Planning Director in advancing regional planning initiatives across Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas. The role supervises staff, leads project management, and supports local governments and regional partners.

Ideal candidates will have a master’s degree in a related field and at least seven years in land use, transportation, or community development planning, with strong leadership and grant