Chief City Planner & Development Lead

City of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Fayetteville (AR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Fayetteville, Arkansas seeks a seasoned Planning Director to lead the Development Services team in zoning, land use, and long-range planning. You will supervise staff, ensure timely reviews, and coordinate cross-department efforts to implement the city’s development goals.

You will present recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council, maintain maps, and advance policies that balance growth with community values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in City & Regional Planning or related field; 8 years of progressive management/admin experience in public-sector planning or comparable private-sector practice; at least 3 years in supervision.
• AICP certification required within 1 year of employment.
• Strong knowledge of zoning, subdivision, and land use law; ability to present staff recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead supervisory duties including interviewing, hiring, and training employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; address complaints.
• Administer and interpret zoning and development ordinances; ensure staff apply interpretations consistently.
• Coordinate inter-departmental efforts to evaluate development and enforce current ordinances; escalate issues as needed.
• Direct current planning activities, including zoning changes, variances, site plans, platting, and subdivisions; provide case management.
• Facilitate development-related activities across divisions to achieve department goals; ensure efficient review timelines.
• Speak with citizens, developers, attorneys, and engineers regarding land use proposals and guide applicants to code-compliant paths.
• Report to Planning Commission and City Council; provide independent professional recommendations on applications and policy.

Skills

Leadership

Public speaking

Policy analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in City & Regional Planning

Master's degree preferred

AICP Certification within 1 year

Tools

GIS

Permit tracking software

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Job description

City of Fayetteville, Arkansas seeks a seasoned Planning Director to lead the Development Services team in zoning, land use, and long-range planning. You will supervise staff, ensure timely reviews, and coordinate cross-department efforts to implement the city’s development goals.

You will present recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council, maintain maps, and advance policies that balance growth with community values.