Director of Planning

Erie County, Pennsylvania; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Erie County Planning & Community Development in Erie, PA seeks a Director of Planning to lead the department, develop long-range and comprehensive planning, and secure grants from state and federal sources. The role requires independent judgment within federal, state, and local guidelines.

You will supervise staff, manage budgets, and coordinate with the County Executive and other agencies; a strong background in zoning, subdivision matters, and grant negotiation is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Planning or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional planning experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory/management experience.

Responsibilities

• Directs the activities of the Planning Department and sets work programs.
• Represents the County on planning and zoning matters in public meetings.

Skills

Planning knowledge

Supervisory/Management

Budgeting

Public policy

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Planning or related field

Job description

Erie County Planning & Community Development

Status

Full Time

Starting Pay Rate

40.0

Exemption Status

Exempt

Posting Date

09/30/2026

Closing Date

10/14/2026

Pay Grade

NB20

Bargaining Unit

NON-BARGAINING

Posting Number

5887

Posting Notice: Final salary to be set by Erie County Council.

Definition of Class

• Responsible for the administration of the Planning Department including the development of comprehensive planning for Erie County, securing various grants from State and Federal sources. Considerable independent judgment and initiative are required in designing and implementing programs. Works within the framework of Federal, State and local guidelines carrying out the policies of the County Executive regarding overall county planning.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Directs the activities of the Planning Department, prepares budgets, selects personnel, plans work programs, assigns work and schedules completion dates of assignments. Confers with and advises the County Executive and Director of Administration on broad policy matters relating to county planning both short term and long term. Trains and develops staff and advises and assists them in the more difficult aspects of their work, also trains them for future certification within their field. Represents the County of Erie on planning and zoning matters in public meetings and meetings with other governmental agencies. Makes studies of social and economic patterns. Negotiates with Federal and State agencies for grant funding. Analyzes and evaluates residential land and commercial and industrial patterns and extends technical assistance to local municipalities in zoning and subdivision matters.
• The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Possesses comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of planning. Comprehensive knowledge of laws and regulations related to the Planning and Zoning Department. Administrative ability, high level technical competence in planning field. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co workers, personnel of other agencies and the public; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; good judgment and initiative.
• Bachelor's Degree in Planning or related field
• Minimum of 7 years of Professional Planning Experience in Local, County or Regional Planning
• Minimum of 5 years of Supervisory/Management Experience

Position: Director of Planning

Department Planning Location Erie County Planning & Community Development Status Full Time Starting Pay Rate Hours Per Week 40.0 Exemption Status Exempt Posting Date 09/30/2026 Closing Date 10/14/2026 Pay Grade NB20 Bargaining Unit NON-BARGAINING Posting Number 5887 Posting Notice: Final salary to be set by Erie County Council.

Definition of Class

• Responsible for the administration of the Planning Department including the development of comprehensive planning for Erie County, securing various grants from State and Federal sources. Considerable independent judgment and initiative are required in designing and implementing programs. Works within the framework of Federal, State and local guidelines carrying out the policies of the County Executive regarding overall county planning.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Directs the activities of the Planning Department, prepares budgets, selects personnel, plans work programs, assigns work and schedules completion dates of assignments. Confers with and advises the County Executive and Director of Administration on broad policy matters relating to county planning both short term and long term. Trains and develops staff and advises and assists them in the more difficult aspects of their work, also trains them for future certification within their field. Represents the County of Erie on planning and zoning matters in public meetings and meetings with other governmental agencies. Makes studies of social and economic patterns. Negotiates with Federal and State agencies for grant funding. Analyzes and evaluates residential land and commercial and industrial patterns and extends technical assistance to local municipalities in zoning and subdivision matters.
• The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Possesses comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of planning. Comprehensive knowledge of laws and regulations related to the Planning and Zoning Department. Administrative ability, high level technical competence in planning field. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co workers, personnel of other agencies and the public; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; good judgment and initiative.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Planning or related field
• Minimum of 7 years of Professional Planning Experience in Local, County or Regional Planning
• Minimum of 5 years of Supervisory/Management Experience

Conditions Of Employment

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Erie County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Erie County Government values the power of diversity in our workforce. Our goal is to continue developing inclusive workforce policies that require individual equality, support the diversity of employee experiences, and include unique perspectives.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.