Director of Planning And Development

Winnebago County, Wisconsin; Oshkosh (WI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Winnebago County is seeking a forward-thinking Director of Planning and Development to guide land use planning, housing, infrastructure, and community growth. The role leads planning, zoning, GIS, and development functions, advising the County Executive, County Board, municipalities, developers, and residents.

Candidates should demonstrate customer service, strategic thinking, and the ability to steer complex policy decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Significant experience in planning, zoning, or community development.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
• Familiarity with Wisconsin land use law and intergovernmental relationships.
• Must possess a valid Wisconsin driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to align department operations with county priorities and long‑term growth strategies.
• Oversee planning, zoning, GIS, and development functions and coordinate with municipalities, developers, and residents.
• Prepare and manage the department budget and present recommendations to the County Executive and County Board.
• Foster a culture of moving projects forward through effective coaching, communication, and performance management.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Strategic planning

Intergovernmental relations

Budgeting

Communication skills

Land use law familiarity

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning, public administration, geography, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Master's in urban planning (preferred)

Job description

Winnebago County, WI is seeking a forward-thinking, collaborative leader to serve as its next Director of Planning and Development. Following the retirement of a long-tenured director, this is a unique opportunity to shift toward a more proactive, strategic approach to land use planning, housing, infrastructure, and community development.

The Director will lead countywide planning, zoning, GIS functions, and development while serving as a trusted advisor to the County Executive, County Board, municipalities, developers, and residents. The ideal candidate brings a strong commitment to customer service, a solutions-oriented mindset, and the ability to guide complex development and policy decisions that shape the county’s future.

This role requires a leader with effective communication skills who can lead county efforts to identify and advance redevelopment opportunities and strategic growth areas.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides leadership, high level analysis, and direction to align operations with county priorities and long-term growth strategies.
• Provides vision and direction for the department, aligning operations with county priorities and long-term growth strategies while simultaneously instilling a culture of finding a way to moving projects forward.
• Prepares and administers department budget and recommends annual budget to the County Executive for review and eventual action by the County Board. Analyzes potential expenditures and costs and finds methods to minimize expenditures and improve revenue, while limiting the impact on fees for the public.
• Organizes, distributes, and delegates work to subordinates fairly and impartially. Provides clear and appropriate direction to employees. Provides training and coaching to subordinates. Ensures that staff has the resources and flexibility to perform, improve, and learn in their jobs. Keeps open communication with subordinates, listens to them, and provides feedback. Positively motivates, mentors, and leads employees. Provides appropriate and timely performance evaluations for all subordinates.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Leads efforts to modernize planning practices, policies, and processes.
• Identifies opportunities for the County to play a stronger role in addressing housing supply, affordability, and workforce needs.
• Prepares and presents recommendations that balance economic growth, environmental stewardship, and community interests.
• Fosters strong, service-oriented relationships among municipalities, developers, utilities, residents, and other stakeholders to resolve issues and move projects forward.
• Clearly communicates and explains regulatory and compliance issues while supporting outcomes that facilitate development.
• Oversees the administration of zoning ordinances, land division regulations, and comprehensive planning efforts.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, AND CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor's degree in planning, public administration, geography, or a related field with a preference of major course work in urban and regional planning or similar area. Master's degree preferred.
• Significant experience in planning, zoning, or community development.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
• Strong familiarity with Wisconsin land use law and intergovernmental relationships.
• Must possess a valid Wisconsin driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in planning or related field.
• Experience working in or with county government.
• Certification from American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or similar certification(s) in related fields in zoning or GIS.

WINNEBAGO COUNTY is an Equal Opportunity Employer