Director of Planning & Development

WCA: Wisconsin Counties Association; Illinois; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Winnebago County seeks a forward-thinking leader to serve as Director of Planning and Development. The role shifts toward proactivity in land use, housing, infrastructure, and community development, leading planning, zoning, and GIS functions while advising the County Executive and Board.

The ideal candidate brings strong customer service focus, a solutions-oriented mindset, and the ability to guide complex policy decisions shaping the county's future.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Planning or related field.
• Significant experience in planning, zoning, or community development.
• Knowledge of Wisconsin land use law and intergovernmental relationships.
• Strong communication and customer-service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Lead county-wide planning, zoning, GIS, and development efforts.
• Advise the County Executive, County Board, municipalities, developers, and residents.
• Identify redevelopment opportunities and strategic growth areas.
• Translate complex concepts into clear, actionable guidance.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Solutions-oriented mindset

Policy guidance

Education

Master's degree in Planning/Public Administration

Tools

GIS systems

Job description

Job Description

Winnebago County is seeking a forward-thinking, collaborative leader to serve as its next Director of Planning and Development. This is a unique opportunity to shift toward a more proactive, strategic approach to land use, housing, infrastructure, and community development.

Application Deadline:

2026-09-25

Job Type:

County

Job Description

Winnebago County is seeking a forward-thinking, collaborative leader to serve as its next Director of Planning and Development. This is a unique opportunity to shift toward a more proactive, strategic approach to land use, housing, infrastructure, and community development. The Director will lead county-wide 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.

Education: Master‘s degree in Planning, Public Administration, or related field, with a preference of major course work in urban and regional planning or similar area.

Experience: Significant experience in planning, zoning, or community development with a strong familiarity with Wisconsin land use law and intergovernmental relationships.

Knowledge: Broad understanding of economic growth, regulation and compliance issues, budget preparation and management, effective planning practices, zoning ordinances, land division regulations, GIS systems and capabilities, Wisconsin land use law, development, and housing challenges and solutions.

Skillset: A responsive individual, committed to customer service, having a solutions-oriented mindset, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable guidance.

https://paycheckselfservice.winnebagocountywi.gov/ess/employmentopportunities/default.aspx