Planning Director

CARRBORO, NC; Carrboro (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Carrboro seeks an experienced Planning Director to lead the Planning, Zoning and Inspections Department, guiding planning policy, development review, and building services. You will oversee staff, budgets, and contracts, ensuring high standards of operation and service delivery.

Ideal candidates bring strong leadership, GIS proficiency, and a track record in municipal planning, with a focus on collaboration with advisory boards, staff, and the community in a changing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in planning or land use.
• Four (4) years of supervisory experience in a leadership role.
• Master's degree preferred; local government planning leadership experience is a plus.
• Certificate: CFM preferred; CZO certification desired; AICP optional.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Planning, Zoning and Inspections Department, including staff, programs, budgets, and contracts.
• Oversee planning, development review, building permitting, and related regulatory compliance.
• Update and enforce land use regulations and planning policies; coordinate with councils and boards.
• Engage the community and represent the Town at regional meetings; prepare reports and recommendations.
• Oversee major planning initiatives such as Unified Development Ordinance and transportation plans.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements and manage strategic initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

GIS

Data analysis

Policy analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or Public Administration

Master's degree preferred

Tools

GIS

Office software

Job description

General Definition and Conditions of Work

Lead Carrboro’s Planning, Zoning and Inspections Department

The Town of Carrboro seeksan experienced and highly effective Planning Director to lead the Town's Planning, Zoning, and Inspections Department. Reporting to the Assistant Town Manager, the Planning Director provides professional operational and executive leadership for the department's planning, zoning, development review, building permitting, minimum housing, and inspection programs, services, and staff. The Planning Director oversees long-range planning, current planning and building services activities.Responsibilities include floodplain/watershed management, or oversight of the Town Engineer contract Development Plan Review, preparation of long-range and small area plans, management of the transportation capital plan/program, budget administration, and effective implementation of programs and policies.

The ideal candidate will provide:

• Forward-looking leadership of the Department and staff
• A collaborative, innovative approach to planning, growth and development
• A focus on high standards of operations, customer service and project delivery
• Strong technical expertise to advisory boards, commissions, elected officials, and community organizations
• Ability to evaluate, formulate, and recommend policies that address the needs of a changing community, and
• Effective representation and ability to form partnership with local/regional agencies, stakeholders and community members

This role operates under the direction of the Assistant Town Manager with full supervision of department personnel either directly or through subordinate supervisors.

The position may require work outside normal business hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, or during emergency situations.

Essential Functions

• Department Leadership: Direct and oversee the Planning Department, including staff, programs, budgets, work plans, and consultant contracts.
• Planning & Development: Administer and enforce planning, zoning, subdivision, watershed, floodplain, transportation, and related regulations; oversee development review and long-range planning initiatives.
• Policy & Ordinances: Lead updates to the Land Use Ordinance and other planning regulations and provide guidance on planning and zoning matters.
• Community & Council Engagement: Prepare reports and recommendations for Town Council and advisory boards; facilitate community engagement and represent the Town at local and regional meetings.
• Regulatory Compliance: Serve as the Town's Floodplain Manager and Watershed Administrator and ensure compliance with applicable local, State, and federal requirements.
• Strategic Initiatives: Lead major planning initiatives, including the preparation of a new Unified Development Ordinance, Safe Routes to Schools Plan Update, NC54 Corridor Plan, Downtown Area Plan implementation, Comprehensive Plan updates, and multiple transportation and greenway projects.

Education and Experience

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field.

Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in planning or land use.

Four (4) years of supervisory experience, including experience in senior-level positions, budget administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field.

Previous experience leading a local government planning department, division, or team.

Experience with municipal planning, zoning, land use, and development review.

Certified Zoning Official (CZO) certification is desired.

Special Certifications and Licenses

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license with an acceptable driving history.

Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM): Possession of the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) credential issued by the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) is highly preferred at the time of hire. If the successful candidate does not possess this certification upon hire, attaining the CFM credential within twelve (12) months of employment is a mandatory condition of continued employment.

Optional: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of advanced principles and practices of planning, including rural, regional, and urban planning. Comprehensive understanding of demographics, economics, finance, environmental conditions and regulations, community engagement and equity, and transportation and mobility as they apply to planning. Familiarity with code and building inspection processes, recent developments in planning, and principles of urban design and civil engineering as related to planning.

Strong ability in data analysis, presenting technical reports, and making recommendations based on trends and findings. Working knowledge of GIS and general office software to support data-driven decision-making and enhance departmental functions.

Ability to develop goals and priorities, cast a clear vision for the department, and educate staff both within the department and across the organization on the value and significance of the department's roles. Skilled in creating a working environment that encourages curiosity, explores opportunities for improvement, and embraces change.

Ability to establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Town leadership, other municipal departments, local, regional and state agencies, elected officials, and community organizations. Foster trust and transparency with residents, businesses, and stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and inclusivity in decision-making processes.

Ability to continuously seek and implement innovative solutions to improve departmental processes and enhance overall effectiveness. Skilled in promoting a culture of efficiency by streamlining workflows, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring timely service delivery. Demonstrated capacity to encourage staff development and foster an environment that values continuous improvement, creativity, and effective problem-solving.

Physical Requirements

Occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force.

Regular activities: speaking, hearing, using hands to handle or feel, and sitting.

Frequent activities: reaching, standing, and walking.

Occasional activities: climbing, balancing, kneeling, and crawling.

Visual acuity is required for reading maps, charts, and written data, operating computers, and observing interior and exterior conditions of land areas and infrastructure, construction sites, and buildings, performing inspection work.

Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions.