Planning Director

Town of Carrboro; Carrboro (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Carrboro is seeking an experienced Planning Director to lead the Planning, Zoning, and Inspections Department. This role reports to the Assistant Town Manager and provides executive leadership for planning, zoning, development review, building permitting, and related programs, services, and staff.

The ideal candidate will drive department-wide excellence, collaborate with boards and community partners, and advance long-range planning, regulatory updates, and strategic initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field.
• Seven years of progressively responsible planning or land-use experience.
• Four years of supervisory leadership, including budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the Planning Department's staff, programs, and budgets.
• Administer planning, zoning, subdivision, watershed, floodplain, transportation, and related regulations; oversee development review and long-range planning initiatives.
• Lead updates to the Land Use Ordinance and planning regulations; provide guidance on planning and zoning matters.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for Town Council and advisory boards; facilitate community engagement and represent the Town at meetings.
• Serve as Floodplain Manager and Watershed Administrator and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Lead major planning initiatives, including Unified Development Ordinance, Safe Routes to Schools, NC54 Corridor Plan, Downtown Plan implementation, and transportation projects.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Collaborative planning

Policy formulation

Community engagement

Interagency partnership

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

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.