Planning Director

Lancaster County, SC Government; Lancaster (SC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancaster County, SC Government is seeking a visionary Planning Director to lead planning, zoning, and development in a growing community. You will guide responsible development, advance long-range plans, and partner with staff, elected officials, developers, and residents to improve quality of life.

This role serves as the County’s lead authority on planning and land use, reporting to the Director of Planning and Zoning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning and development, urban design, public administration or related field is required.
• Master’s degree is preferred.
• AICP Certification strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all Planning Department functions, staff, and daily operations.
• Establish priorities and ensure efficient, high‑quality service delivery in a fast‑growth environment.
• Oversee and participate in complex development review, including rezoning, subdivision plats, and site plans.
• Coordinate with Public Works, Building, Economic Development, Zoning, and legal counsel.
• Ensure infrastructure considerations, stormwater coordination, and regulatory compliance.
• Draft and negotiate Development Agreements.
• Ensure compliance with South Carolina planning law and related regulations.
• Lead Comprehensive Plan updates focused on land use, growth management, economic development, and housing.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to County Council, Planning Commission, and BZA.
• Navigate political environments with professionalism, neutrality, and sound judgment.

Skills

Political awareness

Public communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in planning and development, urban design, public administration or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Lancaster County is seeking a visionary and collaborative Planning Director to lead the County’s planning, zoning, and development functions during a time of growth and opportunity. This leader will guide responsible development, advance long-range planning initiatives, and partner with internal teams, elected officials, developers, and residents to strengthen the County’s quality of life.

Lancaster County offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic and growing community. The County is committed to thoughtful planning, responsive yet proactive governance, and professional delivery of services to the public. This role offers both influence and purpose, allowing the Planning Director to shape development outcomes that will benefit residents and businesses for generations to come.

The Planning Director serves as the County’s lead authority on planning, land use, zoning, and development strategy. Reporting to the Director of Planning and Zoning, this role provides direction and oversight for planning and development services while aligning departmental goals with the County’s long‑term vision, policies, and strategic priorities.

This is a high‑impact leadership role operating at the intersection of policy, politics, and development. The Planning Director plays a critical role in shaping growth outcomes, advising decision‑makers, and ensuring that planning processes are transparent, defensible, and consistently applied.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Operations

• Direct and manage all Planning Department functions, staff, and daily operations
• Establish priorities and ensure efficient, high‑quality service delivery in a fast‑growth environment

Development Review & Implementation

• Oversee and participate in complex development review, including rezoning, subdivision plats, and site plans
• Coordinate with Public Works, Building, Economic Development, Zoning, and legal counsel
• Ensure infrastructure considerations, stormwater coordination, and regulatory compliance
• Draft and negotiate Development Agreements

Legal & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure full compliance with South Carolina planning law, including the South Carolina Local Government Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act (Title 6, Chapter 29)
• Apply and interpret zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and land use policies
• Maintain consistency in ordinance application to avoid precedent‑setting decisions
• Understand and apply principles of takings law, vested rights, and due process

Strategic & Long‑Range Planning

• Lead Comprehensive Plan updates with a focus on land use, growth management, economic development, and housing
• Identify emerging trends and guide policy development to manage growth effectively

Advisory & Public Engagement

• Serve as a trusted advisor to County Council, Planning Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)
• Navigate complex political environments with professionalism, neutrality, and sound judgment
• Clearly communicate complex planning and zoning issues to elected officials, stakeholders, and the public

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Strong political awareness and ability to operate effectively among elected officials, developers, and citizens
• Exceptional public communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, accessible language
• Proven development review experience across residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and mixed‑use projects
• Demonstrated ability to lead or update a Comprehensive Plan in a high‑growth environment
• Experience working collaboratively across departments and with legal counsel
• Commitment to consistency, fairness, and defensibility in decision‑making
• Strong leadership, organizational, and strategic thinking skills

QUALIFICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION

• Bachelor’s degree in planning and development, urban design, public administration or related field is required; master’s degree preferred.
• 5–10+ years of progressively responsible planning experience, preferably in a high‑growth community
• AICP Certification strongly preferred
• Proven leadership experience in public‑sector planning, development, or community development
• Strong knowledge of land use planning, zoning, and development regulations
• Experience working with elected officials, boards, and diverse stakeholder groups
• A collaborative, solutions‑oriented leadership style
• The ability to balance growth, community character, and regulatory responsibility