Planning Director

Troutman; North Carolina; On-site; USD 125,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Troutman, NC seeks a Planning Director to lead the Planning Department, overseeing current and long-range planning, zoning, code enforcement, and development review. You will translate community priorities into practical plans, engage the public, and guide staff and boards through complex growth decisions.

Requirements include a degree in planning or public administration, extensive municipal planning experience, and preferred master’s and AICP certification.

Qualifications

• Degree in planning, public administration or related field.
• AICP certification preferred; master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plans and directs current and long-range planning; coordinates zoning and code enforcement.
• Leads public engagement and develops development ordinances and land use plans.
• Reviews zoning permits, development applications and provides staff support to boards.
• Prepares and administers department budget and represents the Town on regional committees.
• Interprets planning laws and provides professional advice to Town management and boards.

Skills

Public sector planning

AICP certification preferred

Education

Degree in planning or public administration

Tools

GIS

Job description

• Base Pay $102,034.18 - $153,051.27 / Year
• Employee Type Exempt

Great planning connects the possibilities of tomorrow with the place people call home today. In Troutman, you can lead that work.

The Town seeks a thoughtful, forward-looking Planning Director to help guide its next chapter—bringing vision, sound judgment, and a commitment to the community to guide decisions that will matter for years to come. With its small-town character and proximity to Charlotte, Troutman offers a compelling setting for a planning leader who wants to see their work make a lasting difference.

Reporting to the Town Manager, you will lead the Planning Department and guide current and long-range planning, development review, zoning, and code enforcement. You will help turn community priorities into practical plans, lead meaningful public engagement, strengthen development ordinances, and advise elected and appointed boards on growth and land use. Collaboration with residents, developers, staff, and regional partners will be central to your success.

We’re looking for a leader who listens closely, communicates clearly, and brings people together around complex decisions. Strong municipal planning experience, effective management skills, and the ability to connect a long-term vision with everyday execution are essential.

Candidates should hold a degree in planning, public ad ministration, or a related field and have considerable relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A master’s degree and AICP certification are preferred. Expected hiring range is $125,000 - $130,000

PLANNING DIRECTOR

General Statement of Duties

Performs difficult management, administrative and professional work in directing the activities of the Town’s Planning Department.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class plans, organizes and coordinates the Town’s overall planning program which includes current and long-range planning, zoning and code enforcement, and development consultation and review. Work involves long and short-range planning; serving as staff support for planning related boards and commissions; reviewing and issuing zoning permits; and providing code enforcement. The position is responsible for administering the plan review process; interpreting, enforcing and providing assistance to the public on zoning and other ordinances; updating, revising and interpreting planning documents including comprehensive development plans and land use ordinances; maintaining and updating the zoning and land use maps using GIS technology; reviewing rezoning requests, conditional use permits, variances, appeals and development applications; assisting the public and developers with land development issues; and overseeing various public input processes. Position will be involved in development projects from site plan review to permitting and final inspection, requiring consistent interpretation of complex Town codes and regulations and considerable knowledge of planning and governmental law. The position will provide professional advice and information to the Town Manager, Town Council, Planning Board and Board of Adjustment on growth management policies and represent the Town Manager as needed. Responsible for developing and administering the departmental budget. Work involves extensive public contact and requires coordination with other departments, boards, commissions, and the public. Extensive judgment and initiative are required in conducting research projects, compiling reports, making presentations, and making recommendations for various programs and functions of the Town. Considerable tact and courtesy must be exercised in the public contact functions. Work is performed under general administrative direction of the Town Manager and is evaluated through conferences, review of work, and overall acceptance of the programs by the Town’s citizens.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Plans, organizes, directs and develops current and long-range plans, services and programs; coordinates zoning ordinance and environmental code enforcement.
• Leads visioning, long range planning, and major revisions of development ordinances and land use plans; facilitates public input and development of consensus.
• Supervises and participates in providing staff assistance to various boards and committees including Town Council, Planning Board and Board of Adjustments; participates in meetings and public hearings to explain recommendations on planning proposals.
• Prepares, maintains and enforces ordinances and amendments which implement growth and development policies for the Town.
• Meets with developers and property owners for interpretation and application of ordinances and codes to ensure compliance during development; negotiates development agreements.
• Serves as chief code enforcement officer for zoning violations and oversees code enforcement procedures.
• Oversees the approval of subdivision plats, site plans, and associated responsibilities.
• Prepares and administers department budget
• Represents the Town on regional committees, commissions or boards related to planning activities. Including, but not limited to the: Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO, CRTPO), Lake Norman Transportation Commission (LNTC), and others as needed.
• Responds to various questions from citizens regarding planning and zoning compliance.
• Works closely with and coordinates work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Additional Job Duties

Performs related duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of local and regional planning including current and long-range, community and economic development, natural resources, floodplains, and the environmental and socioeconomic implications of the planning process.
• Considerable knowledge of municipal, state, and federal laws pertaining to planning and development.
• Considerable knowledge of the application of information technology to planning, presentations, and mapping.
• Considerable knowledge of the Town’s budgeting and personnel and policies and procedures.
• Considerable skill in the collection, analysis, and presentation of technical data and planning recommendations.
• Knowledge of modern and effective management principles and practices including leadership, motivation, communication, performance coaching and evaluation.
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, meeting facilitation and public presentations of technical information and recommendations.
• Ability to write and present comprehensive and professional planning reports and papers.
• Ability to prioritize, manage and organize a variety of planning activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, municipal and county officials, federal, regional and state officials, staff and the general public.

Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, kneeling, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, examine and work with maps, charts, and detailed materials, perform visual inspections, operate a computer, and do extensive reading.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in planning, public administration or related field and considerable experience in municipal planning, community development or related field; AICP and Master’s Degree preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Town of Troutman is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance or behavior. Employment decisions are merit-based.

The Town provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 704-528-7607.