Planning Director

American Planning Association - Wisconsin Chapter; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

457(b) match

Generous paid time off

Relocation assistance and housing stip

Hybrid/work flexibility

Job summary

City of Traverse City is seeking a Planning Director to lead urban planning, master planning, and zoning modernization from Traverse City, MI. You will oversee policy, grants, and cross-department coordination focused on mobility, housing, and resilience.

The ideal candidate has 4–8 years of progressive planning experience, supervisory responsibility, HUD CDBG/grant background, and AICP certification. Residency within 30 miles and evening/weekend availability are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Public Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive planning experience (master planning, placemaking, ordinance drafting, zoning).
• 3+ years supervisory and budget management experience; HUD CDBG/grant administration background.
• AICP certification required; CNU-A/LEED AP/CEcD preferred.
• Must reside within 30 miles of city limits within 12 months; available for evening meetings and occasional weekend events.

Responsibilities

• Vision & Policy: Updates the Master Plan and develops short-/long-range land use studies.
• Ordinance & Governance: Modernizes zoning, sign codes, and development frameworks; establishes departmental goals, SOPs, and internal controls.
• Department Administration: Directs all operations, staff recruitment, evaluations, professional development, and budget administration.
• Multimodal Infrastructure: Partners with City departments to align complete streets and transit projects with the Mobility Action Plan.
• Federal Grants & CDBG: Oversees CDBG entitlement compliance and housing initiatives, delegating daily operations to the Deputy Planning Director.
• Board Liaison: Serves as official representative to the City Commission, Planning Commission, and advisory committees.
• Community Relations: Facilitates public/developer engagement, oversees site plan reviews, and collaborates with regional entities.
• Climate Initiatives: Supports implementation of the Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) and promotes resilience strategies.
• Funding Procurement: Directs grant applications for transportation, capital projects, and community development.

Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Strategic Collaboration

Feedback Leadership

Public Engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning/Related field

Job description

Planning Director

City of Traverse City

Traverse City, MI United States

Key Responsibilities

• Vision & Policy: Updates the Master Plan and develops short-/long-range land use studies.
• Ordinance & Governance: Modernizes zoning, sign codes, and development frameworks; establishes departmental goals, SOPs, and internal controls.
• Department Administration: Directs all operations, staff recruitment, evaluations, professional development, and budget administration.
• Multimodal Infrastructure: Partners with City departments to align complete streets and transit projects with the Mobility Action Plan.
• Federal Grants & CDBG: Oversees CDBG entitlement compliance and housing initiatives, delegating daily operations to the Deputy Planning Director.
• Board Liaison: Serves as official representative to the City Commission, Planning Commission, and advisory committees.
• Community Relations: Facilitates public/developer engagement, oversees site plan reviews, and collaborates with regional entities.
• Climate Initiatives: Supports implementation of the Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) and promotes resilience strategies.
• Funding Procurement: Directs grant applications for transportation, capital projects, and community development.

Ideal Candidate

• Emotional Intelligence & Professional Poise: Navigates high-profile or sensitive political situations with diplomacy, tact, strict confidentiality, sound judgment, and calm professionalism under public pressure.
• Strategic Collaboration & Alignment: Partners closely with executive leadership to execute Strategic Action Plan Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).
• Feedback-Oriented Leadership: Cultivates an inclusive environment that values input from residents, staff, and municipal boards while encouraging open idea-sharing.
• Public Engagement & Executive Communication: Acts as a primary spokesperson, convenes citizen and neighborhood forums, facilitates public meetings, and conveys complex planning concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Public Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Planning: 5+ years of progressive planning experience (master planning, placemaking, ordinance drafting, zoning).
• Leadership & Grants: 3+ years supervisory and budget management experience preferred; proven HUD CDBG/grant administration background.
• Certification: AICP certification required (CNU-A, LEED AP, or CEcD preferred).
• Schedule & Residency: Must reside within 30 miles of city limits within 12 months; available for mandatory evening meetings and occasional weekend events.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• 457(b) match options.
• Generous paid time off.
• Relocation assistance and potential temporary housing stipend available for qualified candidates.
• Flexible workplace culture with hybrid and flex-time options.

Open until filled. Applications reviewed upon receipt.

Pay Range

$99,688 - $131,271 potential relocation assistance

Experience Level

Mid II (4-8 years)

AICP Level

AICP Level

Specialty

Comprehensive or Long-Range Planning

Contact Information

Jason Johnson

400 Boardman Ave

Traverse City, MI

49684

United States

Employer URL: https://www.traversecitymi.gov/jobs/jobs.html

Quality Of Life Highlights

• Four-season outdoor recreation
• Vibrant downtown and waterfront
• Renowned food scene with nationally recognized restaurants, wineries, breweries, and year-round markets
• Strong schools, healthcare, and community services
• Engaged and supportive community