Strategic Planning Director

City-of-Hickory; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Hickory is seeking an experienced Planning Director to lead the Planning Department under the City Manager’s Office. The role oversees current and long-range planning, ensuring professional practices that support safety, welfare, economic development, and a high quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Election to lead staff, manage plans, budgets, and collaborations with boards and commissions is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning or related field; master's degree preferred.
• Seven (7) years of local government planning experience.
• Five (5) years of supervisory experience in local government or related field.
• AICP certification, or ability to obtain within 18 months.
• Extensive knowledge of land use, transportation planning, and economic development.

Responsibilities

• Manage all plan review activities including comprehensive planning, land use, development review, annexations, historic preservation, economic development, murals, and transportation.
• Coordinate development review through meetings with developers, City staff, and the public.
• Serve as senior staff advisor to City Council, Planning Commission, and Historic Preservation Commission.
• Administer the City's Land Development Code.
• Prepare, coordinate and present special studies, neighborhood plans, and functional plans.
• Develop policies and procedures for citywide planning programs.
• Conduct special studies related to development, improvements, and growth.
• Collaborate with other governmental agencies and community partners on planning issues.

Skills

Public relations

Communication skills

Staff supervision

Budgeting

GIS interpretation

Land use planning

Transportation planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning or related field (master's preferred)

Job description

The City of Hickory is seeking an experienced Planning Director to lead the Planning Department under the City Manager’s Office. The role oversees current and long-range planning, ensuring professional practices that support safety, welfare, economic development, and a high quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Election to lead staff, manage plans, budgets, and collaborations with boards and commissions is required.