Community Planning & Design Manager

City of Wilmington•Wilmington, NC

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Planning and Design Manager leads the development of plans, policies, and strategies that guide thoughtful growth and development. This role brings together project leadership, community engagement, policy interpretation, and collaboration with stakeholders to turn vision into action. From managing key initiatives and guiding cross-functional teams to presenting ideas and recommendations to decision-makers, this position plays a vital role in how our city grows and evolves.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, or a closely related field, and a minimum of five years of related experience, or a bachelor’s degree in one of the above-listed fields and a minimum of seven years of related experience.
Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience.
Advanced knowledge of local government procedures and practices
Thorough knowledge of one or more planning disciplines/areas of specialty such as land use planning/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, or economic development.
Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, including recent changes.
Methods of effective report preparation and presentation.
Citizen involvement techniques and processes.
Principles, methodology, and practices of research and data collection.
Computer programs and applications, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, internet applications, and geographic information systems (GIS).
Ability to communicate and foster a cooperative and professional culture.
Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with elected/appointed officials, residents, and other stakeholders.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including formal presentations.
Creative problem-solving skills to solve complex problems and manage highly visible/controversial projects.
Ability to build consensus in developing solutions to problems.
Ability to identify needed changes to ordinances and procedures to meet goal and policy objectives.
Ability to evaluate projects for consistency with legal requirements and policy positions.
Ability to provide effective leadership and staff supervision.
Valid US Driver's License with an acceptable driving record

Nice To Haves

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification

Responsibilities

Drive transformational planning efforts including comprehensive plans, corridor studies, neighborhood and small-area plans, and major policy initiatives that guide long-term city growth.
Shape community vision by coordinating with residents, stakeholders, elected officials, and local, state, and federal partners to bring big ideas to life.
Champion meaningful public engagement by designing and leading outreach strategies that ensure community voices are heard, valued, and reflected in city decisions.
Influence design and development outcomes through urban design leadership, design review, and strategic identification of funding and grant opportunities.
Guide key development decisions by managing the full lifecycle of legislative entitlement reviews—from applicant collaboration and policy analysis to final recommendations.
Help prioritize city investments by identifying infrastructure needs and aligning planning efforts with community goals and long-term priorities.
Lead and develop high-performing teams by mentoring planning and urban design staff, setting clear priorities, and fostering professional growth and excellence.
Improve how we work by developing streamlined workflows, modernized procedures, and strong records management practices that support efficiency and accountability.
Support influential boards and commissions by preparing agendas, facilitating discussions, and providing trusted technical expertise that informs major decisions.
Shape policy and strategy by analyzing trends, monitoring legislation, and translating complex data into clear, actionable planning direction.
Serve as a trusted resource to residents, applicants, and partner agencies by making planning information clear, accessible, and easy to navigate.
Lead impactful consultant projects by defining scopes, selecting partners, and ensuring projects deliver high-quality results on time and on budget.
Turn data into insight through maps, metrics, and visual tools that inform smarter planning and better decisions.
Enhance public communication by ensuring planning information is transparent, engaging, and widely accessible across digital platforms.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
Free on-site city gym access
Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
6-weeks paid parental leave
Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
Tuition assistance benefits