Director of Planning & Development Services (New Role)

County of Wake, NC • Raleigh, NC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Wake County is growing, and we’re building a department to help shape that growth with purpose and vision. As the Director of Planning & Development Services, you will lead a newly established department focused on planning, permitting, inspections, and watershed management. This is a unique opportunity to build a team, set strategic direction, and influence how development happens in one of the fastest-growing counties in the country. This position is part of the County’s Senior Leadership Team and plays a key role in shaping the future of Wake County’s built environment and quality of life.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Planning, or a related field
• Eight (8) years of experience in government administration, planning or development services including at least four (4) years of supervisory experience
• A strong commitment to public service and a track record of leading complex, multi-disciplinary teams
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted
• Excellent leadership, change management execution and project management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with a track record of successful cross-functional collaboration
• Ability to lead senior management teams by setting expectations, evaluating performance, and fostering professional development
• Excellent critical thinking skills with ability to prioritize
• Ability to identify performance measures and develop corrective action plans to support excellent customer service
• Ability to evaluate regulatory requirements and legislative impacts to guide compliance and policy decisions
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic direction for Department with associated goals and objectives for each major division and through policy development

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Planning, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
• Eight (8) years of senior management-level experience as a Deputy County Manager, Deputy City Manager or Deputy Director in land use planning, environmental engineering, or development services programs

Responsibilities

• Guide the work of four core divisions: Administration, Planning, Building Permits and Inspections, and Watershed Management
• Develop and implement the department’s annual business plan and long-term strategy
• Build trusted relationships and collaborate with internal teams, external agencies, and the development community to drive innovation and resolve complex issues
• Oversee budget planning and ensure fiscal responsibility across all operations
• Monitor legislation and lead the department’s response to regulatory changes
• Represent the department in public forums, media, and community outreach
• Supervise and develop a high-performing senior leadership team
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement in service delivery

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director