Director

Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City • Cocoa, FL

12d • $39 - $60

About The Position

The Director of Planning and Urban Development provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the planning, zoning, development review, and urban revitalization activities of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. This position is responsible for guiding long-range planning initiatives, managing development and land use policies, supporting economic development objectives, and ensuring equitable, sustainable growth across the community. The Director works closely with the Mayor/CEO, County Administrator, Planning Commission, City Council, community stakeholders, and regional partners to shape policies that enhance quality of life, support investment, and promote responsible land use. Valid Kansas Driver's License is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, City and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or a related field.
• 7 years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public agency.
• 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in urban planning, community development, or land use policy.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership or management role.
• Expertise in comprehensive planning, zoning, land use law, and development review.
• Strong understanding of urban redevelopment, housing policy, and economic development strategies.
• Ability to build consensus among elected officials, community members, and developers.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with GIS, planning analytics, and data-informed policy development.
• Valid Kansas Driver's License is required.
• All positions require that the applicant be a resident of Wyandotte county or willing to relocate within (12) months from the date of hire.
• As a condition of employment all employees must pass a post offer physical examination and drug screen. And submit proof of identity and employment eligibility.

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree preferred.
• Experience in municipal or county government preferred.
• Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Department of Planning and Urban Development in developing and implementing long-range planning strategies and policies.
• Oversee updates to the Comprehensive Plan, area plans, and land use policies.
• Align planning initiatives with economic development, housing, transportation, and sustainability goals.
• Advise executive leadership and elected officials on planning policy, land use issues, and development trends.
• Direct zoning administration, subdivision review, site plan review, and permitting coordination.
• Ensure development proposals comply with zoning codes, design standards, and comprehensive planning policies.
• Oversee development review processes to ensure efficiency, transparency, and consistency.
• Lead redevelopment and revitalization initiatives in targeted corridors and neighborhoods.
• Coordinate planning activities that support housing affordability, mixed-use development, and neighborhood stabilization.
• Collaborate with public, nonprofit, and private sector partners to advance strategic projects.
• Develop and recommend zoning amendments, land use regulations, and development policies.
• Prepare and present reports, policy recommendations, and planning initiatives to the Planning Commission, City Council, and other governing bodies.
• Ensure planning policies reflect best practices in sustainability, equity, resilience, and community engagement.
• Manage departmental staff, budget, and operational priorities.
• Establish performance standards and ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Promote professional development and continuous improvement within the department.
• Foster transparent and inclusive engagement with residents, developers, businesses, and neighborhood organizations.
• Lead public meetings, workshops, and planning processes that incorporate community input.
• Serve as a public-facing representative of the department and the Unified Government.

Benefits

• The Unified Government offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees