Location: Prince William County, VA

Planning Director

Salary: $120,262 – $200,436

Closing: April 21, 2023

The Position
Located in the thriving Washington, D.C. Metro Area, Prince William is in search of their next Planning Director. The Director will lead the Planning Department in the second-largest county and one of the fastest-growing counties in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Planning Director oversees all long-range planning, current planning, and zoning matters within the County.

Currently, the Planning Director has six (6) direct reports, including a Deputy Planning Director, Administrative Specialist, and four (4) division managers/administrators. The Planning Director reports to one of the organization’s Deputy County Executives.

Experience and Education
Minimum requirements are a High School diploma or G.E.D., five (5) years of planning experience, and a minimum of three (3) years of senior management experience.

Preferred qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration, or a related field and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification. Public sector planning, urban design experience, and a demonstrated focus on redevelopment, urban form, and human interaction are also highly preferred. Demonstrated leadership of a staff team and large work program is also strongly preferred.

Residency within Prince William County is required after appointment.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal Planning Director is a high-performing, collaborative leader with urban design, redevelopment, and affordable housing experience. The successful candidate is politically astute and capable of navigating controversial planning projects and initiatives. A confident leader, the Planning Director, can lead the team of professional staff, effectively manage a large work program, stand up to pressure, build consensus among internal and external stakeholders, communicate effectively, and provide unpopular advice when appropriate. They prioritize and allocate work effectively. The successful candidate holds themselves and staff to the highest ethical and professional standards and is confident and respectful in all interactions.

The next Planning Director applies their strong negotiation skills to rezoning initiatives and is familiar with the land use entitlement process and all laws, ordinances, and regulations relevant to leading the Planning Department. This individual utilizes diplomacy in navigating differences in stakeholder agendas and works to create unity among groups. A proven leader, the ideal candidate, promotes transparency and makes themselves available to staff and the community at large. They are a proponent of equity and inclusion and consider information from all sources when making decisions.

This individual has a background in housing and is familiar with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and its use in redevelopment projects. The ideal Planning Director effectively coordinates planning and housing services and has a thorough understanding of urban form. Specializing in landscape architecture, this candidate brings considerable urban design experience to the table. The next Planning Director prioritizes well-planned growth and development while balancing open space and environmental needs. The next Planning Director will have proven experience managing a large work program.

As the head of the Planning Department, the Director is an experienced leader and can inspire and engage with a talented staff. The next Planning Director understands the importance of team building, professional development, and collaboration. The successful candidate builds relationships and cultivates trust across the organization and throughout the community. This individual regularly engages with stakeholders as part of the decision-making process and facilitates communication and understanding between divisions and departments. Recognizing the importance of building and maintaining a positive work environment, the Planning Director leads with empathy, positivity, and compassion. The new Director has a strong vision for the Planning Department and is fully committed to the continued success of Prince William County.

How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at: https://raftelis.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0xvv5

Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. Open until filled with the first review of applications on April 21, 2023.