Director of Planning and Development Services

Wake County (County) one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation is seeking its next Director of Planning and Development Services. The County welcomes approximately 25000 new residents every year and the moment calls for a leader who can shape the Countys growth with clarity consistency and vision. The Director of Planning and Development Services steps into a rare opportunity: to serve as the founding director of a newly established department build its culture and guide Wake Countys approach to land use permitting and environmental stewardship at a pivotal point in its history. For the leader who thrives at the intersection of complex regulatory work community engagement and organizational development this is an extremely compelling opportunity.

The Director leads a department of approximately 100 staff organized across four divisions: Administration Planning Building Permits and Inspections and Watershed Management. The department serves as Wake Countys primary authority for administering land development regulations guided by the Countys Unified Development Ordinance Comprehensive Plan Stormwater Regulations and the North Carolina Building Code. Wake County does not exercise zoning authority over municipal jurisdictions which shapes how the Director engages with the development community and neighboring governments: less as a traditional regulatory enforcer and more as a convener a resource and a partner in responsible growth.

Required Experience:

Director