Austin Planning Director

The Department The Austin Planning Department provides planning, preservation, and design services to residents, businesses, developers, and other stakeholders. Services include long‑range planning, neighborhood involvement and plan implementation, zoning case management, historic preservation, and urban design services. The department consists of 74 full‑time equivalent positions and has an annual operating budget of approximately $14 million. The Position As the Planning Director, you will lead the City’s planning and zoning functions, shape Austin’s future through thoughtful growth management, redevelopment, inclusive engagement, and long‑range policy execution. You will serve as a trusted advisor to City leadership and elected officials, build strong partnerships across neighborhoods, the development community, public agencies, and civic organizations, and represent the department to City Council, City Manager’s Office, boards, commissions, residents, and external partners. Responsibilities Develop and execute departmental goals, policies, staffing priorities, and operating plans. Serve as the department’s primary representative to City Council, City Manager’s Office, boards and commissions, residents, and external partners. Direct planning and zoning operations to support sustainable growth, urban design excellence, and redevelopment initiatives. Lead effective land‑use policy implementation and high‑profile redevelopment efforts. Build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups and facilitate productive dialogue around complex community priorities and development opportunities. Provide strategic counsel and recommendations to City leadership and elected officials. Develop productive partnerships with public agencies, private developers, nonprofit organizations, and business leaders to advance transformational projects and community outcomes. Lead complex public‑private initiatives that shape Austin’s physical and economic future. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Planning, Social Sciences, or a related field. Master’s degree is preferred. Experience: Eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in planning and zoning, including at least three years in a supervisory or managerial capacity. A Master’s degree may substitute for two years of non‑supervisory/managerial experience. Salary & Benefits Salary range: $211,000 to $221,000, based on qualifications. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; compensated leave; short‑term disability; and retirement benefits through the Proportionate Retirement Program. Optional benefits include supplemental life insurance, a 457 deferred compensation plan, long‑term disability plan, and a legal plan. #J-18808-Ljbffr Gfoat