Director of Planning & Development Services

The Position Wake County, one of the fastest‑growing counties in the nation, is seeking its next Director of Planning and Development Services. The Director will serve as the founding director of a newly established department, build its culture, and guide Wake County’s approach to land use, permitting, and environmental stewardship at a pivotal point in its history. 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 County’s primary authority for administering land development regulations, guided by the County’s Unified Development Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, Stormwater Regulations, and the North Carolina Building Code. Wake County does not exercise zoning authority over municipal jurisdictions, shaping 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. The Director has four direct reports (division‑level leaders) and is a member of the County’s Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the County Manager. The Director shapes department strategy, develops and executes the annual business plan, oversees budget planning and fiscal accountability, and monitors state and federal legislation for regulatory impacts. The Director also represents the department in public forums, before the Board of County Commissioners, and in ongoing relationships with municipalities, regional transportation and environmental agencies, homebuilders, and other development stakeholders. Success in this role requires someone who can translate technical complexity into accessible language, who applies rules fairly and consistently across all customers, and who is equally comfortable defending a difficult decision before the development community as they are mentoring a new division manager. Qualifications Minimum requirements: A bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, environmental science, civil engineering, architecture, or a closely related field, combined with at least eight years of progressively responsible experience in planning, land development, permitting, or a related regulatory function, is required. A minimum of four years in a senior leadership or management role overseeing professional staff is also required. Preferred qualifications: A master’s degree in planning, public administration, or a related discipline is preferred, as is American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification. Candidates with significant demonstrated leadership experience and a strong track record in complex land use or regulatory environments will be considered. Prior experience in a county or regional government setting is a plus, particularly in jurisdictions that manage growth pressures, intergovernmental coordination, or environmental regulatory programs. Familiarity with North Carolina land development law, building codes, and stormwater regulations is beneficial but not required. About This Position Location: WCOB Raleigh, NC 27602 Hiring Range: 158,953.00 – 222,533.00 Market Range: 158,953.00 – 286,113.00 Equal Opportunity Statement Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Background Check Statement Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Emergency Service Worker Statement In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during, and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wake County