Find & Apply For Director of Urban / Transportation Planning Jobs in Hernando, Mississippi

DIRECTOR OF PLANNING

Hernando, Mississippi is a dynamic small city located in north Mississippi. The City has been widely recognized for its high quality planning program and serves as the county seat for Desoto County, Mississippi. Hernando was recently listed as one of the best 100 small towns in America. Hernando's planning program emphasizes a commitment to excellence in design and place making, historic preservation, planning for health, urban forestry, and the natural environment. Having grown from a population of 3,200 in 1990 to over 19,000 today, this vibrant city offers an exceptionally high quality of life. Hernando is looking for a Director of Planning with proven skills to continue its success in these areas of practice. Working under the direction of the Mayor, the Director of Planning is primarily responsible for overseeing all planning functions. This includes the current and long-range planning programs of the City related to the development and implementation of land use and municipal plans and policies. The Director will serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Alderpersons, Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission. Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or directly related field and eight years of progressively responsible municipal experience, including at least two years in supervisory role. Master's Degree preferred. Membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred, or the ability to attain within two (2) years. Accreditation in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), or the ability to attain within two (2) years. Accreditation or Certification by the State of Mississippi as a Certified Floodplain Manager or the ability to attain. Excellent verbal, oral and written communication skills. General knowledge and understanding of comprehensive plans, State statutes, ordinances, and planning and economic development concepts to effectively make recommendations and develop reports. Working knowledge of analytics as needed for application of census data, GIS, market research studies and other various programs.

The essential job functions include:

Prepares and updates the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Design Standards Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, etc., including written reports and public presentations. Provides staff support to the Board of Alderpersons and the Planning Commission, including processing applications for rezoning and preliminary subdivision plans, preparing reports and recommendations, drafting ordinances, annual reports, etc. Attends Board of Alderpersons and Planning Commission meetings. Supervises, directs and evaluates assigned staff; trains and motivates assigned staff, reviews progress and directs changes as needed. Determines work procedures, prepares work schedules, and expediting workflow, studies and standardizing procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations. Responds to stakeholders inquiring about City planning and zoning regulations and ordinances. Prepares and manages the budget for the Planning Department; makes recommendations that impact the budget. Meets with property owners, developers, attorneys, and other professionals to discuss and resolve planning and development issues. Mediates and develops solutions to conflicts between development proposals and city goals and initiatives. Responds to public and news media questions concerning the City's planning programs. Gives presentations to public and private groups. Administers planning-related grant programs. Attends professional conferences and meetings. Any, and all other duties as assigned. Compensation is dependent on qualifications. Interested persons are invited to submit their qualifications by September 11, 2026, to Julie Gates, Human Resource Manager, 475 West Commerce Street, Hernando, MS 38632 or via email to jharris@cityofhernando.org. The City of Hernando is an equal opportunity employer.

Benefits:

AD&D insurance Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Military leave Paid time off Parental leave Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person