Skip to main content
Tallo logoTallo logo

Find Jobs

Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location

Skip to job details
Apply for this opportunity

To apply for this job, you'll continue to an external website or email application.

International City/County Management Association

Planning Director

Career Insights for Director of Urban / Transportation Planning

See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.

Scorecard

Based on North Carolina data

Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?

Were these scores useful?

What they do

A Director of Urban / Transportation Planning directs and oversees planning and develops projects that maintain or improve the quality of life in a city or region. Addresses specific transportation, economic development, housing and environmental issues. Directs planning to address aesthetic and technical concerns, community goals and the future impact of development.

$102,490 / year median in North Carolina

Explore Career

Job Description

Planning Director City of Hickory, NC The City of Hickory is seeking an experienced and visionary Planning Director to lead the City's Planning Department. Under direction from the City Manager's Office, this position organizes, manages, and oversees all municipal planning functions, including current and long-range planning initiatives. The Planning Director ensures professional, high-quality planning practices that support the City's goals for safety, welfare, economic development, and exceptional quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. Manage all plan review activities including comprehensive planning, land use, development review, annexations, historic preservation, economic development, murals, and transportation. Coordinate development review efforts through meetings with developers, City staff, and the public. Serve as senior staff advisor to City Council, Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission, and Historic Preservation Commission. Administer the City's Land Development Code. Assist and collaborate with designated boards and commissions. Prepare, coordinate and present special studies, neighborhood plans, business associations and functional plans. Develop policies and procedures for implementing and coordinating citywide municipal planning programs. Conduct special studies at the direction of the City Manager related to development, improvements, and economic growth. Collaborate with other governmental agencies, civic groups, business leaders, and community partners on planning issues. Advise department staff on complex assignments; review projects and policies for compliance with city, state, and federal laws and codes. Prepare the department's annual budget and oversee staff work plans. Perform other duties as assigned. Extensive knowledge of laws, regulations, principles, and techniques related to land use, transportation planning, commercial and neighborhood development, along with economic development. Skill in directing municipal planning, zoning operations, and staff. Ability to read and interpret plans, maps, aerial photographs, and experience with GIS. Strong public relations skills, including leadership in publicly attended meetings and managing differing interests. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to make professional judgments in applying federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, codes, and guidelines. Ability to supervise staff effectively and foster strong individual and team performance. Ability to manage workflows and operations within established budgetary parameters.
Education & Experience Requirements:
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in urban planning, geography, public administration, or a related field (master's degree preferred). Seven (7) years of comprehensive experience in a local government planning department. Five (5) years of supervisory experience in local government or a closely related work environment preferred. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification, or ability to obtain certification within 18 months. How to Apply Post Date Sep 01, 2026 Application Deadline Sep 18, 2026 Apply Now Job Details Salary $90,008 - $122,696 Job Function Planning Director Position Type Full Time City of Hickory Address 76 N Center St Hickory , NC 28601-6213 United States Population 45,000 Website http://www.hickorygov.com Form of Government Council-Manager ← Move left → Move right ↑ Move up ↓ Move down + Zoom in - Zoom out Home Jump left by 75% End Jump right by 75% Page Up Jump up by 75% Page Down Jump down by 75% Map Terrain Satellite Labels Map Data Map data ©2026 Map data ©2026 200 m Click to toggle between metric and imperial units Terms Report a map error Advertisement Put your job in front of the right people! The Job Center is the best place to reach local government professionals. Post your featured job in minutes with more visibility through promoted search results, email, and more. Post a Featured Job