Assistant Planning Director

Who We Seek:

Centralina Regional Council, a dynamic regional planning organization serving the greater Charlotte region of North Carolina, seeks an experienced and collaborative planning professional to serve as its Assistant Planning Director.

This leadership position works closely with the Planning Director to advance regional planning initiatives, support local governments, supervise professional staff, and foster partnerships that enhance the quality of life throughout the region. The Assistant Planning Director will play a key role in department leadership, project management, strategic planning, grant administration, and regional collaboration efforts.

Our Organization:

Centralina Regional Council is an innovative regional planning agency located in Charlotte, NC with a membership that includes 60+ local governments throughout the Greater Charlotte Region. Centralina works with individual communities and leads major projects that transcend local and regional boundaries. Our mission is to lead regional collaboration and spark local action to expand opportunity and improve quality of life. Learn more about our work at www.centralina.org.

The Centralina Team:

Centralina strives to provide an inclusive, creative and supportive work environment for its employees. Centralina’s staff of nearly 50 individuals serve as subject-matter experts to ensure our organization is able to meet critical business needs and is responsive to the needs of those that need our help the most. Centralina’s staff of friendly, talented and professional individuals helps ensure Centralina remains a trusted source of data and analysis that informs decision makers and calls attention to important trends. Centralina is a great place to work, learn and grow in your career.

Centralina offers its employees an excellent benefits package including membership in the NC Local Government Retirement System, 401k, medical, dental, vision and flexible benefits programs.

Description of the Work:

The Assistant Planning Director will:

• Assist with departmental leadership, strategic planning, annual work plans, budgeting, and program development.


• Support the supervision, mentoring, and professional development of planning staff.


• Manage a variety of planning projects and provide technical assistance to member governments and partner agencies.


• Lead and support initiatives related to land use planning, transportation, community and economic development, community engagement, environmental planning, and related regional issues.


• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with local governments, elected officials, community organizations, and regional partners.


• Research funding opportunities, prepare grant applications, and oversee grant-funded projects.


• Coordinate contract administration, project implementation, and compliance activities.


• Prepare and deliver presentations and facilitate meetings, workshops, public engagement activities, and special events.


• Serve as staff liaison to committees, boards, commissions, and advisory groups.


• Represent the department and organization at local, regional, and statewide meetings.


• Work with the Planning Director to align departmental priorities and initiatives with Centralina's strategic goals and mission.

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities include but are not limited to:

• Knowledge of local government operations, decision-making processes, and public administration.


• Understanding of North Carolina planning principles, land use regulations, and development practices.


• Strong project management, organizational, and analytical skills.


• Experience building partnerships and working effectively with elected officials, local governments, stakeholders, and community organizations.


• Strong leadership, communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.


• The ability to manage multiple priorities and support both organizational and regional objectives.

Minimum Experience at a Glance:

• Master's degree in Planning, Public Policy, Urban Design, Public Administration, or a closely related field.


• Seven (7) or more years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas:
  
  
  
  • Land Use Planning
  
  
  • Transportation Planning
  
  
  • Community and Economic Development
  
  
  • Community Engagement
  
  
  • Community Health
  
  
  • Project Management
  
  
  
  


• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.


• AICP certification preferred.


• A valid Driver’s License is also required. 


• Hiring Salary: $84K – $107K depending on experience with excellent benefits.

How to Apply:

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter when applying. Deadline: Open until filled with rolling interviews. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early. EOE.