Planning Director

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Planning Director to lead and manage all planning, land use, zoning, and community development initiatives for the City of Dover, DE. This role oversees long-range planning, development review, zoning administration, and strategic projects that shape the city’s growth, sustainability, and quality of life. The Planning Director will guide policy development, manage staff, collaborate with elected officials, and serve as a key representative in community and regional planning efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

Oversee the Planning Department’s operations, staff, workflow, and performance.

Develop and manage departmental budgets, contracts, and resource planning.

Provide technical guidance and mentorship to planning and zoning staff.

Promote a culture of customer service, collaboration, and professionalism.

Planning & Development

Lead all short- and long-range planning initiatives, including comprehensive planning, land-use policy, environmental planning, and community development programs.

Conduct research and prepare recommendations on land-use trends, zoning amendments, demographic changes, and growth patterns.

Oversee the review and approval of development proposals, subdivision applications, site plans, and rezoning requests.

Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal planning regulations.

Zoning & Regulatory Administration

Administer and update the zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, and other development-related codes.

Prepare staff reports and present findings to Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, City Council, and public stakeholders.

Coordinate permitting processes and ensure effective enforcement of zoning and land-development regulations.

Community Engagement & Collaboration

Serve as the primary liaison between the Planning Department, community groups, developers, consultants, and government agencies.

Facilitate public meetings, workshops, and outreach initiatives to gather input and communicate planning concepts.

Work collaboratively with internal departments on transportation planning, economic development, housing strategies, and infrastructure initiatives.

Strategic Initiatives

Lead initiatives related to smart growth, sustainability, housing, economic vitality, stormwater implications, transportation planning, and revitalization efforts.

Track regional growth trends and recommend strategies for balanced and sustainable development.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or related field required; Master’s preferred.

AICP certification strongly preferred.

7–10+ years of progressive planning experience, including supervisory or management responsibility.

Strong understanding of land-use law, zoning, environmental regulations, and public sector planning processes.

Proven experience working with elected officials, boards, and commissions.

Excellent communication, leadership, and project-management skills.

Ability to handle complex development issues and make balanced, defensible recommendations.

Preferred Skills

Familiarity with GIS mapping and planning software.

Experience in downtown revitalization, affordable housing strategy, transportation planning, and comprehensive plan updates.

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and explain technical planning concepts to a variety of audiences.