Position Announcement

PLANNING AND URBAN DESIGN DIRECTOR

Asheville, NC

The City of Asheville is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Director Planning and Urban Design Director. The Planning and Urban Design Director is hired by and reports to the City Manager (with day to day supervision by an Assistant City Manager), and will lead the dedicated staff of the City’s Planning and Urban Design Department as they continue to provide high-level service to the community.

Our ideal candidate will not only have the technical aptitude required for this position, but will also:

Be forward thinking, welcoming of challenges and hard work;

Be collaborative, empathetic, and approachable;

Bring a passion for excellent customer service;

Have strong leadership skills with the ability to empower and develop staff at all levels within the department;

Bring strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills;

Have a holistic view of community and a demonstrated ability to see the big picture;

Have experience working directly or indirectly with the public sector.

Planning & Urban Design (PUD) has an operating budget of over $3 million, has 26 FTEs, and provides the following services:
Land Development is responsible for administering form based codes, the unified development ordinance, and the development entitlement and review processes.
Long Range Planning & Design is responsible for comprehensive and small area planning, visioning and community engagement, urban design and place making strategies, and general land use policy.
The Planning and Urban Design Department provides sound, professional land use planning, zoning, urban design and historic preservation services to achieve livable and sustainable neighborhoods for everyone. The department is committed to collaborating and supporting the vision of equitable growth and development consistent with Asheville’s comprehensive plan.

Department Directors also work under an organizational Code of Conduct to be:

Inclusive - We invite diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Accountable - We take responsibility for our actions and decisions.

Collaborative - We work together to complete tasks and achieve our goals.

Trustworthy - We are honest, sincere, and reliable.

Master's Degree in City & Regional Planning, Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Community & Economic Development, Urban Design, or related field; supplemented by 10 years of progressively responsible experience in managing and implementing urban and regional planning strategies, to include lead or supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Hiring range: $120,000 to $144,106 DOQ, plus a very competitive fringe benefits package.

Qualified candidates should apply by April 30, 2023 to be considered in the initial review of applications by completing an application to include a cover letter, resume, and contact information of five references in confidence at:

AshevilleNC.gov/jobs

After April 30, applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled or until a sufficient number of applications are received.

Asheville is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Women, and BIPOC ( Black, Indigenous and People of Color) candidates are encouraged to apply.

If you have questions regarding this opportunity, or a recommendation of a colleague, please contact:

Stephanie Craig at scraig@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 251-4066.