Community Planning & Design Manager

Community Planning & Design Manager

Location

City Hall, 929 N. Front Street, Wilmington, NC

Job Type

Full Time-Regular

Job Number

FY26-00125A

Department

Planning and Development

Opening Date

07/17/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Post-Offer Required Pre-Employment Screenings

Driving History Check

Criminal History Check

Education Verification

Drug Screen

Approved Hiring Salary/Range

$96,135.52 - $122,572.84

Full Salary Range

$96,135.52 - $149,010.16

Working Hours

Generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with some evening and weekend work. Flex time is available along with hybrid work options provided needs of department and customers are met.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Description

Help Shape the Future of Our City!

The Community Planning and Design Manager leads the development of plans, policies, and strategies that guide thoughtful growth and development. This role brings together project leadership, community engagement, policy interpretation, and collaboration with stakeholders to turn vision into action. From managing key initiatives and guiding cross-functional teams to presenting ideas and recommendations to decision-makers, this position plays a vital role in how our city grows and evolves.

Note: This position will remain open until filled with first application review taking place 2 weeks after posting date.

Typical Tasks

What You'll Lead and Influence

• Drive transformational planning efforts including comprehensive plans, corridor studies, neighborhood and small-area plans, and major policy initiatives that guide long-term city growth.
• Shape community vision by coordinating with residents, stakeholders, elected officials, and local, state, and federal partners to bring big ideas to life.
• Champion meaningful public engagement by designing and leading outreach strategies that ensure community voices are heard, valued, and reflected in city decisions.
• Influence design and development outcomes through urban design leadership, design review, and strategic identification of funding and grant opportunities.
• Guide key development decisions by managing the full lifecycle of legislative entitlement reviews-from applicant collaboration and policy analysis to final recommendations.
• Help prioritize city investments by identifying infrastructure needs and aligning planning efforts with community goals and long-term priorities.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams by mentoring planning and urban design staff, setting clear priorities, and fostering professional growth and excellence.
• Improve how we work by developing streamlined workflows, modernized procedures, and strong records management practices that support efficiency and accountability.
• Support influential boards and commissions by preparing agendas, facilitating discussions, and providing trusted technical expertise that informs major decisions.
• Shape policy and strategy by analyzing trends, monitoring legislation, and translating complex data into clear, actionable planning direction.
• Serve as a trusted resource to residents, applicants, and partner agencies by making planning information clear, accessible, and easy to navigate.
• Lead impactful consultant projects by defining scopes, selecting partners, and ensuring projects deliver high-quality results on time and on budget.
• Turn data into insight through maps, metrics, and visual tools that inform smarter planning and better decisions.
• Enhance public communication by ensuring planning information is transparent, engaging, and widely accessible across digital platforms.

Why This Role Matters

This is a highly visible, high-impact position where your work directly shapes how the community grows-physically, economically, and socially. You'll collaborate with a wide range of partners, lead meaningful projects, and help turn long-range vision into real-world results.

Qualifications

• Education and Related Experience

• Master's Degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, or a closely related field, and a minimum of five years of related experience, or a bachelor's degree in one of the above-listed fields and a minimum of seven years of related experience.

• Supervisory Experience

• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience.

• Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of local government procedures and practices

• Thorough knowledge of one or more planning disciplines/areas of specialty such as land use planning/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, or economic development.

• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.

• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, including recent changes.

• Methods of effective report preparation and presentation.

• Citizen involvement techniques and processes.

• Principles, methodology, and practices of research and data collection.

• Computer programs and applications, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, internet applications, and geographic information systems (GIS).

• Skills

• Ability to communicate and foster a cooperative and professional culture.

• Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.

• Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with elected/appointed officials, residents, and other stakeholders.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including formal presentations.

• Creative problem-solving skills to solve complex problems and manage highly visible/controversial projects.

• Ability to build consensus in developing solutions to problems.

• Ability to identify needed changes to ordinances and procedures to meet goal and policy objectives.

• Ability to evaluate projects for consistency with legal requirements and policy positions.

• Ability to provide effective leadership and staff supervision.

• Certifications

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification

• Work Schedule

• Ability to work nights and weekends.

• Additional Requirements

• Valid US Drivers License with an acceptable driving record

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Office Work: Sedentary, involving prolonged sitting, computer use, telephone and office equipment operation, and standard office tasks. Requires visual acuity, hearing, and manual dexterity for reviewing documents, analyzing data, and completing administrative responsibilities.
• Field Work: Exposure to various weather conditions for various events and site visits. Such work may require standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting or carrying objects up to 10-20 pounds occasionally. Employees may encounter uneven terrain and must use appropriate personal protective equipment.
• General Requirements:All work is performed in compliance with applicable State and Federal OSHA regulations, including hazard communication, personal protective equipment, and slip, trip, and fall prevention.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Normal office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am - 5:00pm; however, some night and weekend work may be required.
• Required office-based work utilizing standard office equipment in a climate-controlled setting and adhering to applicable safety and ergonomic guidelines.
• Site visits and community events may require exposure to outdoor conditions, traffic, noise, and uneven terrain, and occasional standing, walking, or lifting of light materials with appropriate safety measures in place.
• The position functions in a fast-paced, collaborative, and public-facing municipal environment, involving interaction with elected officials, employees, community members, and external partners. Employees may regularly address complex compliance issues and complaints and may encounter individuals who are upset, frustrated, or dissatisfied. The position requires the ability to remain professional, exercise sound judgment, and apply conflict resolution techniques while resolving concerns.

Our Core Values:

INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY

Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.

What we offer:

The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
• Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System
• Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
• Free on-site city gym access
• Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
• 6-weeks paid parental leave
• Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
• Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
• Tuition assistance benefits

Applicant Status Updates: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.

Health Benefits are offered to employees working at least 30 hours per week.

Health Insurance - The City offers two options for health coverage: a standard PPO plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire for employees and their eligible dependents. Both you and the City contribute to the overall cost of coverage.

Dental Insurance - Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire. Employees, their spouse and dependent children are eligible for coverage.

Life Insurance - The city pays to provide coverage valued at one times your annual salary. Supplemental insurance is available for employees to purchase. Optional coverage for dependents is also available for purchase.

Retirement:

• NC Local Government Retirement System - All benefits eligible employees make a mandatory 6% contribution every pay period.
• Deferred Compensation - The city contributes an amount equal to 4.5% of the annual salary to a 401(k) plan regardless of employee contribution. Employees may choose to contribute additional money to the 401(k) or 457 deferred compensation plans, without a match from the City, within the IRS guidelines.

Paid Leave (offered to employees working at least 1,000 hours annually*):

• Sick Leave - 12 days accrued each year
• Annual Leave - Accrual based on years of service and classification. Employees can earn from 10 to 24 days each year.
• Holidays - 13 paid holidays annually
• Paid Parental Leave - Six weeks of paid leave for the birth, adoption or placement of a child (must run concurrently with FMLA).
• Part-Time Employees will earn paid leave benefits on a pro-rated basis.

Miscellaneous:

• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Cancer & Critical Illness
• Accident Insurance
• Whole Life Insurance
• Credit Union membership

Note: The City of Wilmington is on a bi-weekly pay cycle. New employees should expect to recieve their first paycheck approximately 3 weeks after their start date.

This is intended to be a brief overview of the benefits offered. Please visit our website at https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Government/Departments-Divisions/Human-Resources/Benefits for more information.

01

Please acknowledge that you agree to fully complete all required sections of the application, including work experience, education, and the supplemental questionnaire; and that your responses are truthful and complete and can be verified within your application. Entering "N/A or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.

• Yes

02

Do you have a valid Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

03

How many years of relevant experience do you have?

• I have no experience
• less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years to less than 7 years
• 7 years to less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

04

Please identify the company/agency/organization where you gained the experience described in question #3. Note: These employers must be listed in the work history section on your employment application to receive credit. Entering "N/A or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.

05

Which best describes your highest level of education in urban and regional planning, public administration, or a closely related field?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Vocational/Technical Training or Certificate
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• None - N/A

06

Do you have at least one (3) years of supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

07

Please briefly explain your supervisory responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, please put "N/A".

08

Do you currently hold an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification?

• Yes
• No

09

Please acknowledge that you understand that if hired, the hours are generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with some evening and weekend work. Flex time is available along with hybrid work options provided needs of department and customers are met.

• Yes

10

The hiring salary for the position is posted on the job posting. Salary determination is supported by budget availability and qualifications of the candidate to maintain internal equity. Please acknowledge that you understand this process.

• Yes

Required Question

Employer City of Wilmington

Address PO Box 1810

929 N. Front Street, 11th Floor

Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401

Phone 910-341-7840

Website http://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/jobs