Planning & Development Services Director

Planning & Development Services Director Salary $11,480.00 - $16,669.00 Monthly

Location: Bellingham, WA 98226 Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: D430 0126 Department: Planning & Development Services Opening Date: 01/16/2026

Description Whatcom County is seeking an experienced and visionary Planning & Development Services Director to lead the Countys planning and development initiatives. This is a key leadership role responsible for guiding departmental strategy, operations, and budgeting while driving innovation in land use, permitting, and community development. Reporting to the County Executive and working closely with the County Council, Planning Commission, and other advisory committees, this position offers an opportunity to lead meaningful change in the Countys planning and development processes, that includes promoting regulatory frameworks that supports the development of affordable housing solutions.

The role focuses on fostering a growing, vibrant and economically resilient community seeking economic renewal over future decades, balancing development needs with community values and environmental stewardship while supporting housing accessibility for all income levels.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Lead the strategic direction, performance, and fiscal management of the Planning & Development Services Department • Oversee departmental functions, including long-range planning and policy development, current planning, permitting and enforcement, natural resource planning and management • Collaborate with the County Executive, County Council, Planning Commission, and advisory committees • Drive improvements in service delivery and permitting efficiency • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a strategic and collaborative leader with deep expertise in land use policy, development regulations, and operational management. They are committed to streamlining processes, enhancing service delivery, and aligning planning efforts with economic growth, community values, and environmental sustainability. This leader brings strong fiscal stewardship, empowers a high-performing and inclusive team, and builds trusted relationships with staff, stakeholders, and partners to drive long-term success for Whatcom County.

THE DEPARTMENT

The mission of the Planning and Development Services department is to ensure growth and development occurs in a manner that protects public health, safety and welfare, and ensures the quality of life enjoyed by citizens and visitors in Whatcom County is preserved and enhanced. Whatcom County Planning and Development Services currently has 52 FTEs and is divided into three major divisions including Building Services, Natural Resources and Planning. The Planning & Development Services Director will guide highly talented and dedicated management team providing leadership and guidance on a wide variety of land use, long range planning, natural resource management, building and code related issues for Whatcom County.

Supervisor: County Executive

For more information about the Planning and Development Services Director position, please review the following:

Job Description Planning & Development Services Website Recruitment Brochure

• Position is Open Until Filled
• Applications will be reviewed as they are received. First review date scheduled for February 9, 2026. Apply early for first consideration.

Qualifications

1. Do you have a Bachelors Degree (or higher) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Planning or a related field? Yes No
2. Please list the degree you have received and the field of emphasis:
3. Do you have at least six years of progressively responsible related experience? Yes No
4. Do you have at least three years of management or supervisory experience? Yes No
5. In your cover letter, please address your qualifications and interest in this position, and why Whatcom County Planning and Development Services mission and service to the community appeal to you.

Required Question Employer: Whatcom County Address: 311 Grand Ave, Suite 107 Bellingham, Washington, 98225 Phone: (360) 778-5300 Website: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/1675/Current-Job-Openings