Director of Planning & Development
About the role
Winnebago County is seeking a forward-thinking, collaborative leader to serve as its next Director of Planning and Development. This is a unique opportunity to shift toward a more proactive, strategic approach to land use, housing, infrastructure, and community development. The Director will lead county-wide planning, zoning, GIS functions, and development while serving as a trusted advisor to the County Executive, County Board, municipalities, developers, and residents. The ideal candidate brings a strong commitment to customer service, a solutions-oriented mindset, and the ability to guide complex development and policy decisions that shape the county’s future. This role requires a leader with effective communication skills who can lead county efforts to identify and advance redevelopment opportunities and strategic growth areas.
Responsibilities
- Lead county-wide planning, zoning, GIS functions, and development.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the County Executive, County Board, municipalities, developers, and residents.
- Guide complex development and policy decisions that shape the county’s future.
- Lead county efforts to identify and advance redevelopment opportunities and strategic growth areas.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Planning, Public Administration, or related field, with preference for major course work in urban and regional planning or similar area.
- Significant experience in planning, zoning, or community development with strong familiarity with Wisconsin land use law and intergovernmental relationships.
Knowledge
- Broad understanding of economic growth, regulation and compliance issues, budget preparation and management, effective planning practices, zoning ordinances, land division regulations, GIS systems and capabilities, Wisconsin land use law, development, and housing challenges and solutions.
Skills
- Responsive individual committed to customer service.
- Solutions‑oriented mindset.
- Ability to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable guidance.
- Effective communication skills.
Application deadline: September 25, 2026, 5:00 pm.