PLANNING DIRECTOR

Position Details

Department: Planning
Salary Range: $160,000 – $175,000
Reports To: Deputy Town Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Urban Planning, Public Admin, Architecture, or related field (Master's preferred)
• 10+ years of planning experience, with 7+ years in senior leadership
• Coastal or tourism-driven municipality experience a plus
• AICP Certification preferred

What You'll Do

• Lead and execute strategic direction for all planning and development services
• From long-range visioning and zoning policy to housing strategy and natural resource protection
• Serve as the Land Management Ordinance (LMO) Official and represent the department before Town Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Board, and regional/state/federal partners
• Drive the Town's Comprehensive Plan, Workforce Housing Framework, and Council goals from concept to implementation
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team including the Assistant Planning Director, Community Planning Manager, and Chief Housing Officer
• Manage department budgets, capital improvement programs, grants, and consultant services with a focus on fiscal accountability and innovation
• Champion community engagement and serve as a trusted bridge between residents, developers, elected officials, and partner organizations

Who You Are

• A proven executive with deep expertise in urban planning, land use policy, zoning, and community development
• A collaborative leader who thrives on building consensus, navigating politically sensitive issues, and forging lasting partnerships
• A skilled communicator with executive presence — equally comfortable presenting data to Council as you are listening at a neighborhood meeting
• Data-driven strategist with command of GIS tools, spatial analysis, and evidence-based decision-making
• A champion of smart growth, climate resilience, hazard mitigation, and equitable housing solutions

How to Apply

To express interest, please submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three (3) professional references via email. For clarity in document handling, please format your files as follows: FirstName LastName resume FirstName LastName cover letter FirstName LastName references

All application materials will be held in confidence and should be sent to: ian@pracademicpartners.com

Subject line: Planning Director - Town of Hilton Head Island

Contact Information

For inquiries or nominations, please contact:
Dr. Ian M. Coyle, ICMA-CM
585.943.0589

About the Town of Hilton Head Island

The Town of Hilton Head Island is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.