Salary: $91,008.00 - $122,696.00 Annually
Location : Hickory, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Planning
Opening Date: 08/28/2026
Closing Date: 9/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Salary Depends on Qualifications: Yes

Description
The City of Hickory is seeking an experienced and visionary Planning Director to lead the City's Planning Department. Under direction from the City Manager's Office, this position organizes, manages, and oversees all municipal planning functions, including current and long-range planning initiatives. The Planning Director ensures professional, high-quality planning practices that support the City's goals for safety, welfare, economic development, and exceptional quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must meet the city criteria for an acceptable driving record.

Salary Depends on Qualifications
Major Duties

Manage all plan review activities including comprehensive planning, land use, development review, annexations, historic preservation, economic development, murals, and transportation.
Coordinate development review efforts through meetings with developers, City staff, and the public.
Serve as senior staff advisor to City Council, Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission, and Historic Preservation Commission.
Administer the City's Land Development Code.
Assist and collaborate with designated boards and commissions.
Prepare, coordinate and present special studies, neighborhood plans, business associations and functional plans.
Develop policies and procedures for implementing and coordinating citywide municipal planning programs.
Conduct special studies at the direction of the City Manager related to development, improvements, and economic growth.
Collaborate with other governmental agencies, civic groups, business leaders, and community partners on planning issues.
Advise department staff on complex assignments; review projects and policies for compliance with city, state, and federal laws and codes.
Prepare the department's annual budget and oversee staff work plans.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Qualifications

Extensive knowledge of laws, regulations, principles, and techniques related to land use, transportation planning, commercial and neighborhood development, along with economic development.

Skill in directing municipal planning, zoning operations, and staff.

Ability to read and interpret plans, maps, aerial photographs, and experience with GIS.

Strong public relations skills, including leadership in publicly attended meetings and managing differing interests.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to make professional judgments in applying federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, codes, and guidelines.

Ability to supervise staff effectively and foster strong individual and team performance.

Ability to manage workflows and operations within established budgetary parameters.
Education & Experience Requirements:

Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in urban planning, geography, public administration, or a related field (master's degree preferred).
Seven (7) years of comprehensive experience in a local government planning department.

Five (5) years of supervisory experience in local government or a closely related work environment preferred.

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification, or ability to obtain certification within 18 months.
Supplemental Information

Work is assigned by the Assistant City Manager and reviewed through meetings, reports, and evaluation of departmental objectives.

Duties include varied technical and administrative tasks requiring strong time management skills.

Contacts include co-workers, contractors, civic groups, board and commission members, business leaders, developers, property owners, architects, engineers, and the general public.

Work is typically performed in an office environment with standard equipment; may involve intermittent standing, stooping, or light lifting.

Position provides direct supervision of the Planning Department.
The City of Hickory provides a generous benefit package valued at over 30% of an employee's annual salary. Employer provided benefits include:

• 11 paid holidays
• 12 paid sick leave days per year
• Paid vacation
• Health insurance for employees and family members
• Dental and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program - 5 FREE visits
• 15.1% contribution per employee to the NC Local Government Retirement System
• Up to 5% matching contribution to 401k
• Free Life insurance of 1.5 times salary up to ($125,000)
• Tuition Assistance Program
• On-site Wellness Clinic
• A selection of voluntary benefits such as additional life insurance, dependent life, short-term disability insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance.

*Employees working in seasonal/part-time positions are not eligible for benefits.*
01

Please list the title of your degree. If you do not possess a degree, indicate N/A.
02

Describe your experience preparing comprehensive, area, and neighborhood plans.
03

How comfortable are you with using G.I.S?
04

How do you handle yourself in confrontational situations with a citizen that is non-compliant and may become combative?
05

What is your experience with Historic Preservation?
Required Question