Director of Planning & Zoning

The Town of Cape Charles, Virginia is seeking an experienced professional to serve as the Director of Planning & Zoning. The successful candidate will be committed to preserving Cape Charles’ unique character while helping guide thoughtful, sustainable growth that benefits both current and future generations. Reporting directly to the Town Manager, the candidate will also serve as a member of the Town’s leadership team responsible for directing services, programs, and operations of the Planning & Zoning Department. The Director will provide guidance and supervision of employees, prepare the departmental budget, and provide leadership for a highly visible function within the Town’s government.

The Position

The Director of Planning & Zoning serves as the Town’s principal planning professional and provides leadership for community development, land use administration, zoning enforcement, development review, and long-range planning initiatives. Reporting to the Town Manager, the Director works closely with elected officials, developers, residents, regional partners, advisory boards and stakeholders to guide development in a manner consistent with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and community vision.

The Town of Cape Charles is committed to professional management, collaborative leadership, and continuous improvement. The Director will become part of an experienced leadership team that emphasizes integrity, accountability, teamwork, innovation, and exceptional customer service. The successful candidate will help advance a culture of organizational excellence while supporting thoughtful growth and preserving the unique character of one of Virginia’s most distinctive coastal communities. This is an exceptional opportunity for a planning professional to make a lasting impact on a community that values both its historic heritage and its future.

The Director will promote land use planning and natural resource management for the Town and implement related programs and regulations. The Director will also serve as staff liaison and prepare meeting agenda materials for the Planning Commission, Historic District Review Board, Harbor Area Review Board, Wetlands and Coastal Dune Board, and Board of Zoning Appeals. The Director will be responsible for responding to public requests regarding land use management, natural resources, flood hazards, and zoning ordinance enforcement.

Qualifications

The following education and experience factors outline the qualifications for successful performance:

• Minimum of five (5) years of professional municipal planning experience, with demonstrated leadership experience in an organization with comparable size/scope of responsibility, possessing a broad skill set appropriate to the breadth of the Town’s planning and zoning operations
• An undergraduate degree, with a preferred concentration in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy or a related field; A Master’s degree in Urban Planning or a related discipline, while not required, is strongly preferred
• Experience leading teams in a supervisory or director role is desired
• Strong knowledge of Virginia planning and zoning laws and processes
• Certifications related to zoning/planning such as Certified Zoning Administrator (CZA), Certified Zoning Official (CZO), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) preferred, or must be willing to pursue certification if not currently held
• Any combination of education and experience that qualifies an applicant may be considered in lieu of the criteria listed above

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation for the Director of Planning & Zoning is within the hiring range of $76,700 - $92,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will be provided with the Town’s benefits package including participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), health/dental/vision insurance, paid time off (PTO), paid holiday leave, professional development and training, life insurance, and other benefits provided for all Town employees. Relocation assistance may be available.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample and professional references to the Berkley Group via email to Jenelle.Richards@bgllc.net. The position is open until filled.