What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Planning Director position at Town of Harrisburg, NC?
Who We Are
The Town of Harrisburg, NC, is one of the fastest-growing communities in North Carolina and is seen as one of the top ten affluent zip codes in the surrounding region. While growth has been exponential over the past decade, the Town has maintained its tight-knit, community-based mindset and strategically fostered a work culture where customer service excellence is our top priority. The Town of Harrisburg was the first municipality in Cabarrus County to achieve the Heartsafe Workplace Award (2025), recently won the 2025 Centralina Innovation in Local Government Award, and was named the Healthiest Employer® in North Carolina in the 50-199 employees category for 2025.
What We Need
Due to the upcoming retirement of our Assistant Planning Director, the Town of Harrisburg is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Assistant Planning Director to join our team and play a crucial role in shaping the future of our community. This position supports the Planning Director in leading both current and long-range municipal planning efforts for the Town.
This is an excellent opportunity for a professional who thrives in a fast-paced and high-impact planning environment. The Assistant Planning Director manages the current planning and code enforcement functions of the department while overseeing the development review and approval process from pre-application through final compliance. This role plays a key part in coordinating zoning and development-related GIS applications, leading the Development Review Committee, and facilitating complex and sensitive planning issues with professionalism and sound judgment. Work involves applying advanced planning expertise to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Town’s land use policies, ordinances, and processes, including Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) updates, annexation initiatives, and long-range planning efforts. The position also includes oversight of the Accela electronic permitting system, management of major departmental programs and initiatives, and collaboration on budget development, RFQ/RFP processes, and consultant contract administration. The Assistant Planning Director supervises staff in coordination with the Planning Director and provides leadership in personnel management, training, and performance evaluation. Strong communication skills are essential, as this role regularly engages with elected officials, boards, the development community, and the public, requiring a high level of tact, professionalism, and customer service. This position serves as a trusted advisor to Town leadership in the absence of the Planning Director and collaborates with local, regional, state, and federal partners to support the Town’s continued growth and development.
Desirable Candidate
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in planning, geography, landscape architecture, or related field and at least 5 to 7 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal, county or regional planning, including supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree in planning or related field and AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) Certification preferred. AICP certification will be required within 12 months of hire. Certified Floodplain Management certification also preferred. Must possess a valid NC driver’s license.
What We Offer
The Town of Harrisburg offers a comprehensive benefits package, opportunities for professional growth, and a collaborative work environment dedicated to shaping the community’s future.
The hiring range is $83,146 - $103,425 and starting salary will be dependent on qualifications and prior experience. Will also be eligible for a $3,500 sign-on bonus upon hire.
Please submit resume, employment application, references and salary requirements to either resumes@harrisburgnc.gov or at https://www.harrisburgnc.org/jobs.aspx
The Town of Harrisburg, NC, is one of the fastest-growing communities in North Carolina and is seen as one of the top ten affluent zip codes in the surrounding region. While growth has been exponential over the past decade, the Town has maintained its tight-knit, community-based mindset and strategically fostered a work culture where customer service excellence is our top priority. The Town of Harrisburg was the first municipality in Cabarrus County to achieve the Heartsafe Workplace Award (2025), recently won the 2025 Centralina Innovation in Local Government Award, and was named the Healthiest Employer® in North Carolina in the 50-199 employees category for 2025.
What We Need
Due to the upcoming retirement of our Assistant Planning Director, the Town of Harrisburg is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Assistant Planning Director to join our team and play a crucial role in shaping the future of our community. This position supports the Planning Director in leading both current and long-range municipal planning efforts for the Town.
This is an excellent opportunity for a professional who thrives in a fast-paced and high-impact planning environment. The Assistant Planning Director manages the current planning and code enforcement functions of the department while overseeing the development review and approval process from pre-application through final compliance. This role plays a key part in coordinating zoning and development-related GIS applications, leading the Development Review Committee, and facilitating complex and sensitive planning issues with professionalism and sound judgment. Work involves applying advanced planning expertise to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Town’s land use policies, ordinances, and processes, including Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) updates, annexation initiatives, and long-range planning efforts. The position also includes oversight of the Accela electronic permitting system, management of major departmental programs and initiatives, and collaboration on budget development, RFQ/RFP processes, and consultant contract administration. The Assistant Planning Director supervises staff in coordination with the Planning Director and provides leadership in personnel management, training, and performance evaluation. Strong communication skills are essential, as this role regularly engages with elected officials, boards, the development community, and the public, requiring a high level of tact, professionalism, and customer service. This position serves as a trusted advisor to Town leadership in the absence of the Planning Director and collaborates with local, regional, state, and federal partners to support the Town’s continued growth and development.
Desirable Candidate
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in planning, geography, landscape architecture, or related field and at least 5 to 7 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal, county or regional planning, including supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree in planning or related field and AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) Certification preferred. AICP certification will be required within 12 months of hire. Certified Floodplain Management certification also preferred. Must possess a valid NC driver’s license.
What We Offer
The Town of Harrisburg offers a comprehensive benefits package, opportunities for professional growth, and a collaborative work environment dedicated to shaping the community’s future.
The hiring range is $83,146 - $103,425 and starting salary will be dependent on qualifications and prior experience. Will also be eligible for a $3,500 sign-on bonus upon hire.
Please submit resume, employment application, references and salary requirements to either resumes@harrisburgnc.gov or at https://www.harrisburgnc.org/jobs.aspx
Salary : $83,146 - $103,425