Planning & Development Services Director

Summary

Whatcom County is seeking an experienced and visionary Planning & Development Services Director to lead the County's planning and development initiatives. This key leadership role is responsible for guiding departmental strategy, operations, budgeting, and driving innovation in land use, permitting, and community development. Reporting to the County Executive and working closely with the County Council, Planning Commission, and other advisory committees, the position offers an opportunity to lead meaningful change in planning processes, promoting regulatory frameworks that support affordable housing solutions. The role focuses on fostering a growing, vibrant, and economically resilient community, balancing development needs with community values, environmental stewardship, and housing accessibility for all income levels.

Essential Duties

• Lead the strategic direction, performance, and fiscal management of the Planning & Development Services Department.
• Oversee departmental functions including long–range planning, policy development, current planning, permitting and enforcement, and natural resource planning and management.
• Collaborate with the County Executive, County Council, Planning Commission, and advisory committees.
• Drive improvements in service delivery and permitting efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic and collaborative leader with deep expertise in land use policy, development regulations, and operational management. They are committed to streamlining processes, enhancing service delivery, and aligning planning efforts with economic growth, community values, and environmental sustainability. This leader brings strong fiscal stewardship, empowers a high‑performing and inclusive team, and builds trusted relationships with staff, stakeholders, and partners to drive long‑term success for Whatcom County.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Public Administration, Planning, or a related field (Master’s Degree preferred).
• Six years of progressively responsible related experience.
• Three years of management or supervisory experience.
• Prior experience in construction management or private business involving interaction with government entities on matters related to land use and life‑safety codes is desired.

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: $11,480 – $16,669 monthly (unrepresented range).

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families at no cost to employees.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) with accrual of up to 330 hours annually; cash‑out option for up to 40 hours over 330.
• Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) with joint contributions from employee and County.
• Voluntary deferred compensation retirement with County match.
• $50,000 life insurance coverage for employees.
• Voluntary term life insurance and personal accident insurance.
• Flexible spending account (FSA) for health care and/or dependent care expenses.
• Employee assistance program (EAP).
• Additional benefit information available upon request.

Subject to satisfactory performance, the position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (approximately 3.8%), in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

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