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Founded in 1836, Auburn is the largest city in east Alabama and is home to a public land-grant university, Auburn University. Auburn is one of Alabama’s fastest-growing cities, with a 43% increase in population between 2010 and 2020, representing a daily increase of 6.6 people. Similar growth in the 2020s could put Auburn at or beyond the 100,000 mark in the 2030 census. From significant development in Auburn’s industrial sector to expanding commercial, recreational, and educational opportunities, Auburn has developed into a community of 78,552 people in 60.5 square miles, who love and live in Auburn for a variety of reasons. 

The Planning Department is responsible for the administration of the City’s Land Use Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Subdivision Regulations. Reporting to the Development Services Executive Director, the Planning Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the operations and activities of the Planning Department. They oversee the preparation of reports, packet preparation, and presentations for City Council, Planning Commission, and Board of Zoning Adjustment, including meeting minutes for the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustment. The Planning Director reviews all official documents released by the Planning Department; directs the administration, enforcement, review, and updating of the Zoning Ordinance and subdivision regulations; and provides general advice and final interpretation in relation to the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations.

Auburn is seeking an experienced, innovative leader to serve as its next Planning Director. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable of the principles and practices of public management and administration; planning policies, practices, and procedures; planning research principles and methodologies; and urban organization, housing, industrial land use and zoning, commercial, economic, and related functions. They will be knowledgeable of the geographical layout and demographic attributes of the City of Auburn and surrounding jurisdictions, or they’ll be able to quickly learn.

This position requires a master’s degree in city or regional planning, or a closely related field, as well as five to eight years’ experience working with local governments and understanding City Ordinances. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Possession of, or the ability to readily obtain, the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) designation, signifying membership in the AICP, within one year of employment, is required. A valid driver’s license is required. The chosen Planning Director must establish residence within the corporate boundaries of the City of Auburn within 6 months of employment, and thereafter maintain residence within the corporate boundaries of the City of Auburn.

The salary for this position starts at $125,000, and the City will compensate based on experience and qualifications.

Please apply online.

For more information on this position, contact:
Marsha Reed, Senior Vice President
MarshaReed@GovernmentResource.com
806-789-9641

About City of Auburn, AL

SGR exists to help local governments be more successful by Recruiting, Assessing, and Developing Innovative, Collaborative, Authentic Leaders. SGR provides a comprehensive scope of executive recruitment services. Each executive recruitment is tailored to meet the client's specific needs, providing a high degree of personal attention to each search conducted. Our role is to find the person who is the very best possible match for your organization. SGR devotes tremendous energy to understanding your organization's unique culture, environment, and local issues to ensure a great "fit" with regard to values, philosophy, and management style.

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