Director of Planning

Chesterfield County, Virginia (Richmond-Metro Area), a recognized leader and award-winning local government, is seeking an energetic, collaborative, and strategic thinker who can articulate a clear vision on the current and future direction of the county’s growth and development. 

The director will provide direction, leadership and general oversight to the Department of Planning.  This position will be supervised by the Deputy County Administrator and work under the general direction of the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission and County Administrator.  The director is expected to:

• Provide administrative leadership to implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards to meet the department’s mission and vision.
• Manage the county’s comprehensive planning and development review processes, including zoning, subdivision and site plan reviews.
• Analyze growth and development trends.
• Make recommendations on planning and development activities to the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.
• Build upon and collaboratively develop a compelling vision for improving existing conditions and guiding future and equitable growth and development standards for the County.
• Serve as the lead spokesperson for planning and development activities with the county and will have strong working relationships with the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission and other Boards, local and regional jurisdictions, community groups, contractors, consultants and the public.

Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in planning, architecture, urban design, public administration, engineering, or related field; master’s degree is preferred. A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in community development, comprehensive planning, zoning and land use experience, including five years of comprehensive planning experience in a senior management capacity in a comparably sized or larger organization or equivalent combination of training and experience.  Certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred.  Ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills with extensive planning knowledge and public and/or private sector experience working in planning and community development.  Good driving record, pre-employment drug test and extensive background check required.

To review the recruitment profile and application instructions, click the link Director of Planning or visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/chesterfieldco.

The application deadline date is May 13, 2026 at 5 p.m. Interested applicants should submit a confidential resume with cover letter and must include salary requirements to:

Mary Martin Selby, Director of Human Resources
Chesterfield County Human Resources
P.O. Box 40
Chesterfield, VA 23832
(804) 748-1551
Electronic responses are preferred and should be directed to

ExecutiveSearch@chesterfield.gov

An Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity

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• Chesterfield County Human Resources

• 8047514304