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Posted 1d ago

Planning & Development Director

@ City of Willmar
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Willmar, Minnesota, United States
$103k-$139k/yrOnsiteFull Time
Responsibilities:lead planning, oversee zoning, manage budgets
Requirements Summary:Bachelor’s in planning/public administration/public policy or related; 5+ years in public planning/development; strong policy, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement; GIS and planning software proficiency; leadership experience.
Technical Tools Mentioned:GIS, Planning software, MS Office, General office applications
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Job Description

View Brochure Here: Planning and Development Director Brochure

Purpose

Serves as the Director of Planning and Development with responsibility for the leadership, administration, and strategic direction of the City’s planning, zoning, building inspection, code enforcement, housing, redevelopment, and economic development activities. Oversees the City’s physical growth and development through long-range planning, development review, and capital improvement planning while promoting business investment and community redevelopment. Provides leadership to departmental staff and serves as an advisor to the City Administrator, Planning Commission, and City Council on matters affecting community development and city-wide growth.

Organizational Relationships

Communicates with:

Internally - City Administration, City Council, Boards and Commissions, and various City staff

Externally - Local, State, and Federal Stakeholders, Government Agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO)

Memberships: American Planning Association; Economic Development Association of Minnesota (EDAM) League of Minnesota Cities (LMC); Coalition of Greater MN Cities (CGMC)

Direct Reports: Administrative Assistant, City Planner, Building Official, Building Inspector, Rental Inspector, Economic and Community Development Specialist and seasonal internships

 

Essential Functions

Leadership & Department Management

  • Provide overall leadership and management of all departmental functions, including land planning, building inspection, code enforcement, housing programs, and economic development.
  • Establish and implement departmental goals, policies, priorities, and long-range strategies.
  • Manage budgets, financial records, forecasts, and expenditures; oversee internal and Capital Improvement budgeting.
  • Select, train, mentor, and evaluate staff; provide coaching, professional development, and disciplinary action when required.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and City policies.

Planning, Zoning & Physical Development

  • Lead the Planning Commission in developing, updating, and maintaining the Willmar Comprehensive Plan, including data updates, growth forecasting, policy development, and mapping.
  • Oversee zoning administration: guide ordinance development and amendments, administer the Zoning Ordinance and Official Land Use Map, and review development proposals and site plans for compliance.
  • Manage subdivision administration: lead ordinance updates, review plats and subdivision proposals, coordinate staff and Planning Commission review, and prepare improvement and dedication agreements.
  • Advance physical development through Capital Improvement Program planning, annexations, vacations, dedications, and acquisition of easements.
  • Provide technical assistance to developers, contractors, and property owners; respond to inquiries and present to external groups.

Economic Development & Redevelopment

  • Lead economic development strategies, including business retention, attraction, marketing, redevelopment, and real estate development support.
  • Negotiate development and redevelopment agreements; prepare financing packages; conduct financial analyses, feasibility studies, and tax increment or tax abatement plans.
  • Collaborate with Kandiyohi County Economic Development (KCED) on the sale of industrial park and other City-owned properties.
  • Oversee major economic development initiatives, public policy development, and consultant selection.
  • Coordinate business recruitment, outreach, retention, and support for real estate development projects.
  • Serve as a resource for economic development information; provide technical assistance, respond to business inquiries, and deliver presentations.

Grants, Funding & Project Oversight

  • Oversee preparation of grant applications and administration of funding for housing, infrastructure, and revitalization projects.
  • Manage project timelines, deliverables, and interdepartmental coordination for planning and development initiatives.
  • Prepare reports on business subsidies, construction activity, and economic development outcomes.

Community Engagement & Intergovernmental Relations

  • Serve as the primary liaison to the business community, Chamber of Commerce, neighborhood associations, community organizations, and regional partners.
  • Coordinate with City departments, government agencies, and stakeholders to align development plans and build consensus.
  • Support legislative activities related to planning and development.
  • Promote transparency and public engagement through forums, workshops, consultations, and community outreach.

Policy, Analysis & Strategic Guidance

  • Direct special studies and prepare reports, analyses, and recommendations for the City Administrator and City Council.
  • Lead development and implementation of comprehensive planning, land development, and economic development strategies.
  • Monitor and evaluate planning and development programs; adjust strategies based on performance and community needs.
  • Provide expert advice to senior leadership and policymakers on planning, zoning, and development matters.

Boards, Commissions & Organizational Support

  • Provide staff support to the City Council, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and ad hoc committees.
  • Attend and participate in professional meetings and conferences to stay current on trends, technologies, and legislation.
  • Lead or coordinate special development projects and cross-departmental initiatives.
  • Build partnerships with elected officials, City departments, community organizations, and neighborhood leaders.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Strong knowledge of urban planning principles, land use and zoning laws, subdivision practices, and historic preservation.
  • Understanding of economic development planning, development finance tools, and public-sector project funding mechanisms.
  • Familiarity with state, federal, and local planning regulations, including land use, community development, and historic preservation requirements.
  • Working knowledge of basic accounting, budgeting processes, and financial reporting.
  • Ability to manage staff and departmental operations, including supervision, coaching, and performance evaluation.
  • Proficiency with planning-related software, GIS tools, and standard office applications; ability to learn new systems as needed.
  • Understanding of departmental policies, organizational structure, and standard operating procedures.
  • General knowledge of civil engineering concepts relevant to site development, infrastructure, and land use review.
  • Strong ability to work effectively with the public, civic groups, neighborhood organizations, and development stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret regulations and apply them to real-world development scenarios.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Economics, Law, or a closely related field.
  • At least five years of progressively responsible experience in planning and development within the public sector or a comparable industry.
  • Strong understanding of public policy development, regulatory frameworks, and effective community engagement practices.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to use data to inform decisions.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities, with a proven track record of building productive partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated experience in budget management and efficient resource allocation.
  • Familiarity with GIS and other planning-related software tools.

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, or a related field.
  • Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning, community development, or economic development leadership.
  • Experience managing complex development projects, including public-private partnerships, redevelopment initiatives, or major infrastructure efforts.
  • Demonstrated success in economic development financing, including TIF, tax abatement, grants, and other incentive tools.
  • Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
  • Advanced proficiency with GIS, land-use modeling, or other planning technologies.
  • Strong background in public engagement, facilitation, and consensus-building with diverse community groups.
  • Experience supervising multidisciplinary teams and working within a municipal or regional government environment.
  • Knowledge of Minnesota land-use laws, development regulations, and state economic development programs.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment, with routine travel both within and outside the city to attend meetings. Regular transportation needs are met using either a city-issued or personal vehicle. The position requires near vision, focus, hearing, and tactile perception. Duties also involve the use of both fine and gross motor skills as needed.

Initial applications will be reviewed on June 5, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.