Planning Director Jobs
Planning Director jobs are open across local government, urban development, healthcare systems, and nonprofit organizations, from mid-career to executive level, with specializations in land use, transportation, and strategic facilities planning. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Job Description Summary
Organization's Summary Statement: This position serves as Assistant Athletic Director for Financial Planning & Analysis and plays a key leadership role in strategic financial management, forecasting, and compliance for the Athletics Department. Working closely with executive staff, head coaches, and central university units, the role leads the annual zero-based budgeting process and multi-year operating and capital financial plans. The position is responsible for comprehensive financial reporting, capital project accounting, and leading mandatory regulatory reporting for the NCAA and Big Ten. Additionally, this role oversees Workday financial process approvals, ensures adherence to GAAP and institutional controls, and delivers ongoing budget training and policy guidance across the departmentPhysical Demands: The position requires prolonged sitting and computer use, as well as the ability to operate standard office equipment with manual dexterity. The role involves occasional standing or walking to attend meetings or conduct orientations and may require lifting light office materials (up to 20 pounds). Visual acuity and effective verbal and auditory communication are essential to review critical data and interact with employees in person, by phone, or virtually.
Licenses/ Certifications: NA
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Six (6) years of experience in an athletics or higher education setting. One (1) year of supervisory experience.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Knowledge of intercollegiate athletics administrative structure and responsibilities.
Knowledge of best practices in supervision and communication.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Suite products.
Ability to multitask and prioritize within unit and department environment as well manage large-scale athletics-related projects.
Additional Job Details
Preferences: Prior professional experience working specifically within a Division I (or collegiate) athletics business office, understanding NCAA/conference compliance rules, and managing athletic travel budgets .
Required Application Materials: Resume, Cover Letter, and References (3)
Best Consideration Date: November 18, 2026
Posting Close Date: NA
Open Until Filled: Yes
Job Risks
Not Applicable to This PositionFinancial Disclosure Required
NoFor more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website .
Department
PRES-ICA-Director's Office/AdminWorker Sub-Type
Staff RegularSalary Range
$98,000 – $109,000Benefits Summary
.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice
Resources
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Job Description Summary
Organization's Summary Statement: This position serves as Assistant Athletic Director for Financial Planning & Analysis and plays a key leadership role in strategic financial management, forecasting, and compliance for the Athletics Department. Working closely with executive staff, head coaches, and central university units, the role leads the annual zero-based budgeting process and multi-year operating and capital financial plans. The position is responsible for comprehensive financial reporting, capital project accounting, and leading mandatory regulatory reporting for the NCAA and Big Ten. Additionally, this role oversees Workday financial process approvals, ensures adherence to GAAP and institutional controls, and delivers ongoing budget training and policy guidance across the departmentPhysical Demands: The position requires prolonged sitting and computer use, as well as the ability to operate standard office equipment with manual dexterity. The role involves occasional standing or walking to attend meetings or conduct orientations and may require lifting light office materials (up to 20 pounds). Visual acuity and effective verbal and auditory communication are essential to review critical data and interact with employees in person, by phone, or virtually.
Licenses/ Certifications: NA
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Six (6) years of experience in an athletics or higher education setting. One (1) year of supervisory experience.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Knowledge of intercollegiate athletics administrative structure and responsibilities.
Knowledge of best practices in supervision and communication.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Suite products.
Ability to multitask and prioritize within unit and department environment as well manage large-scale athletics-related projects.
Additional Job Details
Preferences: Prior professional experience working specifically within a Division I (or collegiate) athletics business office, understanding NCAA/conference compliance rules, and managing athletic travel budgets .
Required Application Materials: Resume, Cover Letter, and References (3)
Best Consideration Date: November 18, 2026
Posting Close Date: NA
Open Until Filled: Yes
Job Risks
Not Applicable to This PositionFinancial Disclosure Required
NoFor more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website .
Department
PRES-ICA-Director's Office/AdminWorker Sub-Type
Staff RegularSalary Range
$98,000 – $109,000Benefits Summary
.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice
Resources
Learn how military skills translate to civilian opportunities with O*Net Online
Search Firm Managed Recruitment
There are some positions that are not advertised on this career site as the search is being managed by a Search Firm.
See All 474+ Planning Director Jobs
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Find Planning Director JobsPlanning Director Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Edelman Financial Engines11
- Revolution Medicines6
- AbbVie5
- Humana5
- Energy Infrastructure Partners5
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Insurance
- Automotive
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in planning director jobs.
- Master's degree in urban planning, public administration, or a closely related field
- AICP certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners
- Seven or more years of progressive planning experience including supervisory responsibility
- Demonstrated expertise in zoning, land use regulation, and comprehensive plan development
- Proficiency with GIS software and planning data visualization tools
- Experience presenting to elected officials, boards, or community stakeholder groups
Tips for Your Planning Director Job Search
Tailor your resume to jurisdiction type
Planning directors in municipal government face different expectations than those in private development firms or hospital systems. Align your resume language to the sector you're targeting, whether that means emphasizing zoning code expertise, capital project oversight, or long-range facilities strategy.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists planning director openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Lead with your largest project by scope
Hiring committees for planning director roles want to see the scale you've managed. Open your work history with your highest-impact project, naming the acreage, budget, or population affected so reviewers immediately understand the complexity you've handled.
Get your AICP credential before you apply
Many planning director postings list AICP certification as a minimum or strong preference. If your application window is a few months out, prioritize sitting for the exam, since it signals professional standing that a lengthy portfolio alone can't replicate.
Prepare a policy presentation for interviews
Planning director finalists are routinely asked to present a mock policy recommendation or community engagement scenario to a panel. Prepare a concise, well-structured slide deck you can adapt to any jurisdiction so you aren't building one from scratch under deadline pressure.
Negotiate total compensation, not just base pay
Planning director offers frequently include vehicle allowances, professional development stipends, and remote or hybrid flexibility that aren't always listed upfront. Ask explicitly about each during offer discussions, since these elements vary widely between public sector and private developer roles.
Planning Director Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most planning directors?
The companies hiring the most planning directors right now include Edelman Financial Engines, Revolution Medicines, and AbbVie, with the largest share of openings in California, Massachusetts, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Municipal governments, regional planning agencies, and large healthcare systems consistently account for the bulk of active postings.
How many planning director jobs are remote?
About 73% of planning director openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the in-person demands of site visits, public hearings, and council presentations that most roles require. Strategic planning, policy development, and grant writing functions within the role are most likely to allow remote days.
How do you become a planning director?
Start with a master's degree in urban planning or public administration, then build several years of experience as a planner, senior planner, or planning manager, taking on supervisory responsibility along the way. Earning AICP certification strengthens your candidacy significantly. Move into an assistant or deputy director role to gain administrative experience before pursuing a director-level opening.
Can you get hired as a planning director without director-level experience?
It's possible in smaller municipalities or nonprofits where the planning function is leaner and candidates with strong senior planner or manager experience are considered. Emphasize any budget oversight, staff supervision, or policy authorship you've done, and target organizations where the planning department is small enough that your scope of work already mirrors what a director handles.
What does the planning director interview process look like?
Most planning director searches involve an initial screening call, a panel interview with department heads or elected officials, and a final-round presentation where you respond to a planning scenario or policy challenge. Public sector roles often post interview panels and scoring criteria in advance. The full process from first round to offer typically takes several weeks, particularly in government settings.
Where can I find and apply to planning director jobs?
You can find and apply to planning director jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings for roles that match your background and location preferences, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 474+ Planning Director Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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