Planning Director

First Review Date of Applications : December 1, 2025

First Round of Interviews : December 10th & 11th, 2025

About the Position

Are you ready to help shape the future of our community? Lane County is seeking a Planning Director to lead the work that drives sustainable growth, responsible land use, and innovative development across the region. This is more than a management role—it’s an opportunity to guide how our county grows, builds, and thrives for years to come.

As Planning Director, you will :

• Provide leadership and direction for planning programs, staff, and resources to ensure we meet the needs of our community today while preparing for tomorrow.
• Oversee the development and implementation of policies, programs, and services that balance economic development, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.
• Collaborate with community partners, elected officials, and regional stakeholders to advance projects that make Lane County a great place to live, work, and grow.
• Ensure compliance with laws and regulations while finding innovative ways to achieve shared goals and move projects forward.

This position plays a key role in charting the path for land use, housing, and infrastructure that reflect Lane County’s values of equity, sustainability, and community engagement. We are looking for a forward-thinking leader who demonstrates high ethical standards, sound judgment, and integrity in decision-making—someone who can bring people together, turn vision into action, and help shape the future of our county.

About the Team

Lane County’s Land Management Division oversees land use planning, building and electrical code administration, sub-surface sanitation, and code compliance. Our team issues permits, reviews plans, inspects structures, and enforces codes to ensure safe, sustainable, and well-planned communities.

As one of the most comprehensive land use programs in Oregon, we serve 35 rural communities, 12 cities, and millions of acres of farm and forest lands stretching from the Coast to the Cascades. Lane County is the only jurisdiction in the state implementing all 19 Statewide Planning Goals, making our work both challenging and rewarding. We balance economic development, environmental stewardship, and community well-being while navigating strong development pressures and passionate community interests.

Schedule :   Monday – Friday; 8 : 00am – 5 : 00pm.

Education & Experience :

Preferred Qualifications :

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.