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Planning Director Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Our First Director, ERP Will: * Own strategy & roadmap -- set the JDE strategy and roadmap with key Business stakeholders; translate business priorities into a sequenced, ROI-cased plan aligned with ...

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Working closely with the Head of Wealth Preservation Services, Director of Planning, Client Advisors and other advisory professionals, this position assists with financial analysis, planning strategy ...

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Planning Director information

See Alabama salary details

$57.1K

$103.4K

$170.9K

How much do planning director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for planning director in Alabama is $103,425.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,900.00 and $120,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a planning director do?

A Planning Director oversees the development and implementation of plans and policies related to land use, urban development, and community growth. They manage planning departments, coordinate with government officials, developers, and the public, and guide comprehensive planning efforts. Additionally, they ensure that development projects comply with zoning laws and environmental regulations, and often lead public meetings to gather community input. Their role is essential in shaping the way cities and communities evolve over time.

How does a planning director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

As a Planning Director, you will work closely with departments such as design, engineering, marketing, and finance to ensure projects align with both strategic goals and operational constraints. Regular meetings, clear communication, and strong leadership are essential, as you will often mediate between competing priorities and facilitate consensus. Building strong relationships and understanding each team's needs allows you to create realistic timelines and allocate resources effectively, which is critical for delivering successful outcomes. This collaborative environment also offers opportunities to mentor team members and influence organizational strategy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a planning director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Planning Director, you need extensive experience in urban or regional planning, a relevant degree (such as urban planning or public administration), and often AICP certification. Proficiency with GIS software, data analysis tools, and project management systems is typically required. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and strategic communication skills help you manage teams and engage diverse stakeholders effectively. These competencies are crucial to successfully guide complex planning initiatives and ensure sustainable, community-focused development.

What is the difference between Planning Director vs Urban Planner?

AspectPlanning DirectorUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related field; often with leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related field; entry to mid-level roles
Work EnvironmentSenior management in government agencies, consulting firms, or large organizations overseeing planning projectsPublic agencies, private firms, or non-profits involved in community development and land use
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in government, consulting, and large organizations for strategic planning leadershipCommon in municipal, regional, and private sector planning projects

The Planning Director typically holds a leadership role overseeing planning initiatives and teams, requiring extensive experience and advanced credentials. Urban Planners focus on developing and analyzing land use plans, often at a more operational level. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, the Planning Director's role is more strategic and managerial.

What are the most commonly searched types of Planning jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Planning jobs in Alabama are:

What are popular job titles related to Planning Director jobs in Alabama?

For Planning Director jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Planning Director jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Planning Director jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Planning Director jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Planning Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Planning Director job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,425 per year, or $49.7 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Salary Information

Compensation plans are based on a multi-step progression system. The pay range reflects the entry level and maximum salary potential in the assigned pay grade. \r\n**A starting salary may be negotiated and will be commensurate with education, training and experience in alignment with pay administration policies and Montgomery Personnel Board Rules & Regulations** \r\n

Nature of Work

The fundamental reason this position exists is\r\nto manage the City's Planning Department, which includes long-range land use\r\nplanning, zoning, subdivision regulation, development review, permitting\r\ncoordination, and transportation planning functions. The Director also serves\r\nas the lead administrator for the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Key\r\nresponsibilities include developing and managing strategic plans; creating,\r\ndeveloping, and maintaining the City's comprehensive plan; overseeing zoning\r\nordinance and subdivision regulation updates; coordinating and supervising\r\ndevelopment and land use application reviews; and facilitating public\r\nengagement and intergovernmental collaboration. The Director plays a central\r\nleadership role in developing the capital improvements program in alignment\r\nwith the comprehensive plan, managing studies and consultant-led planning\r\nprojects, securing funding for planning initiatives, ensuring records and\r\ndocumentation are maintained, managing departmental and MPO budgets, supervising\r\nmultidisciplinary staff, and serving as the City's representative to Envision\r\n2050 and other regional planning bodies. Supervision is exercised over\r\nprofessional and technical staff responsible for Long Range Planning, Land Use\r\nand Zoning, and Transportation Planning, including the MPO. This classification\r\nreports to the Planning, Permitting, and Inspections Director.\r\n

Minimum Qualifications

A master's degree in urban planning, Public Administration, or a related field and six (6) years of\r\nexperience supervising and managing a primary planning function or division\r\nresponsible for long-range planning, transportation planning, or similar. Two\r\nyears of qualifying experience can substitute for the master's degree.\r\nNOTE: Qualifying\r\neducation, training, and experience that provide the requisite knowledge, skills,\r\nand abilities to perform the job will be considered.\r\n

Special Requirements

American Institute Certified Planners (AICP) certification is strongly\r\npreferred. Candidates without current certification must be eligible and\r\nwilling to obtain it within two years of employment. Active membership in the\r\nAmerican Planning Association (APA) is encouraged\r\n

Kind of Examination

\r\n\r\nApplications are being accepted to fillone (1) vacancy and any other vacancies that may occur during the life of the register. The current vacancyis with theCity of Montgomery PlanningDepartment.Applicants will be screened and qualified based upon education and experience as shown on the application and supplemental questionnaire. For this reason, applicants are urged to fill in the application and supplemental questionnaireform completely providing detailed information concerning the kinds of jobs they have held, the dates they held them, where and exactly what their duties were. If more than five qualified applications are received, a selection procedure will beadministered to rank applicants on the register. Tied scores will not be broken. If there are five or less qualified applicants, they will be considered equally qualified and placed on the register in alphabetical order.\r\n\r\n\r\nComplete an online application by visitingMontgomery Personnel Board's Online Employment Center. Paper applications are no longer accepted. Completed applications will be accepted online until 11:59 p.m. on the closing date. If there is no closing date, the announcement may be closed at any time without prior notice.\r\n**To apply for this position, please click the following link**\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNew Personnel Online Employment Center\r\n\r\n\r\n

Additional Information

BENEFITS:Employees are offered a competitive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and life insurance; paid annual and sick leave; paid holidays; and participation in theRetirement Systems of Alabama (RSA)retirement program.\r\nDRUG TEST:Employment may be conditional upon the potential employee passing a pre-employment drug test. (The drug test may require the submission of a sample of hair, finger nails, and/or urine that will verify illegal drug use).\r\nBACKGROUND CHECK:Employment may be conditional upon the potential employee passing a background check. (Candidates will be asked to provide consent prior to the administration of background checks.)\r\nEQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:Discrimination against any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, promotion, retention, discipline, or any other aspect of personnel administration because of political or religious opinions or affiliations or because of race, national origin, or any other non merit factors is prohibited. Discrimination on the basis of age, sex, or physical disability is prohibited except where specific age, sex, or physical requirements constitute a bona fide occupational qualification necessary to proper and efficient administration.\r\nREQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATION:Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is the responsibility of the applicant with a disability to request accommodation which he/she requires in order to participate in the application or examination process. The Montgomery Personnel Board reserves the right to require documentation of the need for accommodation under the ADA. In order to request accommodation in the application or testing process, contact the Personnel Director at (334) 625-2675.\r\nI9:Prior to your employment, you will be required to provide to your employer documentation of your identity and employment eligibility in order to comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.\r\nUPDATE OF CONTACT INFORMATION:It is your responsibility to update your contact information (address, phone, email) so that we can contact you about jobs. Pleasevisit theUpdate Contact Informationpage to log in and update to your contact information at any time.\r\n

Employment Type: Full-Time