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Planning Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Posting Information Posting Number PG194761EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Executive Director of Gift Planning Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with experience and education Work ...

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Planning Director information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$61.2K

$110.9K

$183.2K

How much do planning director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for planning director in Raleigh, NC is $110,915.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,600.00 and $128,800.00 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 Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Planning jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Planning Director jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Planning Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Planning Director job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,915 per year, or $53.3 per hour.
Director, Duke Children's Strategic Events

Director, Duke Children's Strategic Events

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

436th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

School of Medicine
Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.
Duke Health Development & Alumni Affairs (DHDAA) supports a flexible work environment by offering on-site (in office 5 days a week), hybrid (in office a minimum of 2 days a week or defined by manager), remote (work off-site 5 days a week), and flexible start and end time work arrangements. All team members must reside within a 50-mile radius of our downtown Durham office.
If working a hybrid or remote schedule, individuals must have access to and maintain a secure home office environment with high-speed internet service and work collaboratively with others using a variety of technologies and tools. With approval from their manager, staff members may work a flexible schedule in terms of start/end times, while working within DHDAA's core work hours between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (eastern standard). At the discretion of Managers and/or Senior Leadership, staff working a hybrid, remote or flex schedule may be required to be in the office on days and/or times outside of the agreed upon schedule.
Plan and coordinate complex strategic events that support the philanthropic efforts for Duke Children's.
Be You.
The position will be responsible for enhancing external relationships and building philanthropic pipeline through donor societies, strategic events and third-party fundraisers for Duke Children's. This position will engage a community of donors and volunteer fundraisers focused on raising dollars and awareness for Duke Children's. This individual will promote and grow our annual events, identify new events and people and organizations interested in supporting unrestricted or programmatic dollars on behalf of Duke Children's.
This position reports to the Assistant Vice President for Duke Children's and Duke Cancer Institute Development.
Work Arrangement - Hybrid; This is a full-time position located in Durham, NC. This is not a remote position.
DEPARTMENTAL PREFERENCES/SKILLS
  • Minimum three (3) years event planning or volunteer management.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to handle simultaneous tasks and competing priorities.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and comfortable interfacing with external and internal VIPs.
  • Ability to learn and utilize new technology platforms.
  • Must possess strong project and/or event management skills.
  • Strong communication and relationship building skills.
  • High level of creativity, initiative and motivation.
  • Strategic and innovative thinker.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Team orientated and collaborative.
  • Proven ability to develop community relationships.
  • Healthcare experience is a plus.
  • Experience with Blackbaud and digital fundraising is a plus.
  • Experience with Smartsheet is a plus.
  • Some travel, nights and weekends may be required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education - Work requires communications, analytical and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program.
Experience - Work requires five (5) years of experience in alumni affairs, public relations, fund raising, sales and promotions, marketing, student activities or a related field in order to acquire skills necessary to administer, coordinate and/or participate in general fund-raising activities and proposal development.
OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE.
Be Bold.
Work Performed
Oversight of Duke Children's Society Annual Event (15%)
Serve as a program lead for the Duke Children's Society, a leadership annual giving recognition society for donors who give $2,500 or more.
  • Oversee and implement logistics, including but not limited to invitation list/RSVPs, vendors, program and speakers for the annual Society Celebration event

Signature Events & Campaign Oversight (55%)
Provides strategic philanthropic direction on signature events and community engagement campaigns. The Director will serve as the liaison in key relationships with partners, such as donors, event sponsors, participants, foundations, board members, physicians, staff, and volunteers.
  • Strategically pursue mission-driven events to increase revenue to support Duke Children's, build community awareness, and attract participants and donors to support strategic pipeline development.
    • Manage communications plan, sponsorship solicitation strategy, event logistics, and digital platforms for signature events.
    • Coordinate post-event stewardship and surveys for participants.
    • Contribute to decisions relating to operations and budget prioritization related to events.
    • Work with business office to ensure processing of all event donations and registration fees.
  • Coordinate Children's participation in the annual Duke Health Development and Alumni Affairs Thank-a-thon stewardship event and other special donor relations events as needed.
  • Assist in planning and advocacy for Radiothon and the end-of-calendar-year fundraising campaign, Season of Hope.
  • Oversee and implement our Duke Basketball annual private practice session and watch party.
  • Assist with planning and orchestration of annual Duke Rides and Jump for the Children events

Community Fundraising (20%)
The Director will provide strategic advice on community partner and benefit event programs to increase philanthropy and community support and partnership. The director will foster partnerships with third-party fundraising events with the intent to position Duke Children's as a community philanthropic partner.
  • Serve as the clearinghouse for all inquiries from third party events and provide fundraising expertise.
  • Strategically pursue ways to increase community fundraising events and peer-to-peer fundraising activities which benefit Duke Children's.
  • Serve as the liaison in key relationships with local partners and offer consultation support to external events and other Children's events as needed.
  • Identify, cultivate and facilitate the development of a community of online fundraisers focused on raising money for Duke Children's through our peer-to-peer digital platform.

Data Management & Analysis (10%)
This position will establish and implement comprehensive event metrics and advise on fundraising trends to ensure a data driven approach to engagement and event work.
  • Analyze donor giving results, event ROI and trends. Make recommendations for appropriate gift strategies and follow-up.
  • Oversee metrics and data analysis for annual Radiothon
  • Manage data requests and coding related to critical donor groups for solicitation and stewardship.
  • Evaluate key performance indicators for event success measures including return on investment (ROI) and pipeline.

Choose Duke.
Apply today to lead impactful events and build meaningful donor connections!
Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $62,694.00 to USD $107,633.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Your total compensation goesbeyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender,gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built oncollaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).

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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US