Program Development Director Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $125,800.00 - $143,832.00 Annually
Location : White Cliff Building, 1900 First Avenue, Ketchikan, AK
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: 2026-5.15
Department: Planning
Opening Date: 05/15/2026
Job Description
Responsible for planning and organizing the Borough planning, zoning and lands programs; supervising Planning Department personnel, coordinating with other departments and agencies; acting as Principal Planner and Zoning Administrator; participating in community development activities as directed by the Borough Manager; and serving as technical advisor to the Planning Commission, Borough Manager and Assembly.The Director of Planning and Community Development is an at-will employee.
Examples of Duties

• Develops department goals, objectives, policies and procedures. Organize, direct and review all work prepared by department staff.
• Lead current and long range planning, and community development activities of all department personnel. Develop and evaluate staff with support and assistance from the Borough's Human Resources staff. Directly and indirectly supervise employees consisting of professional Planning staff, administrative support staff, and temporaries or contract staff as needed.
• Direct studies involving planning and community development for the Borough, including but not limited to comprehensive plans, strategic plan, transportation and economic development projects, land development plans, zoning amendments, and subdivisions.
• Advance and assist in the development and implementation of area-wide and neighborhood land use, transportation, facilities, water, sewer, coastal zone, solid waste and other plans to meet the community's needs and any inter-governmental agreements or requirements.
• Review and evaluate community development proposals, land use proposals and permit applications, site plans, variance applications, and other land use applications, examine applications for compliance with established plans and ordinances, and applicable local, state or federal regulation, and make recommendations.
• Serve as Administrative Official, Zoning Administrator, and Borough Planning Official as required. Review and give administrative approval to Plat Alterations, Abbreviated Plats, and Minor Variances as required.
• Assist staff and the public in the interpretation and enforcement of the Borough Code of Ordinances, adopted plans and policies, and other local and state requirements affecting land use and development. Consult and advise land developers and the general public and provide information on matters pertaining to planning and zoning.
• Evaluates planning related legislation and applicability to department projects. Work with Borough officials and representatives of other public agencies for the purpose of coordinating planning or community development matters of common interest.
• Supervise consultants and planning experts in the preparation of documents and plans. Prepare scopes of work and administer contracts for planning projects. Determine work procedures, prepare work schedules and expedite workflow.
• Provide technical and professional advice; make presentations to commissions, boards, and civic groups. Assist in updating a variety of maps. Prepare graphics and maps for a variety of reports, plans, grant applications, publications or meetings. Serve as technical advisor to the Planning Commission and attend all meetings. Serve as member of various staff committees as assigned.

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES:

• Provide instruction to other employees of this or a similar job classification in all aspects of procedure and technique relating to the duties required by this job description unless such instruction requires a specialized certification which the employee doing the training does not have.
• Perform other related duties as requested by the Borough Manager.
• Attend evening or weekend meetings, and/or give public presentations as required.

Qualifications
BOROUGH DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT STYLE:
Exercises an eclectic management style drawing from all doctrines and schools of management techniques to produce the most desirable results. Sets a good example through conduct and work habits, motivates and develops staff, encourages, promotes and "sells" a positive "customer" (citizen) service and response. Is a team-player and fosters teamwork in subordinates. Adaptable personality and skills to work openly and effectively with all persons including those who possess diverse opinions and perspectives on the role of planning and land use. Understands and practices delegation while accepting ultimate responsibility; fixes problems and not blame; offers explanations in a positive mode instead of making excuses. Is accountable and holds others accountable. Produces and expects high quality work and work product.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
The Director of Planning and Community Development position requires an individual who is a good listener and has the ability to express ideas and relate information clearly and effectively in both written and verbal form and is able to provide objective advice in matters which are controversial. Must be an assertive, intelligent, and high energy person. A sense of humor is a definite plus.
The person must respect the requirement for public openness and process, while maintaining confidentiality as appropriate. This person must possess unquestioned personal and professional integrity. This person must project a professional presence in manner, appearance, and behavior and be willing to devote substantial amounts of time to meetings and activities occurring beyond normal office hours
QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of principles of organization and administration. Understanding of leadership skills including communication, work organization, delegation, and performance evaluation. Ability to train, supervise and evaluate staff. Ability to develop and prepare clear and concise reports. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, subordinates, boards, commissions and committees. Knowledge of personal computers and a variety of software mandatory.

• Extensive knowledge in the management of a planning department within a municipal government. Knowledge of principles and practices of community planning, land-use control, urban design, and state and local laws and regulations pertaining to planning and zoning. Technical knowledge of principles and practices applied in the handling of population, natural resources and other economic and social data in community and regional planning. Ability to secure municipal funds. Ability to lead, train and evaluate staff members. Ability to analyze and interpret economic, fiscal and physical data leading to the formulation of advance and current planning, and to prepare comprehensive and technical planning reports. Knowledge of principles, practices and technical aspects of zoning, subdivision and land-use regulations. Knowledge of the relationship between official controls and the comprehensive planning process is essential. Working knowledge of Alaska Statutes and local ordinances governing land-use and related planning controls. Knowledge of investigation, enforcement and litigation procedures. Ability to work independently and to coordinate efforts with other staff members.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with employees, coworkers, other governmental agency representatives, public officials and the general public. Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
Must be able to hear. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch; and taste or smell. Each of the listed activities also requires standing, sitting, walking, bending, stooping, and routinely lift and carry items up to forty (40) pounds. A great deal of communication in person and by telephone. Long hours of sitting at a desk and working with a personal computer. Travel occasionally, using air and/or water transportation to out of town meetings and functions.
Requirements
LICENSES:
Valid State of Alaska driver's license with a driving record acceptable to the Borough's insurance carrier.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Requires graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree (master's degree preferred) or major course work in one or more of the following fields: public or business administration, urban planning, landscape architecture, resource management or equivalent field and five or more years of experience in municipal planning or a closely related field in a supervisory role. AICP certification preferred.
Any combination of related education and/or related experience will be considered if the candidate possesses the demonstrated ability.
KGB employees that are not represented by a Collective Bargaining Unit can find information through the following links:
• Participation in the Alaska Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS);
• Health, vision and dental benefits provided by the Borough through Meritain Health effective the first of the month following your start date. The premium associated with health benefits are $25 per pay period, however, the Borough encourages participation in the Healthy Merits Wellness Program, which allows each covered employee to "buy back" the anticipated premium through wellness participation.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrued at a rate of 176 hours or 22 days per year for the first two years and thereafter at higher levels set out in the Borough Code (KGBC 3.30.030).
• Ten paid holidays every year and two annual floating holidays.