Planning Director | Decatur, AL

Planning Director | Decatur, AL

Employer
City of Decatur, AL
Decatur, AL

Description

DECATUR, ALABAMA (Population: 58,512) Located in Morgan and Limestone counties in Alabama, Decatur is nestled in the Tennessee River Valley. “The River City” boasts a rich and colorful history and serves as the county seat of Morgan County. Decatur is among one of the largest cities in Alabama and its location on the Tennessee River makes it a major transportation hub in the southeast.

With a total area of approximately 61 square miles, Decatur’s business climate is as progressive as it is diverse. It is home to industrial giants such as United Launch Alliance, GE Appliances, Nucor Steel, Daikin America, Indorama Ventures (a parent company to AlphaPet), J.M. Smucker Company, Toray, Bunge Limited, Hyosung, Ascend, 3M and Alabama Farmer’s Co-Op as well as award-winning small retailers like Big Bob Gibson’s Barbecue and Morgan Price Candy Company and is experiencing significant industrial expansions, retail development, and residential growth.

The Tennessee River is also easy to explore through the Decatur Riverwalk Marina and Ingalls Harbor. This backdrop allows for a variety of festivals throughout the year to celebrate music, balloons, Dragon Boat Festival, food, and fun.

The City of Decatur provides a full range of services including Finance, Public Works, Community Development, Fire and Police Protection, Parks & Recreation, Sanitation services and general administrative services. Utility services are provided through a separate Municipal Utilities Board, which is a major proprietary fund included in the city’s financial statements.

Decatur is a fiscally conservative driven community placing value being responsive, respectful, and courteous customer service. The Planning Department is comprised of the Director, two planners, and a Planning Technician, and is responsible for managing and guiding the growth, development, and land use within the City. The 2025 operating budget for the City of Decatur’s Planning Department is $416k.

Job Requirements

The following factors of education, experience, leadership, and management skills have been identified as ideal attributes for the Planning Director to possess to function effectively in the position.

• Bachelor’s degree in urban/regional planning, public administration, or other course of study related to this occupational field, or equivalent work education, experience, and knowledge consistent with competency developed through formal education and training. Graduate degree is preferred and highly desired.

• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with ten (10) or more years’ experience or service in a similar position, including prior supervisory and management experience.

• Must possess a current AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification or have the ability to obtain one within one year of employment.

Salary & Benefits

Position is open until filled with the first review of applications on July 11, 2025. The salary range for the position is $87,523 to $133,178 DOQ with excellent benefit package including Alabama state retirement. Residency is not required, but highly preferred and as such, relocation assistance is offered if residency is met.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply immediately online at www.GovHRjobs.comwith a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least five professional references. For further information, contact MGT Senior Consultant Sarah McKee at 847-380-3240 ext. 120.

The City of Decatur is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity and inclusion are critical to their success. They seek to recruit the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and strongly encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Deadline

July 27, 2025

Published: July 7, 2025
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