Details
05/29/2026
Director of Planning & Development
City of Stow
Salary Range: $94,203 - $124,571
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the supervision of the Mayor.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Exercise supervision over the Deputy Planning Director, the Planning Department secretary, the GIS Coordinator, the zoning inspectors, the Economic Development Coordinator and any part-time or temporary workers and employees engaged in current and/or short-term planning, zoning and economic development activities.
POSITION CLASSIFICATIONS: The position of Director of Planning and Development in the City of Stow is unclassified by the Stow Municipal Civil Service Commission, is Executive exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not included in a collective bargaining agreement.
PURPOSE: Direct, plan, and oversee all functions of the Department of Planning and Development, including planning, zoning, code enforcement, GIS, and economic development. The Director provides strategic leadership to guide community growth, redevelopment, and investment, ensuring alignment with the City’s vision, Comprehensive Plan, and fiscal priorities.
Essential Functions
Oversee development review processes, ensuring efficient, transparent, and customer-focused service delivery.
Assist the staff in performing their various duties.
Interact successfully with other public officials from various levels of government, developers, business owners and residents.
Coordinate with local, regional, and state partners on funding opportunities, resources, and economic development programs.
Maintain a good working relationship with the groups listed above.
Identify and provide opportunities for all Planning Department staff to perform meaningful and challenging work, and to advance their knowledge in a particular discipline.
Direct implementation and regular updates to Comprehensive Plan and other long-range planning initiatives.
Administer and interpret the City’s Zoning Code. Recommend amendments to support strategic growth and development.
Lead economic development initiatives, including business retention, expansion, and attraction, and redevelopment or underutilized properties.
Oversee GIS operations and integration into planning, infrastructure, and decision-making processes.
Prepare and manage departmental budget, grants, and capital planning projects.
Prepare and present reports as needed to Boards and Commissions which includes, but is not limited to, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning and Building Appeals, and City Council.
Maintain a good customer service focus within the Department.
Perform other duties related to those of the position and/or resulting from the needs of the organization.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Qualifications
Must have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree is preferred. AICP certification is preferred.
Must possess a minimum of 7 years of management and/or supervisory experience in local planning, land use management and economic development and development review, preferably for a community or communities that have faced significant growth and development pressures.
Must be able to provide direction and input in a strong team environment.
Must possess the ability to interpret complex code and review procedural requirements and understand the legal basis of zoning, platting and code enforcement issues.
Proficiency in computer programs and relevant software, including GIS and permitting systems.
Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with City employees and officials and the general public.
Must possess and maintain a valid State of Ohio Driver’s License throughout the term of employment.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT: Tools and equipment used in the performance of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: personal computer, including word processing, software; motor vehicle; calculator; telephone; copy and fax machine; and tape measure.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear; sit; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities
required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions or airborne particles.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderate in the field.
