Planning & Zoning Director

A vibrant community nestled on the stunning shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores offers so much more than your typical beach town experience. With its sugar-white sand beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and strong sense of community, this is a place where you’ll feel right at home. Our residents are dedicated to preserving Gulf Shores’ natural beauty and small-town charm. The relaxed pace of life here, combined with our unique beachfront setting, has opened up amazing opportunities for economic growth and development. With over 8 million visitors annually, the tourism industry is thriving, bringing in an average of $7.3 billion in revenue each year.

The Planning and Zoning Department develops and implements plans and policies that help the city grow in a manner that is orderly, dynamic, and sustainable. The department’s seven staff members, working with an annual budget of approximately $1.1 million, develop and administer policies and regulations, strive to achieve a cohesive land development pattern, promote high-quality design, and keep Gulf Shores clean and attractive. In short, the department works to make Gulf Shores an inviting place for everyone and where people and businesses can thrive.

Gulf Shores seeks a knowledgeable and experienced leader ready to take the reins of the organization’s planning needs. Under limited supervision by the Director of Community Development, the Planning and Zoning Director will plan, organize, direct, and review the organization’s Community Development activities. The Planning and Zoning Director is responsible for coordinating and overseeing programs and activities related to current and long-range land use planning and application processing; addressing short-term growth and development issues primarily through review of proposed zoning changes, planned unit developments, subdivisions, and conditional use permits, providing professional support to the Planning Commission; and serving as a liaison to developers, property owners, builders, and the public.

This role requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, urban design, landscape architecture, architecture, or community development, with a master’s degree preferred. Candidates should also have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible work experience in urban planning, architecture, urban design development/ redevelopment, public administration, or a related field. Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners is preferred, as is local government experience within a tourism-related or high-growth environment. The selected candidate will also be required to maintain a valid Alabama driver’s license throughout their tenure. Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job’s essential functions will be considered.

Gulf Shores is offering a competitive salary of $87,000 - $131,000, for this position commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as a robust benefits package.

Please apply online.

For more information on this position, contact:
Marsha Reed, Senior Vice President
[email protected]
806-789-9641