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Planning Director

Town of Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head, South Carolina

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$160,000–$175,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Budget Management, Capital Budgeting, Communication Skills, Community Development, Consulting, Diversity, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Land Use, Leadership, Mentoring, Natural Resources, Public Administration, Strategic Planning, Team Player, Travel Industry, Urban Planning, Workforce Planning, Zoning
LOCATION
Hilton Head, South Carolina
POSTED
Today
** Pracademic Partners is assisting the Town of Hilton Head Island
with this executive search. Information on how to submit your application
is provided after the position information below **
___________________________________________________________________

Planning Director

Shape the Future of One of America's Most Iconic Coastal Communities

Hilton Head Island is seeking a visionary, strategic leader to serve as its next Planning Director — a pivotal executive role at the heart of one of the Southeast's most beloved destinations. With a thriving community, sensitive coastal environment, and ambitious plans for the future, this is a career-defining opportunity for an experienced planning professional ready to lead with purpose.

POSITION DETAILS

Department: Planning | Salary Range: $160,000 – $175,000 | Reports To: Deputy Town Manager | FLSA Status: Exempt

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's in Urban Planning, Public Admin, Architecture, or related field (Master's preferred) | 10+ years of planning experience, with 7+ years in senior leadership | Coastal or tourism-driven municipality experience a plus | AICP Certification preferred

What You'll Do

  • Lead and execute strategic direction for all planning and development services — from long-range visioning and zoning policy to housing strategy and natural resource protection.
  • Serve as the Land Management Ordinance (LMO) Official and represent the department before Town Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Board, and regional/state/federal partners.
  • Drive the Town's Comprehensive Plan, Workforce Housing Framework, and Council goals from concept to implementation.
  • Mentor and develop a high-performing team including the Assistant Planning Director, Community Planning Manager, and Chief Housing Officer.
  • Manage department budgets, capital improvement programs, grants, and consultant services with a focus on fiscal accountability and innovation.
  • Champion community engagement and serve as a trusted bridge between residents, developers, elected officials, and partner organizations.

Who You Are

  • A proven executive with deep expertise in urban planning, land use policy, zoning, and community development.
  • A collaborative leader who thrives on building consensus, navigating politically sensitive issues, and forging lasting partnerships.
  • A skilled communicator with executive presence — equally comfortable presenting data to Council as you are listening at a neighborhood meeting.
  • A data-driven strategist with command of GIS tools, spatial analysis, and evidence-based decision-making.
  • A champion of smart growth, climate resilience, hazard mitigation, and equitable housing solutions.

Ready to make your mark on one of America's premier island communities?

Apply now and help shape the next chapter of Hilton Head Island.

 
HOW TO APPLY:
To express interest, please submit a cover letter, resume, and list of
three (3) professional references via email.
For clarity in document handling, please format your files as follows:
 
• FirstName LastName resume
• FirstName LastName cover letter
• FirstName LastName references
 
All application materials will be held in confidence and should be sent to:
ian@pracademicpartners.com
Subject line: Planning Director - Town of Hilton Head Island
 
Employment is contingent upon a background check, drug and medical screening.
This position is considered open until a final selection is made.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by May 29, 2026.
___________________________________________________________________
 
Pracademic Partners is assisting the Town of Hilton Head Island with this executive search.  For inquiries or nominations, please contact: Dr. Ian M. Coyle, ICMA-CM 585.943.0589 
___________________________________________________________________
 
Town of Hilton Head Island is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

About the Company

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Town of Hilton Head Island