Shape the Future of Medford!
Join the City of Medford as our next Planning Director and lead the charge in shaping our vibrant, growing community. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to drive innovative urban planning, foster sustainable development, and collaborate with diverse teams to make a lasting impact. If you’re a visionary leader with a passion for building thriving communities, we invite you to be part of our future.  Go to Medfordoregon.gov to apply for this position!

Required Education and Experience:

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent; and
• Nine (9) years of experience in planning, zoning, and related community development activities, with at least three (3) of those years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, land use planning, public administration, or other specific area of study as deemed applicable may substitute for four (4) years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in urban planning, public administration, or other area of study deemed applicable.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

Available Schedule: 

• 8 hours daily, Monday - Friday
• Opportunity for alternate schedule after the first 90-days:
  • 9-80 (nine-hour workdays with a three-day weekend every other week)
  • Teleworking up to 1 day per week

This position is part of the Executive employee group.

Learn more about our benefits HERE.

Directly related experience and qualifications will be evaluated alongside others who perform work of comparable character as required by Pay Equity Law. Six steps are included in this salary range, allowing opportunity for annual movement through the steps.

Healthcare Benefits:

• Medical, vision and dental benefits for employee and family, paid at 100% by the City with the opportunity to buy-up to a lower deductible plan
• Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance – policy value of $50,000 paid by the City
• Long-term disability insurance provided by the City
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA-VEBA) contributions provided by the City

Retirement Benefits:

• Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) lifetime pension after retirement at no cost to employee
• PERS is 100% fully paid as the City pays both the employer and the employee’s (6%) contributions
• Deferred Compensation (457 Plan) for retirement planning. For executive employees, the City contributes 1% of gross salary into your account, provided that you also contribute at least 1% into your account.

Additional Benefits:

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• 457 Deferred Compensation match up to 1%
• Car and cellphone allowance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• The City’s Wellness Program promotes physical, social, emotional, intellectual, financial and environmental wellness with various goals and challenges to participate in throughout the year. Employees may qualify for wellness incentives by completing milestones set within the program up to $200 annually
• Access to the City's fully equipped fitness center 24/7

• Plans and directs activities of the Planning Department; establishes timelines and standards for all Department work assignments and projects.
• Directs the processing of land use applications and serves as the approving authority for those actions specified in the Land Development Code.
• Reviews and presents studies and reports for the City Manager, Community Development Director, City Council, Planning Commission, Site Plan and Architectural Commission, and Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission.
• Develops and recommends land use policies and revisions to the Development Code.
• Directs and oversees planning studies and makes recommendations for the development and maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Prepares and administers the Department budget, grants, and contracts for planning studies.
• Oversees departmental process improvements and implementation of policies, goals, objectives, rules and regulations.
• Directs, supervises and evaluates the work performance of staff and oversees Department hiring, disciplinary actions, staff development, etc.
• Serves as a liaison to City departments, external organizations, agencies and citizens.
• Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental and/or citywide operational structure and is at the discretion of the City Manager.

Other Functions of the Position:

• Monitors national and statewide developments in planning and economic development matters and evaluates their impact on City programs and operations.
• Provides technical support and coordination with the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development and other governmental agencies.
• Reviews and makes suggestions on legislative agenda items.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
• Handles job stress and interacts effectively with others in the workplace.
• Fosters an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
• Is an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.