General Statement of Duties

The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) is currently seeking energetic, self-motivated, and detail-oriented candidates for the position of Community & Regional Planning Director. The WPCOG is an innovative and forward-thinking organization dedicated to addressing planning issues for the region. Situated in the beautiful rolling hills and mountains of western North Carolina, WPCOG is a regional governmental agency owned by the 28 local governments in the region and organized in 1968 to provide long-range planning, technical assistance, and regional delivery of services. Our organization is one of 16 regional councils in North Carolina formed under NC General Statutes 160A 470-478. Local governments eligible for WPCOG membership include Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba Counties located in Western NC and the 24 cities and towns within those counties.

COMMUNITY & REGIONAL PLANNING DEPARTMENT

The WPCOG Community & Regional Planning Department engages in various types of planning services for local governments and other partners in the Western Piedmont. More than a municipal or county planning department, it also serves as a key consultant on a number of discrete projects or issues, both internal and external. The department consists of thirteen (13) full-time positions supporting a comprehensive set of services. Those services are organized into four divisions:

• Community & Regional Planning
• Code Enforcement & Emergency Planning
• Research & Data Analytics
• Center & GIS Services
• Natural Resources & Environmental Planning

KEY OPPORTUNITIES:

2027 CEDS Development: In 2022, the WPCOG completed a well-received and strongly supported Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS, www.wpcog.org/CEDS). In July 2026, the Policy Board appointed the advisory committee for the 2027 CEDS, and the Planning Director and department will lead the development and design of the 2027 CEDS, as well as implementation of critical components of the CEDS.

Staff Development: The department has strong, competent staff who are eager for improved processes, cross-division and interdepartmental communication. The new director will be expected to help identify and sustain both training tracks and needs for individual staff, but also improve project management systems within the department. WPCOG has purchased a license for a program called Airtable, which is being used successfully in another department and needs a champion or advanced user within Planning for development and implementation.

Budget and Grants Management: The department not only seeks grants to support our local governments and partners, but also to build or expand services within the department. For example, the planning director is the lead contact on a joint SRF septic repair grant with High Country Council of Governments. Understanding and tracking multi-year grants and projects, in conjunction with Finance Department support, is critical to this position.

Example of Duties

The Community & Regional Planning Director plans, directs, organizes, supervises, and participates in the work of department staff responsible for planning, the research and data analytics center, and environmental programs within available state and federal grant assistance or local funding. Work includes a significant amount of effort in directing and coordinating assistance to local government members by the department with grant programs relating to these efforts, including grant writing and renewals and contracts with local governments; budget preparation and maintenance across several work groups; coordination of work efforts among these work groups; serves as planning director for member local governments as assigned and contracted. Work initiatives include setting strategic work plans, supervising the effort, and participating in a wide variety of local government-specific grant administration and other separate unrelated tasks. Work requires thorough knowledge of the various federal and state programs available for planning and environmental planning for the COG; staff management and leadership skills; revenue development and resource management skills; and the ability to apply state-of-the-art technology to work activities.

Qualifications

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: Strong interpersonal skills to work with the public, local officials, regional partners, and WPCOG staff. Significant experience as a manager, assistant manager, department head, assistant department head/division manager at a local government, COG, or private sector planning services firm, or relevant organization. Ability to lead strategic projects important to the region and organization. Ability to develop and lead department managers and employees. Demonstrated capability to develop and manage relationships with local government leaders. Strong budgeting ability and understanding of complex organizations. An inclination to develop new services and programs to serve our region and its local governments.

QUALIFICATIONS: Preferred graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in public administration, urban, community, or regional planning, or related field. Significant professional experience in public sector planning, administration, and management of federally funded programs. Considerable supervisory and administrative experience. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, federal, state, and regional, municipal, and county officials and staff, as well as with the general public. An equivalent amount of education and experience may be considered.

Supplemental Information

Applicants are encouraged to apply by October 15, 2026. Candidates will be subject to an interview and assessment process. The first round of interviews is expected to take place in early November 2026. Direct inquiries to tasmin.mack@wpcog.org. THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED. Thank you for your interest in the Western Piedmont COG! We are in the process of reviewing all applications, and if we need any additional information, we will contact you.