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Cornerstone OnDemand

Director of Planning & Development Services (New Role)

Cornerstone OnDemand, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States, 27601

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What You’ll Be Doing Wake County is growing, and we’re building a department to help shape that growth with purpose and vision. As the

Director of Planning & Development Services , you will lead a newly established department focused on planning, permitting, inspections, and watershed management. This is a unique opportunity to build a team, set strategic direction, and influence how development happens in one of the fastest‑growing counties in the country.

In this Leadership Role, you will

Guide the work of four core divisions: Administration, Planning, Building Permits and Inspections, and Watershed Management

Develop and implement the department’s annual business plan and long‑term strategy

Build trusted relationships and collaborate with internal teams, external agencies, and the development community to drive innovation and resolve complex issues

Oversee budget planning and ensure fiscal responsibility across all operations

Monitor legislation and lead the department’s response to regulatory changes

Represent the department in public forums, media, and community outreach

Supervise and develop a high‑performing senior leadership team

Champion innovation and continuous improvement in service delivery

This position is part of the County’s Senior Leadership Team and plays a key role in shaping the future of Wake County’s built environment and quality of life.

How to Apply Please submit a complete application that includes a cover letter and full résumé detailing your relevant experience. Applications will be reviewed beginning the week of January 19, 2026, so early submission is encouraged.

About Our Team The Wake County Planning & Development Services Department exists to ensure that growth and development are managed responsibly by preserving the outstanding quality of life that all Wake County residents expect. As the population and economy continue to grow in Wake County, the need for this approach increases. The Department is the County’s leading resource for administering the County’s regulations pertaining to land development. This work is guided by the County’s Unified Development Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, Stormwater Regulations, and North Carolina Building Code.

The Department includes various work groups to advance development in Wake County’s jurisdiction. Those groups include building permitting and inspections, stormwater, watershed management, planning and zoning. The department is also instrumental in convening stakeholders that have common interests in advanced land development projects. The stakeholders may include regional agencies related to transportation, stormwater, watershed management, or other planning efforts. The Planning & Development Services team recognizes that community engagement and stakeholder feedback are a critical step in any planning process. As such, team members are skilled at outreach and engagement practices.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Planning, or a related field

Eight (8) years of experience in government administration, planning or development services including at least (4) years of supervisory experience

A strong commitment to public service and a track record of leading complex, multi‑disciplinary teams

Equivalent education and experience are accepted

Please include

ALL

prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

Master’s degree in Public Administration, Planning, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field

Eight (8) years of senior management‑level experience as a Deputy County Manager, Deputy City Manager or Deputy Director in land use planning, environmental engineering, or development services programs

How Will We Know You’re “The One”?

Excellent leadership, change management execution and project management skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills with a track record of successful cross‑functional collaboration

Ability to lead senior management teams by setting expectations, evaluating performance, and fostering professional development

Excellent critical thinking skills with ability to prioritize

Ability to identify performance measures and develop corrective action plans to support excellent customer service

Ability to evaluate regulatory requirements and legislative impacts to guide compliance and policy decisions

Demonstrated ability to provide strategic direction for Department with associated goals and objectives for each major division and through policy development

About This Position Location: WCOBRaleigh, NC 27601

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:30 am – 5:15 pm

First Review of Applications: 1/19/2026

Anticipated Hiring Range: $158,953.00 – $222,533.00

Market Range: $158,953.00 – $286,113.00

Please include

ALL

prior work experience on your application and resume.

What Makes Wake Great Home to the state capital, Wake County is one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The county has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the county allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven‑member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at‑large to serve two‑year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4,400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award‑winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Statement Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

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