Planning Director Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of business, the role of a Planning Director is more crucial than ever.

As the business landscape evolves, there is an increasing demand for strategic visionaries who can chart, refine, and safeguard our business roadmaps.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Planning Director?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to decipher the responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager setting out the attributes of the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of strategic business planning,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Planning Director job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Planning Director Duties and Responsibilities

Planning Directors play a crucial role in shaping the direction and growth of an organization, overseeing and coordinating strategic and operational planning activities.

They provide thought leadership and ensure the execution of plans aligns with the organization’s objectives and goals.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing strategic plans to support the organization’s vision and goals
• Coordinating and managing the planning process, setting timetables and ensuring deadlines are met
• Identifying and analyzing business trends, market conditions, and competitor data to inform planning decisions
• Engaging with stakeholders, including senior management, to understand their needs and expectations
• Facilitating communication and collaboration across departments during the planning process
• Leading and managing planning teams to ensure efficient execution of plans
• Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and organizational policies in all planning activities
• Evaluating the effectiveness of plans and making necessary adjustments to achieve desired outcomes
• Providing regular updates and reports to senior management on progress against plan objectives

 

Planning Director Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for an organized, visionary Planning Director to oversee our company’s strategic planning initiatives.

The Planning Director’s responsibilities will include outlining company goals, assessing organizational performance, and designing and implementing business plans.

The ideal candidate should have a thorough understanding of business operations, excellent leadership abilities, and a strategic mindset to develop effective strategies that promote profitability and growth.

 

Responsibilities

• Developing strategic plans and setting timelines for evaluation, development, and implementation of all strategic initiatives
• Assessing and evaluating business initiatives to ensure alignment with strategic goals
• Managing the team involved in strategic planning and goal-setting
• Conducting market and competitive analysis to understand industry trends and influence business decisions
• Communicating strategic plans and developments to stakeholders and team members
• Monitoring and reporting on the progress of strategic initiatives
• Identifying and addressing problems and opportunities for the company
• Ensuring all company activities adhere to legal guidelines and policies

 

Qualifications

• A proven track record as a Planning Director or similar role
• Strong understanding of business operations and procedures
• Excellent leadership and project management skills
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in data analysis and performance metrics
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business administration or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Planning Director
• Work Environment: Office setting with some remote work flexibility. Occasional travel may be required for meetings or industry events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Operations Officer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $95,000 minimum to $160,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Planning Director Do?

Planning Directors usually work for corporations, public sectors, advertising agencies, or consulting firms, and they play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of their organization or client’s business.

They are responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of strategic plans and initiatives to ensure the organization’s objectives are met.

This includes analyzing market trends, evaluating business processes, and developing operational strategies.

Planning Directors work closely with various departments such as marketing, sales, finance, and operations to ensure that all strategies align with the overall goals of the organization.

They may also be involved in budgeting and forecasting, thus requiring a strong understanding of financial management.

They often conduct feasibility studies for proposed projects and present their findings to senior management or clients.

This may involve analyzing potential risks and returns, assessing market demand, and formulating recommendations based on the data gathered.

Furthermore, Planning Directors are usually responsible for managing a team of planners or project managers.

This involves delegating tasks, supervising progress, providing guidance, and ensuring that all team members are working towards the same strategic objectives.

Their job also entails constant monitoring and evaluation of implemented strategies and plans, making necessary adjustments to ensure the company’s success and sustainability.

They should be able to anticipate problems, devise solutions, and make informed decisions that will drive business growth.

 

Planning Director Qualifications and Skills

Planning Directors must possess a variety of strategic thinking skills, leadership abilities and industry knowledge to efficiently guide the planning process, which includes:

• Profound strategic thinking skills to develop, organize and implement operational plans that align with the organization’s overall strategy and goals.
• Exceptional leadership skills to oversee, guide, and motivate a team of planners and other professionals, ensuring tasks and projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly articulate plans, expectations, and goals to team members, stakeholders, and executives, and to facilitate effective collaboration and discussion.
• Strong analytical skills to understand and interpret complex data, trends, and metrics, which are crucial for making informed planning decisions.
• Problem-solving skills to address any issues or obstacles that arise during the planning process, finding efficient and innovative solutions to keep projects on track.
• Knowledge of project management principles and practices to ensure that all projects are carried out systematically and efficiently.
• Ability to stay informed about industry trends and changes, and to integrate this knowledge into planning strategies and decisions.

 

Planning Director Experience Requirements

Planning Directors typically require a minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in urban or regional planning, urban development, or a related field.

This experience often begins with entry-level positions such as Planning Analyst or Assistant Planner, where they gain practical experience in planning and development principles, practices, and techniques.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience usually progress to roles like Senior Planner or Planning Manager, where they gain additional experience in policy development, project management, and community engagement.

Those with more than 7 years of experience are likely to have substantial leadership experience, having managed teams and large-scale projects.

They may have also worked in roles that involve strategic planning, budgeting, and coordination with other departments or external organizations.

In addition to professional experience, Planning Directors also typically require a Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field.

 

Planning Director Education and Training Requirements

Planning Directors generally have a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, business administration, public administration, or a related field.

They often need several years of experience in urban planning, community development or a related area.

Some positions may require a master’s degree, often in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, or public policy.

A strong understanding of zoning laws, comprehensive plans, and community development is crucial for this role.

Planning Directors also need to be familiar with project management and budgeting as they often oversee multiple projects and manage departmental resources.

Some positions may require Planning Directors to hold specific certifications such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.

Continual learning and professional development is important in this field to keep up with changes in planning and zoning laws, as well as evolving community needs.

Many Planning Directors also hold advanced degrees or certifications in management, showing their commitment to leadership and strategic planning.

 

Planning Director Salary Expectations

A Planning Director earns an average salary of $118,234 (USD) per year.

The salary may fluctuate depending on several factors including experience, the size and sector of the company, and geographical location.

 

Planning Director Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Planning Director need?

Planning Directors need to have strong strategic thinking skills, as they are responsible for setting the direction for a company’s short and long-term goals.

They also need excellent communication skills, as they often work with various departments and present findings to stakeholders.

Other important skills include project management, analytical thinking, decision-making, and leadership.

 

Do Planning Directors need a degree?

Most Planning Directors hold at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or a related field.

However, due to the high level of responsibility, many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field.

Significant industry experience is also usually required for this role.

 

What should you look for in a Planning Director resume?

A Planning Director’s resume should demonstrate a strong background in strategic planning and execution, with a track record of successful project completion.

Look for experience in leadership roles, as they will need to manage a team.

Also, industry-specific experience can be beneficial depending on the nature of your business.

Finally, their resume should include evidence of strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

 

What qualities make a good Planning Director?

A good Planning Director is a strategic thinker, able to see the big picture and plan for the future.

They should be able to make tough decisions and lead a team effectively.

Good Planning Directors are also adaptable, as they often need to adjust plans based on changing business environments or challenges.

They should also have excellent communication skills, as they will need to clearly convey their plans and vision to others in the company.

 

What are the daily duties of a Planning Director?

A Planning Director’s daily duties can vary greatly depending on the company and industry.

However, tasks often include developing strategic plans, coordinating with other departments to implement these plans, tracking progress towards goals, and adjusting plans as necessary.

They may also spend time analyzing business trends and market data, meeting with other executives, and overseeing their team’s work.

 

Conclusion

And so, our journey ends here.

Today, we’ve delved into the dynamic world of a planning director.

Surprised?

It’s not just about organizing and strategizing.

It’s about envisioning the future, one plan at a time.

Armed with our go-to planning director job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next leap.

But why put a limit there?

Discover more with our job description generator. It’s your passport to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Take note:

Every plan is a piece of the grander puzzle.

Let’s shape that future. Together.