The City of Decatur is seeking a forward-thinking, strategic, and experienced Planning Manager to guide the city's growth, enhance its built environment, and lead a talented planning team. In this high-impact leadership role, you'll oversee zoning and land use policy, help shape the City's Comprehensive Plan, and lead long-range initiatives in urban design, transportation, and redevelopment.

If you’re ready to drive real change and build a community that’s more connected, equitable, and sustainable, this is your chance to lead with purpose.

We support our employees with a strong package that includes:

• Competitive Benefits: 14.5 paid holidays per year (including 2 employee-selected days), comprehensive health coverage, an excellent pension plan, paid vacation, and sick leave.
• Relocation Assistance: Financial support to help cover moving expenses for qualified candidates.
• Dedicated Health Center: Free check-ups, chronic condition management, immunizations, bloodwork, and many free prescriptions for employees and their dependents.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Funding available for continuing education and professional development.

Leadership & Supervision

• Oversees, directs, and participates in the activities of the Planning Division.
• Supervises and coordinates staff work, including scheduling, training, and performance oversight.
• Assists in developing departmental goals, policies, procedures, and training programs.

Administrative & Budgetary Oversight

• Prepares division reports and manages budget planning and submission.
• Handles correspondence, records, statistical reporting, and administrative research activities.

• Reviews community and land development proposals for compliance with applicable regulations.
• Analyzes and processes subdivision plans, including sketch, preliminary, and final maps.
• Recommends changes to adopted plans, regulations, and zoning ordinances.

Long-Range & Strategic Planning

• Develops and updates policies and procedures for long-term land use and development goals.
• Conducts special studies and prepares area plans for future growth and urban design.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of trends and best practices in planning and zoning.

Research & Data Analysis

• Conducts data collection through surveys, interviews, and other research tools.
• Performs analysis to inform planning activities and decision-making.

Boards, Committees & Public Engagement

• Prepares materials and presents at Planning & Zoning Commission, Technical Advisory Committee, and City Council meetings.
• Makes formal recommendations to boards and elected officials.

Regulatory Compliance & Interagency Coordination

• Oversees the Metropolitan Planning Organization and ensures compliance with federal planning regulations.
• Coordinates with other departments and agencies on planning and development matters.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, or a closely related field; master’s degree preferred.
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in planning, including research, development, and implementation of area plans.
• At least 1 year of supervisory experience.
• Experience in local government planning preferred.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification required within 18 months of hire.
• Equivalent combinations of education, experience, and training may be considered.

• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, statutes, and ordinances related to zoning, building, and subdivision development.
• Strong understanding of zoning, urban design, economic development principles, and applicable local resources.
• Proficiency in Geographic Information System (GIS), including relevant computer applications and programs.
• Skill in interpreting, explaining, and enforcing zoning ordinances and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to prepare and deliver clear, well-organized written reports and oral presentations.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to research, collect data, perform calculations, and develop sound recommendations.
• Skill in supervising, training, coordinating, and evaluating staff performance and related personnel functions.
• Ability to organize and analyze statistical data, prepare budgets, and monitor expenditures.
• Experience in developing program policies and operational procedures.

Residency
Employees are required to reside within 50 miles of the corporate limits of the City of Decatur. Upon appointment, employees may reside outside these limits but must comply with the residency requirement within 12 months to maintain employment.

Why Decatur?

Located in the heart of Central Illinois, Decatur offers the perfect balance of professional opportunity and quality of life:

• Affordable, accessible living within easy reach to Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.
• Land of Lincoln: Explore Abe's legacy with visits to the nearby Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln’s Tomb, and the family’s first Illinois home.
• Shopping and Dining: Browse locally-owned boutiques and specialty shops and savor diverse delights at unique restaurants and quaint eateries.
• Entertainment Abounds: Enjoy concerts at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, performing arts at Millikin University, and shows in the historic Lincoln Theatre downtown.
• Outdoor Recreation: Revel in Lake Decatur with boating and kayaking or explore the City’s 2,000 acres of parkland for golfing, walking, biking, dog exercising, or playing disc golf.
• Enriched by Art: Appreciate murals gracing city walls and sculptures stretching from the Scovill Zoo to the Children's Museum.
• Family Fun: Cool off at Splash Cove waterpark or head to Overlook Adventure Park for mini golf or the ropes course.

To Apply

Ready to lead meaningful change and shape the future of a growing community? As Planning Manager for the City of Decatur, you’ll play a vital role in guiding land use, development, and strategic planning efforts that impact how people live, work, and move throughout the city. If you're an experienced planner looking to take the next step in your career—with the authority to innovate, lead a talented team, and influence citywide decisions—this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact

Complete an application at the link below with all requested relevant information. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Downloading a resume can prefill some application sections.

Candidates will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical and background check post offer. The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace. This includes marijuana.