Manager, Physical Development Planning

POSTING TYPE: Open-competitive
DEPARTMENT: Physical Development, Office of Planning
HOURS: Full-time
SALARY RANGE: $103,284 - $161,381 /year (111 grade level)
LOCATION: Western Service Center, Apple Valley
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026

What You'll Do
The Planning Manager leads Dakota County's strategic visioning and planning efforts related to land use, the environment, natural resources, parks, open space, and transportation, including the identification and analysis of current and emerging issues. The Planning Manager builds collaborative relationships with cities, townships, and government agencies and engage the public in identifying, evaluating and planning for County and regional issues. This position also serves as the liaison to the Dakota County Planning Commission. The Planning Manager leads multi-disciplinary work teams and serves as a resource to County senior management and the Board of Commissioners.

Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. We strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

* Bachelor's degree AND 4 years of related professional land use or community planning experience (see below).
OR
* Master's degree AND 2 years of related professional land use or community planning experience (see below).
AND
* Two years of experience managing/supervising staff in a formal capacity.

Professional Planning experience should include a combination of work in one or more of the following areas:

* Experience interpreting and applying zoning ordinances, regulations, comprehensive plans and applicable state and local land use laws.

* Experience presenting technical information to elected officials, planning commissions, boards, and the public.

* Experience leading an appointed-level commission making recommendations and giving comments to elected officials.

* Experience facilitating public engagement and navigating complex or controversial land use issues.

* Experience with comprehensive and long-range planning.

Preferred experience beyond minimum qualifications:

* Degree in urban studies, planning, political science, public administration, business administration, public affairs, public policy

* Direct work experience in county or municipal government.

* Grant writing or capital improvement planning experience.

* Knowledge of GIS applications and planning software.

* Certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Public policy analysis and development.
2. Identify and analyze emerging issues, synthesize and integrate information, frame issues and develop recommendations for senior management and County Board consideration.
3. Pursue opportunities for intergovernmental collaboration within Dakota County government and with cities, townships, and other public agencies, as well as non-profits, and businesses.
4. Build and maintain effective relationships with committees, interest groups, local units of government and the general public who are interested in planning and land use issues.
5. Develop and lead interdepartmental and intergovernmental teams, as needed.
6. Represent Dakota County on special committees and before governmental bodies (including state regional and local governments) on planning and land use matters and on other Division and County issues, as assigned.
7. Oversee the development of an effective, comprehensive and strategic planning program and annual work plan related to the physical environment and development of the County and that allocates resources to address priority issues.
8. Assure staff support to the Dakota County Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
9. Budget preparation and administration, monitoring the use of appropriated funds, and recommendation of budget amendments, as necessary.
10. Perform other duties, as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Function 1 through 8

• Experience in developing and coordinating the completion of complex projects and the ability to work independent of direct supervision.
• A demonstrated ability to create effective, professional relationships and to effectively lead multi-disciplinary teams.
• A demonstrated ability to achieve desired results through the application of team concepts.
• Knowledge of governmental functions and organizations (including legislative) affecting County government.
• The ability to develop effective cooperative relationships with policy staff of local, state and regional authorities.
• The ability to communicate effectively at all levels of government.
• Communication skills, both verbal and written, to clearly and concisely convey complex issues to decision-makers to enhance effective decision-making.
• Knowledge of planning principles and their application in the public sector.
• Ability and skill to determine priorities, organize and delegate work.
• Demonstrated leadership skills including coaching and mentoring.
• Demonstrated skill in organizing work, setting goals and priorities and ability to carry out high level tasks.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of management in the public sector, including budget administration and personnel management. Demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge.
• Working knowledge of computers and the use of computers for analysis, including knowledge of statistical software and its application to planning projects.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday each year
• Pension with a generous employer contribution

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks