Director of Planning and Transportation

The City of Bloomington is seeking its next Director of Planning and Transportation to lead work that shapes how people live, move, connect, and experience Bloomington every day. Under Mayor Kerry Thomson’s leadership, the City is focused on economic vitality, attainable housing, public safety, sustainability, inclusion, open government, strong partnerships, transportation, and quality of place. The Director of Planning and Transportation will play a central role in turning those priorities into practical, visible progress. This position is appointed by the Mayor.

Bloomington is a place where people come to build something: a career, a family, a business, a neighborhood, a creative life, a next chapter. This position is an opportunity to help make that possible for more people.


This job description is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all job functions performed. The following are essential duties for this position, performed with or without reasonable accommodation:

Administers and directs departmental operations, including attending various community policy meetings providing consultation and overseeing implementation of comprehensive plans.

Recruits, screens, interviews, and hires department employees, assigns work, provides technical assistance, direction and supervision, establishes job performance standards and evaluates employees, and takes disciplinary actions, as needed.

Attends and serves as technical advisor at monthly Plan Commission meetings, and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings.

Responds to citizen planning and zoning inquiries as applied to established local, state, and federal laws, rules, and guidelines; maintains public relations for department, and frequently attends civic and neighborhood meetings.

Prepares and submits department budget to Common Council, and administers budget upon approval.

Reviews and evaluates department programs, systems and methods of operation and revises, as necessary.

Attends, drafts, presents, and defends major policy recommendations at various meetings, including Mayor's Cabinet and Common Council.

Prepares and administers planning related ordinances and resolutions as needed.

Occasionally testifies in court on matters pertaining to the decisions of Plan Commission and/or Board of Zoning Appeals.

Takes all reasonable steps to maintain a safe work environment.

Performs related duties as assigned by the Mayor?s Office.Minimum knowledge equivalent to a master's degree in planning or related field.

Minimum experience equivalent to over five (5) years, senior level municipal planning

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification required.

Knowledge of and ability to administer planning programs following legal codes, ordinances, manuals, and state and federal guidelines and standardized accounting procedures and compliance regulations.

Ability to maintain confidential information and cope with unprecedented types of problems by extending accepted planning methods and techniques.
Work is performed in a modern office environment with no unusual physical demands. Frequent overtime is required as well as attendance to evening meetings. Position holder must often deal with various constituencies in the face of differences of opinion regarding Department policies and procedures. Position needs to effectively supervise and work with employees, including technical and professional staff.


Maintains close relationships with the Mayor, department heads, news media, subordinate personnel, federal, state, and local officials, and the general public for the purpose of explanation, interpretation, technical assistance and non-routine problem solving requiring coordination of varied activities. Incumbent needs to communicate effectively and tactfully with a wide range of individuals, including federal, state, and local officials, and members of general public under conditions of potential conflict.