THE OPPORTUNITY

Arapahoe County Colorado seeks a highly accomplished, strategic, and collaborative executive to serve as its Director of Planning and Development. This position provides executive leadership for a multidisciplinary department responsible for development coordination, comprehensive and long-range planning, land-use regulation, zoning administration and enforcement, building permitting, inspections, development review, and code enforcement. The Director will play a significant role in shaping the County's future while ensuring that development-related services are delivered efficiently, consistently, transparently, and in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

ABOUT ARAPAHOE COUNTY

Located in the heart of the Denver metropolitan region, Arapahoe County is one of Colorado's most dynamic and diverse counties. Home to thriving businesses, vibrant neighborhoods, top-tier healthcare, and abundant recreational opportunities. Arapahoe County offers an exceptional quality of life for residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors alike. Arapahoe County sits at the center of Colorado's economic engine, providing easy access to downtown Denver, major transportation corridors, and regional destinations. The county includes a mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities, creating opportunities for businesses and families at every stage of growth. From the vibrant urban energy of Aurora to the family-friendly neighborhoods of Centennial, Littleton, and Englewood, Arapahoe County offers a wide range of communities that reflect Colorado's entrepreneurial spirit and welcoming culture. Residents enjoy hundreds of miles of trails, scenic open spaces, golf courses, and recreational facilities. Whether exploring the natural beauty of Cherry Creek State Park or enjoying community parks and local events, outdoor adventure is always close to home.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Arapahoe County Planning and Development Department is a multidisciplinary organization comprised of 55 professional and technical staff members dedicated to guiding responsible growth, land use, and community development throughout the county. The department is led by a Director and organized through a leadership team of five direct reports who oversee the department's major functional areas, ensuring effective coordination of planning, development review, building and infrastructure services, code compliance, and customer engagement.

Operating with an annual budget of approximately $8.2 million, the department is responsible for long-range planning, implementation of the county's comprehensive vision, development review and permitting, building inspections, zoning administration, and collaboration with residents, developers, business owners, and community partners. Through these efforts, the department plays a critical role in balancing economic development, environmental stewardship, infrastructure needs, and the preservation of community character.

THE POSITION

The successful candidate must combine substantial planning and development expertise with proven executive leadership, operational management, organizational improvement, and the ability to navigate a complex public-sector environment. Arapahoe County is not simply seeking an accomplished technical professional. The County seeks an executive who can lead a complex organization, exercise sound judgment, develop high-performing teams, and build effective relationships with elected officials. Communication and collaboration are key as the position reports directly to the Board of County Commissioners and coordinates service delivery with many stakeholders in the community and on the executive team. The new Director will provide executive oversight of the Development Services Department by directing departmental operations, establishing priorities, and coordinating services; lead and develop department staff; develop process improvement by improving workflows, timelines, and cross-department coordination; oversee zoning and land-use programs; direct permitting and development review services; guide growth management and community planning; engage the public and community stakeholders by facilitating public meetings, outreach programs, workshops, and hearings; ensure regulatory compliance and risk management; and

develop and administer the departmental budget.

The ideal candidate will be a proven executive with a demonstrated record of successfully leading a complex planning, development services, community development, or comparable regulatory organization; have a broad knowledge of planning, land use, zoning, permitting, building inspection, code enforcement, and development-related regulatory functions; demonstrated success improving development-review processes, service delivery, organizational efficiency, and customer responsiveness; the ability to provide clear, balanced, and technically sound advice to elected officials; experience managing multidisciplinary departments with significant operational, financial, and personnel responsibilities; and experience in Colorado land-use and development law, county government, complex development-review systems, and organizational transformation.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following are both the minimum and preferred qualifications for the position of Planning and Development Director. Equivalent combinations of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the position may be considered.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in planning, public administration, business administration, or related field. A master's degree is preferred.

• Experience: Ten (10) or more years of relevant progressive experience demonstrating leadership in planning and development. Five (5) or more years of supervisory or management experience.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The hiring range for the Planning and Development Director is dependent on qualifications and experience. Anticipated ranges are listed below:

• 2027 Range: Min $172,981| Mid $224,943| Max $276,904

• 2027 Anticipated Hiring Rate: $202,449 DOQ

Reflecting the County’s commitment to fostering a healthy, supported, and engaged workforce, Arapahoe County offers a comprehensive and flexible benefits program designed to support employees’ well‑being and meet the diverse needs of individuals and their families. For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure by clicking on the .pdf link on this page.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

Interested candidates must submit a compelling letter of interest and comprehensive résumé below by Monday, December 28, 2026.

Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:

Ms. Julie Baca, Senior Consultant | julie@mosaicpublic.com | 970-209-0404