DON'T WAIT TO APPLY. RESUMES WILL BE REVIEWED AS RECEIVED.

Are you ready to take the next step in your planning career? The City of Whitehouse, Texas, is seeking a Development Services Director to lead planning and permitting efforts in a fast-growing East Texas community that values sustainable growth, small-town charm, and strong organizational culture.

This newly created position offers a rare opportunity for an emerging leader to step into a director-level role and make a lasting impact on how our city grows and develops. Whitehouse is a city where planners are trusted to shape the future with both vision and integrity.

Why Whitehouse?

• Growth with Purpose: With a population of just over 9,000 and a highly engaged citizenry, Whitehouse is experiencing significant residential and commercial development while staying grounded in strategic, responsible planning.
• Supportive Leadership: You'll report directly to the City Manager and work as part of a collaborative executive team that values innovation, accountability, and servant leadership.
• Great Organizational Culture: The City's values center on respect, teamwork, and public trust. Staff enjoy a culture of continuous improvement and open communication.
• East Texas Quality of Life: Nestled just outside Tyler and less than two hours from Dallas, Whitehouse offers access to lakes, trails, and parks — plus a highly rated school district and an engaged community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead long-range planning, zoning, and subdivision management
• Oversee development review, permitting, and code enforcement
• Coordinate with engineers, developers, and regional partners
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to Planning & Zoning Commission
• Contribute to updates of the Comprehensive Plan and development policies
• Build and lead a small but capable team with a focus on service and responsiveness

Ideal Candidate:

• A planner or development professional ready for their first director role, or someone with experience
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Comfortable working in a generalist capacity — adapting as needed
• A proactive, solutions-oriented approach with a heart for public service
• Bachelor's degree required; planning, public administration, or related field preferred; AICP a plus but not required