Community Planning and Design Manager

Job Description

Application Deadline

This position will remain open until filled with the first application review taking place two weeks after the April 8, 2026 posting date.

What You'll Lead And Influence

• Drive transformational planning efforts including comprehensive plans, corridor studies, neighborhood and small-area plans, and major policy initiatives that guide long-term city growth.
• Shape community vision by coordinating with residents, stakeholders, elected officials, and local, state, and federal partners to bring big ideas to life.
• Champion meaningful public engagement by designing and leading outreach strategies that ensure community voices are heard, valued, and reflected in city decisions.
• Influence design and development outcomes through urban design leadership, design review, and strategic identification of funding and grant opportunities.
• Guide key development decisions by managing the full lifecycle of legislative entitlement reviews — from applicant collaboration and policy analysis to final recommendations.
• Help prioritize city investments by identifying infrastructure needs and aligning planning efforts with community goals and long-term priorities.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams by mentoring planning and urban design staff, setting clear priorities, and fostering professional growth and excellence.
• Improve how we work by developing streamlined workflows, modernized procedures, and strong records management practices that support efficiency and accountability.
• Support influential boards and commissions by preparing agendas, facilitating discussions, and providing trusted technical expertise that informs major decisions.
• Shape policy and strategy by analyzing trends, monitoring legislation, and translating complex data into clear, actionable planning direction.
• Serve as a trusted resource to residents, applicants, and partner agencies by making planning information clear, accessible, and easy to navigate.
• Lead impactful consultant projects by defining scopes, selecting partners, and ensuring projects deliver high-quality results on time and on budget.
• Turn data into insight through maps, metrics, and visual tools that inform smarter planning and better decisions.
• Enhance public communication by ensuring planning information is transparent, engaging, and widely accessible across digital platforms.
  
  

Why This Role Matters

This is a highly visible, high-impact position where your work directly shapes how the community grows — physically, economically, and socially. You'll collaborate with a wide range of partners, lead meaningful projects, and help turn long-range vision into real-world results.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, or a closely related field, and a minimum of five years of related experience, or a bachelor's degree in one of the above-listed fields and a minimum of seven years of related experience.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification required