What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Manager of Planning & Policy position at Downtown Houston?

Summary of Opportunity:

The Senior Manager of Policy & Planning is a critical leadership position responsible for advancing the physical and regulatory environment of Downtown Houston . This role focuses on developing, advocating for, and implementing non-zoning land-use policies, comprehensive planning studies, and placemaking programs to achieve the District’s strategic goals (e.g., density, mixed-use, connectivity). The Senior Manager utilizes a strong background in urban planning, historic preservation, and program management to translate vision and data into politically viable and efficiently delivered public projects, serving as the primary policy and project management liaison between the Director, the Deputy Directors, and external agencies.

This position is in-office 100% of the time. This is not a remote position.

About Downtown Houston

Downtown Houston (DTH ) comprises organizations that champion and enhance Downtown Houston, including Central Houston Inc. / Central Houston Civic Improvement, the Downtown Redevelopment Authority, and the Houston Downtown Management District.

Central Houston, Inc. / Central Houston Civic Improvement

Founded in 1983, Central Houston, Inc. creates a community to advocate and advance the vision for Downtown. Led by a prestigious board of corporate and community leaders, it is a non-profit organization funded by its members. Central Houston Civic Improvement is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable affiliate of Central Houston, Inc., and serves as the fiscal agent for catalyst projects.

Houston Downtown Management District

In 1996, the Texas legislature created the Houston Downtown Management District to protect and beautify the public realm, provide programming and marketing, and plan and catalyze economic development. Guided by a diverse board, it is funded through a fair and proportionate assessment of real property.

Downtown Redevelopment Authority / TIRZ #3

Downtown Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ #3 improves Downtown's economic well-being through capital and operational investments in parks, infrastructure, safety, and other public realm improvements. It is governed by a city-appointed or confirmed board. These improvements are made possible by reinvesting incremental property taxes within its zone's boundaries.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Policy Development

Lead and manage long-range planning studies, including comprehensive plans and policy initiatives supporting Downtown Houston goals.

Develop planning policy frameworks, recommendations, and implementation strategies grounded in data, best practices, and economic development considerations.

Research, analyze, and draft land-use, design, and regulatory policies that support Downtown projects, incentive programs, and public investments.

Evaluate existing policies and regulations and recommend updates to improve effectiveness and predictability for public and private stakeholders.

Coordinate planning policies with economic development, infrastructure, and capital investment priorities.

Serve as a liaison with external stakeholders to support effective relationship management.

Support committee/board or public-facing materials, ensuring readiness for briefings and presentations.

Placemaking, Design Policy, and Historic Preservation

Translate urban design concepts and vision into clear, enforceable public-realm standards and policy tools.

Develop and administer design compliance standards for public and private projects within the District.

Coordinate design policies with applicable non-zoning ordinances, design guidelines, and capital improvement standards.

Plan and lead community engagement processes for planning, policy, and placemaking initiatives, including public meetings and stakeholder outreach.

Integrate historic preservation principles into planning and policy development to support placemaking and enhance Downtown character.

Program Management and Project Delivery

Manage multiple planning, policy, and placemaking initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Develop project scopes, schedules, and work plans to ensure timely and effective project delivery.

Coordinate and maintain a prioritized pipeline of planning and capital initiatives aligned with strategic goals and funding availability.

Monitor project progress, resolve issues, and ensure high-quality work products.

Collaborate with internal teams, consultants, and external agencies to advance projects from concept through implementation.

Lead cross-functional implementation of planning/policy initiatives by establishing clarification of ownership from strategy to execution.

Coordinate consultant/vendor workstreams by supporting accountability on scopes and deliverables.

Track initiative progress and outcomes to support reporting and demonstrate impact.

Other General Duties & Responsibilities

Consistently demonstrates the Organization’s Core Values.

Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and established expectations.

Performs other related duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational objectives.

Minimum Education, Experience & Other Credentials:

Master’s degree in urban planning (City and Regional Planning) or a comparable program required;
Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in urban planning, public policy development, land-use regulation, or capital program management, preferably within a dense urban core or metropolitan planning environment.
Demonstrated professional expertise in long-range comprehensive planning, policy drafting, and regulatory analysis.
Significant professional experience or educational concentration in historic preservation, program management, and/or community engagement highly desirable.
Exceptional analytical capability with the ability to synthesize complex planning data into clear, actionable policy recommendations.
Strong written, oral, and presentation skills required to effectively communicate with political, public, and technical audiences.

Core Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Planning Expertise: Demonstrated professional experience in long-range comprehensive planning, policy development and drafting, and regulatory analysis.
Historic Preservation & Placemaking Background: Significant professional experience and/or educational concentration in historic preservation planning and placemaking within an urban environment.
Program Management & Community Engagement Experience: Proven experience in program and project management and in leading or supporting community engagement processes for planning or policy initiatives.
Communication & Analytical Skills: Exceptional ability to synthesize complex planning data into clear, actionable policy recommendations, with strong written, oral, and presentation skills to effectively communicate with political, public, and technical audiences.

Downtown Houston offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability coverage available after 60 days of employment. Employees are eligible for the organization’s 401(k) plan after 90 days, with an employer match. Paid time off includes vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays. Opportunities for professional growth and development are also available.

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