What are the responsibilities and job description for the Planning Manager - Community Initiatives position at Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG)?
Position Title: Community Initiatives Planning Manager
Post-date: April 22, 2026
Closes: The position is open until filled.
Status: Full-Time, Exempt, Contingent on continued availability of grant funds
Salary: $111,185 - $167,776
Location: Maricopa Association of Governments, downtown Phoenix, Arizona.
Note: A minimum of three days per week in office is required.
About MAG
The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is a group of local governments working together on issues that touch the lives of every resident. We are a regional planning agency that develops solutions in areas such as transportation, environmental and air quality, and human services.
MAG serves a thriving region of 5 million people. Our members include 27 cities and towns, three Native nations, and Maricopa and Pinal counties. Our planning area encompasses more than 10,000 square miles. MAG is the council of governments and the designated metropolitan planning organization for transportation planning for the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.
MAG is a great place to work. We offer a competitive hourly rate, growth opportunities, and a collaborative environment where employee contributions make a real impact.
To learn more visit: www.azmag.gov
About MAG Community Initiatives Division
The Community Initiatives Division collaborates with local governments, Native nations and community leaders to facilitate human services planning and projects that improve people's lives and strengthen communities throughout the region. This includes legacy work addressing homelessness, domestic violence and aging. The focus of the division is to staff the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care which exists to facilitate interagency and cross-sector coordination in resource planning, policymaking, program development and system performance monitoring of the region's homeless response system.
The Position
MAG is seeking is seeking a bright, driven, team-oriented, experienced professional who can blend a strong planning focus and strategic thinking with hands-on practicality. The community initiatives planning manager is responsible for project oversight and system capacity building functions for the regional response to homelessness, including the federally funded Continuum of Care program. This includes managing high priority and complex work streams, engagement with stakeholders, data and trends analysis, and continuous quality improvement. This position oversees all aspects of the regional homelessness program in consultation with the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care, drives regional homeless planning activities in close cooperation with the MAG member agencies, and supervises the staff dedicated to the regional homelessness program and other community initiatives efforts.
Key Responsibilities Include
The most successful candidate will have the skills to fulfill the responsibilities listed above with an emphasis in knowledge in homelessness programs, management, processes, policies and regulations. You will be proficient in conflict management, proficient in presenting homeless information to a diverse set of stakeholders, including members of the public and policy makers. You will also have knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, budget management, and relationship building.
You Will Have
Proficient in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office products, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Experience And Education
Post-date: April 22, 2026
Closes: The position is open until filled.
Status: Full-Time, Exempt, Contingent on continued availability of grant funds
Salary: $111,185 - $167,776
Location: Maricopa Association of Governments, downtown Phoenix, Arizona.
Note: A minimum of three days per week in office is required.
About MAG
The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is a group of local governments working together on issues that touch the lives of every resident. We are a regional planning agency that develops solutions in areas such as transportation, environmental and air quality, and human services.
MAG serves a thriving region of 5 million people. Our members include 27 cities and towns, three Native nations, and Maricopa and Pinal counties. Our planning area encompasses more than 10,000 square miles. MAG is the council of governments and the designated metropolitan planning organization for transportation planning for the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.
MAG is a great place to work. We offer a competitive hourly rate, growth opportunities, and a collaborative environment where employee contributions make a real impact.
To learn more visit: www.azmag.gov
About MAG Community Initiatives Division
The Community Initiatives Division collaborates with local governments, Native nations and community leaders to facilitate human services planning and projects that improve people's lives and strengthen communities throughout the region. This includes legacy work addressing homelessness, domestic violence and aging. The focus of the division is to staff the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care which exists to facilitate interagency and cross-sector coordination in resource planning, policymaking, program development and system performance monitoring of the region's homeless response system.
The Position
MAG is seeking is seeking a bright, driven, team-oriented, experienced professional who can blend a strong planning focus and strategic thinking with hands-on practicality. The community initiatives planning manager is responsible for project oversight and system capacity building functions for the regional response to homelessness, including the federally funded Continuum of Care program. This includes managing high priority and complex work streams, engagement with stakeholders, data and trends analysis, and continuous quality improvement. This position oversees all aspects of the regional homelessness program in consultation with the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care, drives regional homeless planning activities in close cooperation with the MAG member agencies, and supervises the staff dedicated to the regional homelessness program and other community initiatives efforts.
Key Responsibilities Include
- Oversee community initiatives project portfolio: assign resources, manage timelines/budgets, ensure deliverable quality.
- Establish planning standards, templates, and engagement protocols aligning with MAG policy and best practices.
- Coach and develop team members; conduct performance evaluations; recruit and onboard staff/consultants.
- Lead the development of annual work plans, scopes of work, and procurement for research/consulting services.
- Maintain strategic relationships with local governments, nonprofits, and state agencies; represent MAG in regional forums in areas of homelessness and human services.
- Review and approve major planning documents and allocation recommendations, briefing leadership and Regional Council committees.
- Implement public and stakeholder engagement, data and policy analysis, and funding recommendations.
- Monitor performance metrics, report progress and outcomes, and drive continuous improvement.
The most successful candidate will have the skills to fulfill the responsibilities listed above with an emphasis in knowledge in homelessness programs, management, processes, policies and regulations. You will be proficient in conflict management, proficient in presenting homeless information to a diverse set of stakeholders, including members of the public and policy makers. You will also have knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, budget management, and relationship building.
You Will Have
- Excellent communication and writing skills.
- Program budgeting and fiscal management, including resource planning.
- Proven skills in overseeing project and program management.
- Ability to establish and oversee administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards or directors or senior management.
- Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources.
- Ability to plan, organize and direct the work of others; ability to supervise and support staff, as well as hold them accountable for performance.
- Strong understanding of public policy, county, local and regional government.
- Strong negotiating skills in driving change and mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Strong business and non-partisan acumen to work effectively with staff, elected officials, external agencies and governmental agencies.
- Familiarity with media processes and be able to provide accurate subject-matter input for press statements or interviews.
- Ability to multi-task and manage time effectively.
Proficient in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office products, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Experience And Education
- Bachelor's Degree (required) Master's Degree (preferred) in social work, public policy, business administration, planning, economics, or other relevant area of study related to the position.
- At least 7 years of related work experience. Experience with working to address homelessness, a Continuum of Care and/or HUD funded program is preferred.
Salary : $111,185 - $167,776