Senior Planner Jobs

The City of Raleigh is searching for experienced planners and economic development professionals to work within the Urban Projects Group, a newly created division of the Planning & Development Department dedicated to catalyzing and accelerating the transition from plan vision to physical reality through internal coordination, external partnerships, and problem solving. This team is responsible for coordinating complex, innovative, cross-sector projects with high potential for public impact. Skillsets sought include development feasibility analysis, real estate and public sector financial analysis, public-private partnerships, contract development, familiarity with development regulations, communication and meeting facilitation, and project management.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Interfaces with the development community to solve problems and elevate built outcomes with regards to development code compliance, public realm enhancements, and coordination with public projects and infrastructure
• Reports on a wide range of planning and urban design issues with an emphasis on the urban public realm
• Researches and identifies funding and partnership opportunities for plan and project implementation and public realm enhancements
• Convenes meetings with City departments and public agencies to review pending projects, plan implementation progress, and opportunities for coordination
• Works individually or in teams to ensure that projects are completed in a timely manner producing high-quality urban design, planning, and policy products
• Works across multiple departments or teams to obtain solutions
• Administers contracts to vendors and consultants
• Applies critical thinking and design thinking to address numerous technical and non-technical tasks
• Coordinates and supports partnerships with the design and development communities, professional design organizations, and local colleges and universities
• Conducts real estate and economic analysis, especially in the context of public-private partnerships and/or affordable housing
• Researches, investigates, and prepares recommendations, graphic illustrations, and written
• Assists with special projects and other duties as assigned
• Supports civic engagement efforts as part of the planning process
• Develops work programs; plans, directs, assigns, and supervises the work of professional and non-professional personnel
• Focus on customer service; works with developers, attorneys, and consultant teams
• Prepares and presents oral and written reports; directs the preparation of maps, charts, diagrams, and other materials for inclusion in presentations
• Conducts and manages studies in such areas as land use, public services and facilities, economics, housing and urban development, transit-oriented development, and center city and neighborhood revitalization
• Project management for specified projects that align with city goals and objectives

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in planning or public administration or field directly related to assignment and five years of related professional planning experience

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation

Licensing/Certifications:

• APA-NC Membership preferred
• Urban Land Institute membership preferred
• American Institute of Certified Planner preferred
• Valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Public-private partnership structures and goals between local governments and the private sector (e.g. development community)
• Public finance and budgeting processes (e.g. annual budget cycle, capital improvement planning, bond solicitation)
• Real estate finance and the real estate development process, including pre-development, entitlement, development review, and construction
• Typical public policy goals of local government, including affordable housing, sustainability, effective transportation, and economic development
• Local design and planning regulations and plans (e.g. Raleigh’s Unified Development Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, and Small Area Plans)

Applicants are expected to demonstrate a commitment to:

• Building and maintaining relationships, and collaborating on a team
• Continually learning, innovating, and being proactive
• Embodying a spirit of public service and representing the public’s best interests