Planning Manager - Community Initiatives

Maricopa Association of Governments•Phoenix, AZ

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) 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.

Requirements

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.
Bachelor's Degree (required)
At least 7 years of related work experience.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree (preferred)
Experience with working to address homelessness, a Continuum of Care and/or HUD funded program is preferred.

Responsibilities

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.