Long Range Planning Manager

Lafayette Recruitment Team•Lafayette, CO

2d•$113,718 - $159,149

About The Position

The City of Lafayette is recruiting for one vacancy that may be filled at either the Principal City Planner – Long Range Planning or Long Range Planning Manager level, depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. The Long Range Planning Manager manages and coordinates the City’s long-range planning activities, including comprehensive and small-area planning, land-use policies and regulations, affordable housing programs, and urban-design initiatives. The role develops and implements work plans based on City goals and strategic priorities, oversees complex planning projects, monitors legislative changes, and provides strategic and technical guidance to City leadership, staff, appointed bodies, governmental agencies, and the public. The position may supervise staff and may act on behalf of the Current Planning Manager or Planning and Building Director as assigned. The position works under the supervision of the Planning and Building Director. It provides technical guidance and project direction to assigned staff and consultants, and may supervise employees. It exercises independent judgment in managing planning programs and projects, establishing priorities, recommending policy and program improvements, and providing direction in coordination with the Director. Work is primarily administrative and indoors, involving sustained reading, document review, writing, and computer use while sitting, standing, or walking. Occasional field research may involve uneven or slippery surfaces, dust, dirt, heat, and cold. The position requires manual dexterity, hearing, close visual focus, sustained attention, and regular interaction with employees and the public, including directing, negotiating, and mediating. The application must be complete and submitted before 11:59 p.m. on November 27, 2026, to be considered.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of public planning principles and practices, including community and land-use planning, zoning, development regulation, and permitting.
Ability to research and resolve planning issues independently, manage assignments and deadlines, exercise sound judgment, and maintain effective working relationships with employees, partners, and the public.
Proficiency with standard office, presentation, spreadsheet, and GIS software, including PowerPoint and ArcMap.
Ability to formulate long-term objectives, identify emerging opportunities and risks, and develop innovative, practical approaches when established methods are insufficient.
Ability to identify and understand economic, political, and social trends that affect the organization.
Ability to build agreement, navigate organizational and public processes, and negotiate mutually acceptable solutions among parties with differing interests.
Ability to organize work, set priorities, determine resource requirements, coordinate across the organization, monitor progress, and evaluate outcomes against short- and long-term goals.
Ability to assess the accuracy and relevance of information, identify strengths and weaknesses of alternatives, and use sound reasoning to recommend solutions.
Ability to show respect for others’ views and contributions, demonstrate empathy, listen and provide support, and reconcile conflict.
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively in writing and presentations; adapt information to the audience; and listen and respond appropriately.
Bachelor’s degree in City or Regional Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation, Engineering, or a related field.
Minimum eight years of progressively responsible municipal planning experience, including experience managing complex planning projects or programs. Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered if they demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Possession of a current and valid Colorado driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience with graphic-design and modeling applications such as Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUp.

Responsibilities

Develop, coordinate, and implement the City’s long-range planning work program, including setting priorities, managing resources, and monitoring progress.
Define project scopes, including assessments, policy and zoning analysis, public engagement, data needs, schedules, budgets, and implementation requirements.
Develop and implement comprehensive, small-area, land-use, housing, transportation, natural-resource, growth, and capital-improvement plans, policies, standards, and regulations.
Review programs and projects for consistency with adopted plans, design criteria, regulations, and approval requirements, coordinating with stakeholders and governmental agencies.
Monitor planning trends, regulations, and pending legislation; evaluate impacts and recommend updates to City policies, projects, and processes.
Research and analyze technical and community data; develop alternatives; and prepare reports, maps, graphics, and recommendations on complex or sensitive planning, design, and development issues.
Lead design initiatives and present policy, design, and strategic alternatives to staff, City officials, appointed bodies, community members, and other stakeholders.
Partner with City departments to develop, implement, and update departmental plans and strategic initiatives.
Lead and oversee the City’s affordable housing policy initiatives, programs, and regional partnerships, including management of the existing affordable housing program.
Advise City officials, appointed bodies, agencies, applicants, and the public on complex land-use, zoning, development, conservation, transportation, infrastructure, and community-livability matters.
Review complex development initiatives and recommend practical modifications or alternatives consistent with City goals, regulations, and design priorities.
Provide urban-design direction for major infrastructure, public-space, and construction projects; review plans, specifications, and contract documents in collaboration with technical teams.
Facilitate community and stakeholder engagement, resolve competing interests, respond to inquiries, and communicate recommendations to internal and external audiences.
Coach and mentor staff, and coordinate employees, consultants, and contractors assigned to projects.
Assist with developing and administering program budgets, monitor expenditures, and oversee consultant contracts and related project resources.
Collect data for annual reports and economic-development projects and may serve as liaison to City boards and commissions.
Develop organizational, process, and customer-service improvements that support City goals.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Operate or use a telephone, copier, personal computer, software, and other office equipment.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
401A retirement plan with a 10.2% City contribution and 8% employee contribution; immediately 100% vested upon hire.
Life insurance equal to one year’s salary, up to $150,000, with an equal amount of AD&D coverage.
Tuition assistance of up to $5,000 per year for approved expenses.
Employee Assistance Program, including free counseling, travel assistance, and legal aid.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Bilingual pay.
Deferred compensation and Roth options.
Voluntary life insurance and AD&D.
Identity theft program.
Recreation Center pass.
Wellness Punch Card with 100 annual punches to use at the golf course, waterpark, and other facilities.
First-year employees accrue 80 hours of vacation.
Sick leave.
Floating holiday leave.
11.5 paid City holidays.
Other leave programs, including FMLA, parental, and bereavement leave.