Long Range Planning Manager

Lafayette•Lafayette, CO

About The Position

The City of Lafayette is recruiting for one position 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. Both positions are advertised, but only one vacancy will be filled. The position 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 work includes developing and implementing work plans based on City goals and strategic priorities, overseeing complex planning projects, monitoring legislative changes, and providing strategic and technical guidance to City leadership, staff, appointed bodies, governmental agencies, and the public. The position may supervise staff and act on behalf of the Current Planning Manager or Planning and Building Director as assigned. The position operates within established departmental policies and procedures and exercises independent judgment in managing long-range planning programs and projects. It establishes project priorities, recommends policy and program improvements, and provides direction on planning matters in coordination with the Planning and Building Director. Situations may require interpreting policies or making decisions based on available facts when established guidance does not apply. 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 role requires manual dexterity, hearing, close visual focus, sustained attention, and regular interaction with employees and the public, including directing, negotiating, and mediating.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in City or Regional Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation, Engineering, or a related field.
At least eight years of progressively responsible municipal planning experience, including managing complex planning projects or programs.
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 operate or use a telephone, copier, personal computer, various software, and other office equipment.
Possession of a current and valid Colorado driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Ability to work within established departmental policies and procedures while exercising independent judgment in managing long-range planning programs and projects.
Ability to establish project priorities, recommend policy and program improvements, and provide planning direction in coordination with the Planning and Building Director.
Ability to perform sustained reading, document review, writing, and computer use, and to interact regularly with employees and the public, including directing, negotiating, and mediating.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience with graphic-design and modeling applications such as Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUp.
Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered if they provide evidence of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Responsibilities

Develop, coordinate, and implement the City’s long-range planning work program, setting priorities, managing resources, and monitoring progress toward goals.
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 in collaboration with technical teams; review plans, specifications, and contract documents.
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.