Planning and Land Acquisition Manager

Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks•43081, OH

About The Position

The Planning and Land Acquisition Manager is a key administrative leader responsible for directing strategic planning, capital improvement projects, and land acquisition initiatives for Metro Parks. The position oversees the land acquisition budget, leads multi-agency and regional planning partnerships, manages real estate transactions from evaluation through closing, and supports executive leadership and the Board of Park Commissioners in advancing long-term district growth and environmental sustainability. The manager assists the Executive Director with overall direction and coordination of planning and land acquisition, collaborates with leadership on long-range goals and priorities, and coordinates planning studies and regional initiatives. The role implements the District’s land acquisition strategy, evaluates potential properties, manages due diligence and real estate documentation, and maintains acquisition records. It also prepares reports, presentations, policy recommendations, and grant applications, and represents Metro Parks with agencies, landowners, partners, and the public.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in City and Regional Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Design, Geographic Information Systems, Natural Resources Management, or a closely related field.
At least two years of experience in city and regional planning, park planning, landscape architecture, capital project development, or land acquisition; equivalent combinations of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
Knowledge of applicable sections of the Ohio Revised Code, real estate, zoning laws, and contract law.
Valid Ohio Driver License, insurability by Metro Parks’ insurance carrier, and ability to conform to the driving standards policy approved by the Board of Park Commissioners.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with the public, staff, contractors, planning and design professionals, community groups, and public agency officials, and to explain technical information in everyday language.
Ability to make presentations.
Demonstrated experience using computers, web-based programs, email, social media venues, and Microsoft Office products.
Ability to use Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) systems and Geographic Information Systems.
Ability to prepare concise, accurate reports; perform calculations involving fractions, decimals, percentages, and advanced mathematics; and recognize and correct errors.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, develop recommendations, and produce decision-support reports.
Ability to understand broad organizational objectives and provide sophisticated supporting financial data.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with coworkers, other professionals, and the general public.
Ability to work on a team and provide outstanding customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Being present at work is an essential function of the position.

Responsibilities

Assist the Executive Director with the overall direction and coordination of Metro Parks planning and land acquisition.
Establish and manage the land acquisition budget, including invoices, expenditures, and related financial activities.
Assist with development and management of the capital improvement budget.
Coordinate departmental initiatives, strategies, and workflows across leadership, staff, and departments.
Manage specialized initiatives and strategic assignments as assigned by the Executive Director.
Serve as a primary liaison with public agencies, professional organizations, utility companies, community groups, and stakeholders on land acquisition initiatives.
Represent Metro Parks at stakeholder meetings, public forums, and community events.
Collaborate with the Executive Director and leadership team to formulate and implement long-range strategic goals, policies, and land acquisition priorities.
Develop and coordinate planning studies, including park master plans, greenway plans, and park development initiatives.
Lead Metro Parks’ participation in regional planning efforts, including MORPC Central Ohio Greenways and local community comprehensive plans.
Coordinate planning initiatives among internal staff, MPOs, outside agencies, consultants, contractors, and community partners.
Assist with planning, strategic communications, and long-term funding initiatives supporting sustainable district growth.
Prepare and deliver reports, presentations, and policy recommendations for executive leadership and the Board of Park Commissioners.
Prepare grant applications, submit competitive funding requests, track awarded grants, and complete required project reporting.
Implement the District’s land acquisition program and strategy in alignment with its strategic plan and organizational goals.
Evaluate potential real estate acquisitions from initial property review through closing and prepare purchase recommendations for executive leadership.
Manage property due diligence, including research, site surveys, environmental assessments, appraisals, title work, and property tax filings.
Prepare, negotiate, and execute purchase agreements, leases, easements, rights-of-entry, and related real estate legal documents.
Serve as the primary contact with landowners, real estate brokers, attorneys, title companies, zoning officials, and public agencies during land transactions.
Develop maps, graphics, and decision-support materials to evaluate property opportunities.
Prepare closing documentation, secure resolutions and purchase orders, handle escrow requirements, and represent Metro Parks at property closings.
Review and approve property tax statements, acquisition-related invoices, and real estate expenditures.
Maintain organized departmental records, property databases, deeds, maps, and land acquisition files.
Perform special projects and related duties as required or assigned.