Planning Manager

City of Englewood Colorado•Englewood, CO

About The Position

The Planning Manager serves as a division head and member of the management team of the Community Development Department. Leads, manages and participates in all current and long-range planning projects and programs, and provides supervision of the professional staff responsible for plan review and approval, board/commission activities, zoning administration, comprehensive planning, area planning and regional land use partnerships. Position acts as a professional and technical advisor to the Planning and Zoning Commission, other boards and commissions that are coordinated by the department, the City Council, Community Development Director and other municipal officials on matters related to community planning programs, projects and services. The following listed examples of work identify the general duties of the Planning Manager. The duties and responsibilities of the position may be modified as necessary and as planning and development conditions in the community change over time. Please review the Planning Manager Brochure [https://www.englewoodco.gov/home/showdocument?id=35536&t=639116665048714530] for more information about the position and the City of Englewood.

Requirements

Master’s degree in urban or regional planning or in a directly related field required.
A minimum of 6 years of professional planning experience in developing and managing both current and long-range planning projects and programs.
A minimum of 3 years of supervisory and administrative experience is required, preferably at a division head level.
Principles, practices and techniques of urban and regional planning
Planning processes and trends
Municipal development, zoning and building codes
Legal principles associated with the regulation of development and land use
Municipal organization and administration
Office software including all applications associated with the Microsoft Office platform
Transportation planning
Incorporation of urban design principles into development projects and plans
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Real estate development practices
Planning data development and analysis
Grant funding application and administration
Supervision – Ability to manage, supervise, motivate and evaluate professional planning staff in a manner that promotes effective and accurate outcomes, professional advancement, and which supports the department’s goal of providing a professional and supportive work environment.
Communication – Advanced interpersonal skills required to establish and maintain positive working relationships with department and city staff, board members, City Council, applicants, interest groups and the public. Includes the ability to prepare and deliver written communications and verbal presentations before a variety of audiences.
Relationship Management: Builds strong, collaborative relationships with City staff and diverse stakeholders through trust and clear communication. Leads City staff in supporting planning initiatives through sound judgment, policy knowledge and emotional intelligence.
Leadership and Team Management: Fosters a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture. Guides teams and partners through change with resilience and adaptability.
Analytical Skills: Uses data and community insights to identify trends, challenges and improvement opportunities. Aligns programs with City goals and adapts to evolving business needs through critical thinking and problem-solving.
General Management – Demonstrated skills to assist in the management of the Community Development Department’s work programs, budget and other administrative functions.
Project Management – Strong skills needed to plan, organize and coordinate the activities of the Planning Division. Includes the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.

Nice To Haves

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage and direct the projects and programs of assigned staff and functions related to community planning and development activities. Supervise the professional planning staff of the Community Development Department.
Facilitate the development and administration of the division’s work program, budget, project assignments, and staff professional development activities. Serve as a member of the department’s management team.
Review and analyze development applications and proposals such as site plans, subdivision plans, planned unit developments, zoning requests and other applications for compliance with established land use codes and ordinances. Formulate and communicate information and recommendations to applicants, boards and commissions, City Council and the public.
Research and write amendments to the development code, as required. May include text amendments, new or amended zoning districts and development/design guidelines. Prepare recommendations as appropriate.
Oversee the activities of the city’s Development Review Team, the group of staff from multiple city departments who act in coordination to review pre-development requests and facilitate development applications through the review and approval process.
Coordinate the implementation of the Englewood Forward Comprehensive Plan, area plans, bicycle and pedestrian plans and facilitates the other projects and programs that ensure the long-term sustainability and vitality of the community. Ensure that the city’s mapping resources, including GIS provide required data to internal and external users.
Meet with developers, architects, business owners, citizens and others to ensure effective communication regarding the status of development applications and department planning projects and programs.
Prepare professional written communications that effectively convey recommendations and present recommendations before the Planning and Zoning Commission, other boards and commissions, the City Council and at community meetings.
Provide backup to the professional planning staff by responding to citizen walk-ins, phone calls and review/approval of less technical permits. Follow-up inquiries in a timely manner.
Pursue continuing professional development through department-supported activities with organizations including the American Planning Association, American Institute of Certified Planners and the Urban Land Institute.
Serve as acting director of the Community Development Department in the director’s absence.
Support the department’s internal goal of fostering a professional, open-minded, supportive, communicative and enjoyable work environment.
Provide the excellent customer service expected of all Community Development Department and City of Englewood employees.