2026 Planning Manager

City of SeaTac•SeaTac City Hall; SeaTac, WA

About The Position

Under the direction of the Community and Economic Development (CED) Director, the Planning Manager leads, manages, supervises, and coordinates the Planning Division of the Community and Economic Development Department in accordance with state and federal laws and City codes. The role also supervises, evaluates, and trains assigned staff and provides primary staff support to the City Planning Commission. The manager oversees the City's planning activities and programs, including planning studies, comprehensive plan and zoning code updates, land-use and environmental review, and development of policies and procedures. The position coordinates with City departments, other jurisdictions, regional agencies, advisory groups, and the public, and may act for the CED Director when designated. The role also includes budget administration, public presentations, records oversight, and serving as designated essential personnel during emergency management response scenarios.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in urban planning, public or business administration, or a closely related field.
Five years of progressively responsible experience in community development, urban planning, economic development, or a closely related field.
A verifiable track record of success and a stable work history.
At least three years of progressively responsible supervisory experience.
Knowledge of City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of urban planning, community development, land use, zoning regulation, building safety, environmental regulations, and permitting principles, practices, and procedures.
Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations affecting planning, land use, code enforcement, zoning, and the environment.
Knowledge of City land-use and development regulations and zoning codes.
Skill in project planning and management.
Skill in analyzing planning uses, evaluating alternatives, and making recommendations based on findings.
Skill in presenting and defending planning reports and information in public meetings.
Skill in reading and interpreting plans and technical specifications, and checking project details, estimates, plans, and specifications.
Skill in interpreting and applying building and safety standards, state and federal regulations, department standards, and City codes and policies.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate staff work; use initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands.
A combination of education, training, and experience may qualify if it provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree or other advanced degree.
Ten years of experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and supervise City planning activities and programs in accordance with state and federal laws and City codes.
Ensure compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act and State Growth Management Act.
Develop, identify, and prioritize Division needs and program initiatives for consideration by the CED Director.
Develop and implement policies, procedures, and practices for planning studies; review of zoning and other land-use ordinances; land acquisitions; and application of land-use and environmental regulations to development proposals.
Train, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff; prioritize, assign, and review work.
Assess planning-services workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement and recommend and implement changes.
Assist the Director in implementing Comprehensive Plan regulations, programs, strategies, and action plans concerning land use, housing, transportation, capital facilities, and related services.
Act as the City’s designated SEPA-responsible official when designated by the CED Director or during scheduled or emergency absences, including making environmental determinations and reviewing SEPA appeals.
Provide the public with information about the Comprehensive Plan and development process.
Manage and provide staffing for Comprehensive Plan updates and City zoning code updates.
Perform administrative functions, including budget preparation and implementation.
Act on behalf of the CED Director when designated during scheduled or emergency absences.
Develop solutions to planning issues and coordinate planning activities with other departments, jurisdictions, and regional agencies.
Prioritize planning projects and work assignments, monitor results, review staff reports, and ensure planning issues are addressed and resolved.
Coordinate with and provide staffing for citizens’ groups, advisory boards and commissions, and outside agencies; provide primary staff support to the City Planning Commission.
Oversee preparation and maintenance of planning and community development records and reports in accordance with City and State retention requirements, and review and edit staff reports.
Make oral presentations and represent the Planning Division before other jurisdictions, task forces, boards, committees, and City Council.
Conduct Division staff meetings as needed and attend management and professional meetings and seminars as required.
Participate on the Department’s Management team in planning, organizing, and implementing policies.
Serve as designated essential personnel during emergency management response scenarios.
Perform related duties as assigned.