Planning Manager
About The Position
Are you passionate about shaping parks and public spaces that make a lasting impact on the community? As the Planning Manager, you'll lead the planning, design, and development of parks, trails, facilities, and recreational amenities throughout the Champaign Park District. This role oversees capital planning projects from concept through construction, pursues grant funding opportunities, collaborates with community partners and regulatory agencies, and supervises the Planner & ADA Coordinator. If you enjoy combining long-range vision with hands-on project management, this is an opportunity to help shape the future of parks and recreation in Champaign.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration or a related field.
- Demonstrated ability in landscape and/or facility design.
- Five or more years of experience in planning.
- Experience working on public-sector projects, including coordination with multiple stakeholders and regulatory agencies.
- Excellent personal communication skills both written and verbal.
- Computer skills in Microsoft Office including Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Proficiency in AutoCad and GIS mapping.
- Demonstrated ability to work with detailed information in a precise and timely manner.
- Demonstrated ability to organize, plan, budget, and implement projects with multiple deadlines.
- Aptitude and willingness to become licensed as a professional landscape architect in Illinois.
- A valid State of Illinois driver’s license.
Nice To Haves
- Individuals with experience in planning, landscape architecture, park development, or public-sector project management who enjoy both office-based planning work and hands-on field involvement will thrive in this role.
Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, design, and development of parks, trails, facilities, and capital improvement projects.
- Prepare conceptual plans, construction drawings, specifications, bid documents, and project cost estimates.
- Supervise, coach, and develop the Planner & ADA Coordinator and Planning Interns.
- Coordinate with architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, attorneys, developers, municipalities, and regulatory agencies.
- Manage capital projects through planning, bidding, construction, and completion.
- Research, prepare, and administer grants and other funding opportunities.
- Contribute to the District's strategic, comprehensive, master, and trail planning efforts.
- Prepare Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and oversee procurement processes.
- Maintain property records, maps, easements, land transfers, annexations, and planning documentation.
- Facilitate public meetings and engage community members throughout planning projects.
- Assist with departmental budgeting and long-term capital planning.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- IMRF pension participation
- Paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and personal time
- Life insurance and voluntary supplemental benefits
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Wellness program offerings
- Flexible and supportive team environment
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
