Planning Program Coordinator

Community Affairs, Department of•Atlanta, GA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is seeking an Atlanta-based Planning Program Coordinator for its Community Development Team in the Office of Community Planning, Research, and Geoanalytics. This office implements various programs impacting city and county governments, regional commissions, local authorities, partner organizations, and internal clients. The role involves administering state requirements for local and regional comprehensive planning, service delivery strategies, development impact fees, arbitration and filing of municipal annexation actions, and the Government Management Indicators Survey (GOMI), among other programs. The position will manage the office’s educational offerings and outreach functions, including programs like PlanFirst, Community Planning Success Stories and Best Practices, and the Community Planning Institute (CPI). While not requiring expertise in community planning or local government operations, this is not an entry-level position. The ideal candidate will have several years of experience working within or supporting local governments, possessing an understanding of the needs and perspectives of local officials and their staff. The role requires automobile travel around the state, including occasional overnight stays.

Requirements

Master's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND One year of experience required at the lower level Prgm Consultant 1 (GSP090) OR any other combination of education and professional experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the job.
At least a few years working within or providing support to local governments.
Applicant must have and maintain the legal ability to drive a vehicle in the State of Georgia.
High school diploma/GED and one (1) year of experience required at the lower level Prgm Consultant 1 (GSP090) or any other combination of education and professional experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the job.
Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
Must be able to perform office-related duties.
Must be able to operate office equipment.
Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, tenants, and community agencies and other entities that provide services.
Must be able to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must be able to perform essential job functions in an environment that will sometimes include increased levels of work-related stress.
Must maintain punctuality and attendance as scheduled.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Microsoft’s suite of office software
Excellent writing, and presentation skills
Skill in oral and written communication including a high level of comfort in public forums
Solid interpersonal skills and ability to interact with internal and external partners
Attention to detail; excellent time management and organizational skills
Ability to take initiative, and be a problem-solver
Ability to work well on interdisciplinary project teams requiring flexibility and adaptability
Ability to manage multiple tasks
Ability to provide timely and accurate responses to inquiries
A strong interest in event planning
Experience with Excel and data analysis; ability to interpret analytics and create actionable reports.
Experience developing educational programs and conducting community outreach/engagement
Knowledge of Georgia, its communities and regional commissions and the State’s processes and regulations related to local government management and operations (community planning, government finance, economic development, regulatory compliance, etc.)
Master’s degree in City/Urban/Rural/Community/Regional Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, or another directly related field
A relevant professional certification or eligibility for certification
Three or more years of experience working with a local government, regional commission, or consulting company serving these organizations in implementing the programs over which our office has oversight.
Most of the education and experience qualifications shown as preferred (to be considered for a salary offer above the entry level).
Experience exceeding the preferred level (to receive an offer at the top of the range posted).

Responsibilities

Manage the office’s educational offerings and outreach functions.
Administer the State’s requirements related to local and regional comprehensive planning.
Administer State’s requirements related to service delivery strategies.
Administer State’s requirements related to development impact fees.
Administer State’s requirements related to arbitration and filing of municipal annexation actions.
Administer the Government Management Indicators Survey (GOMI).
Manage the PlanFirst program.
Manage Community Planning Success Stories and Best Practices.
Manage the Community Planning Institute (CPI).
Serve as a liaison between program staffers and primary partners (cities, counties, regional commissions, authorities).
Travel around the state via automobile, including occasional overnight travel.
Conduct a short, educational presentation to DCA team members during the interview (if selected).