Principal Planner/Analyst

Management & Training Corporation•San Francisco, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Planner will be a member of the Housing and Local Planning team within the Regional Planning Program serving MTC and ABAG. The Regional Planning Program guides regional planning activities related to housing, land use, resilience, and transportation to create an affordable, connected, diverse, healthy, and vibrant Bay Area for all. Within the Regional Planning Program, the Housing and Local Planning team advances regional housing and land use goals by developing and implementing key regional policies and by providing grants and technical assistance to local jurisdictions. Examples of programs and initiatives managed by the team include the Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy, Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process, Priority Development Area (PDA) grants, TOC grants, and Regional Housing Technical Assistance program. The Principal Planner will play a lead role within the Housing and Local Planning team. Over the next few years, the position is anticipated to lead strategic initiatives that provide support to local jurisdictions implementing housing and land use solutions consistent with regional goals. Responsibilities will include managing the grant and technical assistance program by overseeing the existing portfolio of grants and technical assistance, developing program policies and procedures, providing direction and support to a team of grant managers, engaging with local jurisdictions, managing consultants, and designing and implementing future programs to support local planning efforts.

Requirements

Knowledge of organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of assigned area of responsibility.
Knowledge of principles and practices of leadership.
Knowledge of modern principles of planning, modeling, research and analysis, legislative analysis and advocacy, policy research and analysis, government relations, infrastructure and housing project development, and/or policy/program evaluation.
Knowledge of principles and practices of interdisciplinary practices, analytic tools, and recent trends affecting assigned area of responsibility.
Knowledge of geographic, socio-economic, environmental, transportation, political, legislative, and other elements impacting Commission programs and projects and assigned area of responsibility.
Knowledge of principles, practices, and technologies used in the development and maintenance of data management models related to assigned projects and programs.
Knowledge of principles and practices of program development, implementation and evaluation.
Knowledge of principles and practices of project management, budget administration, and contract administration.
Knowledge of principles and practices of research, data collection, and report preparation.
Knowledge of public speaking and presentation techniques.
Knowledge of techniques for collecting, interpreting, and reporting data and information.
Knowledge of the organization and operation of the Commission and functional responsibilities of the operating sections.
Knowledge of techniques for effectively representing the Commission in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
Knowledge of recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, modeling, research and analysis, legislative analysis and advocacy, policy research and analysis, government relations, infrastructure and housing project development, and/or policy/program evaluation.
Knowledge of record keeping and filing system methods, principles, and practices.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances, as well as industry standards and best practices relevant to the assigned area of responsibility.
Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Commission staff.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Knowledge of modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to provide professional consultation and subject matter expertise related to the planning, research, development, organization, coordination, and implementation of a variety of planning, modeling, research and analysis, legislative analysis and advocacy, policy research and analysis, government relations, infrastructure and housing project development, and/or policy/program evaluation functions, programs, and strategies.
Ability to assist in developing and implementing program and service delivery goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services and make necessary changes and improvements.
Ability to manage a variety of large, complex, and high-visibility projects, initiatives, strategies, and studies related to assigned area of responsibility.
Ability to conduct research projects and/or studies on a wide variety of topics, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
Ability to coordinate and collaborate with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, community groups, and government agencies related to assigned functions, programs, and/or projects.
Ability to prepare and present clear and concise information in various formats and for diverse audiences.
Ability to analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information, data, and recommendations in an effective manner.
Ability to direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
Ability to independently organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner, organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
Ability to understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
Ability to effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, civil engineering, environmental science, communications, business or public administration, or a related field and seven (7) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in a field related to assigned area of responsibility.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in local and regional housing and land use planning.
Understanding of the relationship of housing and land use planning to mobility, economic development, and environmental resilience.
Ability to motivate, guide, and develop a team while maintaining accountability.
Strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling, and delivering complex projects on time and within scope.
Experience managing consultant teams and/or large or complex contracts, including providing direction, performance monitoring, and effective contract oversight.
Strategic thinking and ability to problem-solve and make sound, timely decisions.
Attention to detail and ability to interpret data/details accurately.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to successfully communicate complex policy issues and solutions to a broad range of audiences.
Ability to work effectively with other departments and agencies and foster a cooperative team environment.
Ability to perform effectively under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
Understanding of social equity principles and practices.
Ability to build consensus on complex and controversial issues amongst diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Lead major housing and land use initiatives within the Regional Planning Program, including project planning and execution.
Supervise one or more junior staff and/or consultants.
Coordinate closely with other members of the Housing and Local Planning team, the Regional Planning Program, and the broader agency.
Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses of key issues related to regional housing and land use planning.
Develop and implement strategic solutions to advance regional housing and land use goals.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Prepare written memos and reports.
Prepare and deliver presentations to public hearing bodies, e.g., MTC Commission and ABAG Executive Board.
Participate in and/or lead meetings or forums with a diverse range of stakeholders including local jurisdiction staff, elected officials, regional organizations, and the general public.
Represent MTC/ABAG in meetings and events.