Principal Planner

City of Raleigh North Carolina•Raleigh, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Raleigh is seeking a Principal Planner to join our Planning and Development Department. This role will lead high-impact, complex planning initiatives that shape the future of the community through strategic planning, research, data analysis, and innovative problem-solving. Drive business process improvements by transforming data into actionable insights, developing performance metrics, and implementing solutions that enhance organizational effectiveness and customer service. Champion cross-functional projects of significant complexity and public visibility, coordinating diverse stakeholders, facilitating collaboration, and guiding initiatives from concept through implementation. And lead public engagement efforts, synthesizes technical information into meaningful recommendations, and prepares executive-level reports, presentations, and policy analyses to support informed decision-making. Additionally, they will serve as a trusted liaison between the department, City leadership, partner agencies, boards and commissions, developers, and the public, fostering strong relationships and advancing strategic priorities. Review and validate complex data to ensure sound planning decisions, mentors and may supervise staff, and provides leadership on initiatives that improve processes, strengthen partnerships, and deliver lasting community impact.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Studies, Transportation or a related field
5 to 7 years’ of progressively responsible experience in a lead or supervisory capacity related to urban, land use, or regional planning
Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted
Valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire
Knowledge of: Principles, practices, and methods of urban planning, land development, zoning, subdivision, and municipal development processes
Complex development review processes, including the coordination of multiple disciplines, review types, and regulatory requirements
Project management principles, including scope development, scheduling, risk identification, issue resolution, and stakeholder coordination
Business process improvement methodologies, workflow analysis, performance measurement, and operational efficiency strategies
Municipal government operations, organizational structures, interdepartmental collaboration, and public-sector decision-making processes
Data analysis, reporting techniques, performance metrics, and the use of data to inform policy and operational decisions
Federal, State, and local regulations, policies, ordinances, and procedures affecting planning and development activities
Public engagement practices, stakeholder communication strategies, and consensus-building techniques
Principles of change management, organizational improvement, and implementation of new processes or technologies
Skill in: Leading complex, multidisciplinary projects involving multiple departments, agencies, stakeholders, and competing priorities
Analyzing complex issues, identifying solutions, and developing recommendations that balance regulatory requirements, operational needs, and customer expectations
Facilitating collaboration among diverse groups, including City leadership, elected officials, developers, consultants, agencies, and the public.
Managing multiple high-priority initiatives while maintaining organization, accountability, and attention to detail
Developing clear and effective written reports, presentations, policies, procedures, and executive-level communications
Using data, analytics, and performance measures to evaluate processes, identify trends, and support continuous improvement
Interpreting technical information, regulations, policies, and procedures and communicating them effectively to varied audiences
Building partnerships, resolving conflicts, and navigating complex organizational environments
Leading meetings, workshops, and stakeholder discussions to achieve alignment and measurable outcomes
Utilizing technology, software systems, and reporting tools to improve project tracking, transparency, and decision-making
Ability to: Lead strategic initiatives and complex projects from concept through implementation
Serve as a trusted advisor and resource for complex development, operational, and process-related challenges
Translate organizational goals into actionable strategies, workflows, and measurable improvements
Identify process gaps, recommend improvements, and implement solutions that enhance efficiency and customer experience
Coordinate centralized and decentralized review processes to ensure consistency, accountability, and effective communication
Establish priorities, manage competing demands, and make sound decisions in a dynamic environment
Build effective working relationships with internal teams, external partners, community stakeholders, and leadership
Communicate complex technical and regulatory information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Exercise independent judgment, professionalism, diplomacy, and discretion when addressing sensitive issues
Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in Engineering, Public Administration, Architecture, Land Scape Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field
8–10+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in planning, development review, project management, process improvement, or municipal operations
3–5 years leading multidisciplinary teams, strategic initiatives, or complex organizational projects
AICP, PE, RA, RLA,PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent professional certification
Experience working with executive leadership, public agencies, elected officials, consultants, and the development community is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Leads and manages highly complex, multidisciplinary planning, development, and strategic initiatives involving significant technical, operational, and organizational complexity
Provides leadership for complex development review processes, coordinating cross-functional teams, facilitating issue resolution, and ensuring consistent application of City policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
Develops, evaluates, and implements strategic initiatives, business process improvements, performance measures, and operational solutions that enhance organizational effectiveness, customer experience, and service delivery
Conducts advanced research, policy analysis, and data evaluation to support executive decision-making, organizational priorities, and long-range operational planning
Prepares and presents complex technical reports, recommendations, policy analyses, and presentations for executive leadership, advisory boards, commissions, regulatory agencies, and elected officials
Serves as a senior advisor and liaison to City departments, partner agencies, developers, consultants, and the public on complex planning, development, and interdepartmental coordination matters
Oversees the evaluation and coordination of complex development applications, strategic initiatives, and special projects requiring collaboration across multiple City departments and external stakeholders
Interprets, develops, and recommends policies, procedures, operational standards, and best practices that improve consistency, transparency, and efficiency across development review processes
Facilitates executive-level meetings, stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution, and consensus building to advance strategic City initiatives and complex development projects
Leads organizational change initiatives, process modernization efforts, and implementation of innovative technologies, analytics, and performance management tools
Manages consultant contracts, professional service agreements, and specialized studies, including procurement, scope development, contract administration, and performance evaluation
May supervise, mentor, develop, and evaluate professional and technical staff while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
Represents the department before City Council, advisory boards, commissions, community organizations, professional groups, and regional or state agencies as assigned
Performs other related duties and special assignments in support of departmental and organizational priorities