Principal Planner

City of Raleigh North Carolina•Raleigh, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Leads high-impact, complex planning initiatives that shape the future of the community through strategic planning, research, data analysis, and innovative problem-solving. Drives business process improvements by transforming data into actionable insights, developing performance metrics, and implementing solutions that enhance organizational effectiveness and customer service. Champions cross-functional projects of significant complexity and public visibility, coordinating diverse stakeholders, facilitating collaboration, and guiding initiatives from concept through implementation. Leads public engagement efforts, synthesizes technical information into meaningful recommendations, and prepares executive-level reports, presentations, and policy analyses to support informed decision-making. Serves 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. Reviews and validates 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
Valid NC Class C Driver's License or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire

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

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