Senior Planner

McAdams•Tampa, FL

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Planner is an experienced, certified planning professional responsible for helping to strengthen and grow the entitlement group in the Tampa (TPA) metro and throughout Central Florida. This person will collaborate with clients and internal teams to lead projects through all phases of design, due diligence, planning, entitlement and site development. Responsibilities will include proposal writing, budget management, staff development and managing client relationships. This person and their team will provide valuable entitlement guidance to internal project teams in all market sectors as well as directly to clients. At McAdams, we invest in growth-minded leaders who are eager to build, innovate, and elevate those around them. You will have the autonomy to shape strategy, influence market direction, and expand capabilities—backed by a collaborative leadership team, robust internal resources, and a strong platform for long-term career development. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and is motivated by meaningful impact, continuous improvement, and helping others succeed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited program in Landscape Architecture, City/Community /Regional Planning, Urban Planning, or related field
Possess AICP certification, and or RLA
15+ years’ experience in planning or design
Display advanced oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of regulatory requirements and planning standards
Excellent communication, critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills
Self-starter with strong drive for personal growth and a commitment to continuous improvement
Excellent organizational and time management skills to facilitate accurate, efficient, and quality project deliverables

Responsibilities

Oversee the preparation and submission of entitlement applications, including zoning amendments, conditional use permits, and variances, ensuring that all necessary documentation is accurate and complete.
Successfully manage planning or entitlement projects through the review process; respond to comments, clearly communicate issues and potential solutions to clients, and obtain project / staff / council approval according to the client's schedule.
Implement and uphold rigorous quality control measures throughout the planning process by reviewing project deliverables for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to regulatory standards.
Assist Project Manager with or independently lead the project team with the review and input of project design and development review process as applicable to the entitlement process.
Assist Project Manager with scoping projects and development of tasks on proposals or change orders.
Track project progress, timelines, and budgets, providing regular updates to project managers and stakeholders, and identifying any potential risks or challenges that may impact project outcomes.
Draft proposals or contracts in accordance with project entitlement and construction schedules and fees.
Foster effective partnerships with corporate services including Accounting, Admin Services, and HR among others, to streamline processes, ensure compliance, and enhance operational efficiency.
Prepare, review and approve project billing with accounting/admin team and collect accounts receivable in accordance with company collection policy.
Maintain client relationships from initial meeting through final deliverable to ensure client satisfaction, including monitoring of the Firm's interactions throughout project duration.
Actively participate in business development initiatives by identifying and pursuing potential project leads, while collaborating with the client management team to effectively relay insights and strategic opportunities that align with organizational goals and client needs.
Develop community engagement plans and supporting materials / graphics, collaborate with staff and community partners, facilitate engagement meetings / events and prepare community engagement summaries.
Provide guidance and mentorship to junior planning staff, fostering their professional development and ensuring the application of best practices in planning processes.
Perform other duties as assigned.