Senior Planner

LaBella Associates•Richmond, VA

20h

About The Position

LaBella Associates’ Planning Group seeks a Senior Planner to join our Richmond, Virginia office. Our planning team partners closely with municipalities to provide planning and zoning support that strengthens communities and drives sustainable growth. We specialize in community planning, area and neighborhood planning, zoning and land use regulations, revitalization strategies, environmental planning, grant services, and robust community engagement. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in municipal planning support, with expertise in comprehensive planning, zoning, public engagement, and implementation strategies that help communities in Virginia achieve their long-term goals. Excellent writing, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills are essential for this role. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, collaborative, and eager to contribute to municipal planning initiatives.

Requirements

Masters in Planning, public administration, or a related field and 5-10 years of experience.
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree will also be considered
AICP preferred or on track to achieve certification
Broad understanding of the principles and practices of municipal planning, zoning, and public engagement.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with ability to present to elected officials, boards, and the public.
Strong presentation/facilitation skills
Graphic and visualization skills to support plans and engagement
Self-motivated with an eagerness to learn
Outgoing personality and ability to work effectively with diverse community stakeholders

Responsibilities

Preparing reports and analyses including comprehensive plans, land use studies, and neighborhood/downtown revitalization strategies.
Leading and facilitating public meetings, workshops, and engagement events to gather meaningful community input.
Drafting and updating zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and other land use tools.
Preparing and administering grant applications to support municipal projects and programs.
Managing projects, including scheduling, budgets, deliverables, and municipal client communications.
Building and maintaining municipal client relationships, including preparation of proposals and presentations to boards and councils.