Position Summary

The Community Planner leads and coordinates the development and implementation of the McLean County Regional Planning Commission's (MCRPC) community planning processes for both urban and rural areas and assists with developing and updating comprehensive and transportation planning projects. The Community Planner will coordinate, prepare, and develop planning programs and projects under the direction of the Executive Director. The duties include researching, analyzing, mapping, preparing documents and presentations, and organizing and leading community/housing project committees. The position will continually pursue, consider, and appropriately implement best practices within the role and will maximize on collaborative opportunities with municipalities and other partners. This position may supervise an Assistant Planner and/or interns as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Engages in the MCRPC's comprehensive and transportation planning processes, documents, and projects.
• Collects, develops, maintains, and analyzes data using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other tools such as Tableau in support of all planning activities. Creates maps and other graphic representations.
• Leads and management the development of community plans and programs, including technical and policy reports
• Manages grant programs that fund the work of MCRPC
• Participates in the annual budgeting process and monitors spending throughout the year
• Leads all aspects of the interjurisdictional Regional Housing Initiatives
• Identifies and implements research projects related to community planning issues.
• Manage planning project consultants, as needed
• Coordinates the agencies outreach efforts to increase the community's awareness of MCRPC and planning related issues. This may include communication materials such as surveys, posters, videos and audio publications, and other marketing/outreach materials. It also includes attending public meetings and other events in association with planning efforts.
• Engages with local stakeholders in association with MCRPC activities
• Attends and participates in meetings, conferences, workshops, and seminars to keep up-to-date with current/best planning practices
• Other responsibilities as may be assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Visionary – Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; provides vision and inspiration to other employees
• Customer Services – Manages difficult or emotional customer (external/internal) situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments
• Quality Management – Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; fosters quality focus in others; improves process, products and services
• Project Management – Develops project plans; coordinates projects; communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time and within budget; manages project team activities
• Business Acumen – Understands business implications of decisions; demonstrates knowledge of the Commission's business and competition; aligns work with strategic goals
• Cost Consciousness – Works within approved budget; develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue; conserves organizational resources
• Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; writes clearly and concisely
• Judgment – Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions
• Respect – Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position
• Safety – Proactively supports a safety-minded work environment
• Knowledge of contemporary planning concepts, principles, and skills developed by both educational training and work experience
• A working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local planning laws and regulations
• Experience administering public agency programs and projects
• Ability to develop positive relationships with a variety of community, business, government, and neighborhood organizations, citizens, and staff
• Ability to think critically and work independently in performing planning duties

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning or closely-related field
• Two (2) to Three (3) years of professional experience in a planning agency or firm
• Coursework or experience in land use planning
• Experience in community engagement and committee leadership
• Experience with MS Office programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Working knowledge in GIS and other computer/design/data management programs related to planning
• Or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning or closely related field
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification
• Three (3) or more years of professional experience in a planning agency or firm
• Superior writing, communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: Housing, Community Development, Grant Management, Comprehensive Planning, Transportation/Transit Planning
• Experience in dealing with big data and data dashboards