Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a dynamic and innovative Principal Regional Planner to join the Sustainable and Resilient Development (SRD) Department within our Planning Division. This position will lead the programmatic assessment and strategic development of SCAG's REAP 2.0 Regional Utilities Supporting Housing (RUSH) Program, a $35 million capital planning and infrastructure initiative. The role plays a crucial part in advancing SCAG's efforts to invest in clean and resilient utility infrastructure investments aligned with the Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) to support housing and related infill development. The Principal Regional Planner will support continuous improvement, introduce innovative approaches, and apply best practices to enhance efficiency, organization, and communication in a fast-paced, evolving environment. This position will also guide key assessments, and recommendations to support clean, resilient infrastructure planning and implementation across the Southern California region.

This is a limited-term position with an estimated term length of 18 months. Term length may be adjusted based on available funding.

The Sustainable and Resilient Development Department focuses on advancing and implementing strategies and tools in support of Connect SoCal, the region's adopted Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy, and its identified goals, policies, and strategies to enhance regional and local resilience. The Department is organized into business units and program areas, with work focused on two areas: Resilience & Resource Conservation and Regional Demographics & Growth Vision.

WHO WE ARE

As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG's values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered.

SCAG operates as a hybrid organization because we recognize that work can be successfully performed in various locations. Designing a work environment and culture where SCAG's mission, effectiveness, and collaboration can be more flexibly served demonstrates our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) by supporting work-life balance for our employees, retaining our existing dedicated staff, and increasing access to new talent pools.

As part of our Work@SCAG policy, employees are eligible for two work models: in-office and hybrid. Eligibility for these models will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties, as determined by management. All work models require employees to be based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to follow the hybrid model and be in the office 2 days per week.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

MISSION
To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.

VISION
Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future.

SCAG CORE VALUES

• Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do.
• Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.
• Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.
• Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.
• Cultivate Belonging: Embrace differences, foster equity, champion inclusion, and empower all.

In this role you can expect to:

• Lead the programmatic assessment and delivery of the REAP 2.0 RUSH Program, a $35M infrastructure construction and planning initiative with 12 projects.
• Represent SCAG in engaging with critical regional utility agencies and peer organizations that have undertaken similar infrastructure projects.
• Conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of Urban Land Institute Industry Forum recommendations, outlining short-term and long-term actions SCAG can take.
• Research comparable infrastructure programs across the country to identify best practices, challenges, and considerations relevant to SCAG's efforts.
• Lead the preparation of recommended strategies for SCAG specific to clean and resilient infrastructure programs in support of SCS implementation.
• Perform administrative duties related to project management and program delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you'll bring to this role:

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 7 years of experience in urban planning and design, project management, planning regulations, and a bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.

We'll be a great match if you also have:

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local funding sources and regulations, land use and transportation programs, and research methods related to planning and analysis.
• Knowledge of policy analysis techniques, planning theories, and practices.
• Knowledge of survey design, data collection, quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods.
• Experience developing and facilitating presentations, written and oral communication, stakeholder engagement, and budget administration.
• Experience in project management, data visualization systems, and database management.
• Experience using survey deployment platforms and Microsoft Office Suite (basic to intermediate features).
• The ability to plan policy analysis, write and administer grants, and lead planning projects in a policy area.
• The ability to mentor and provide professional development, build relationships, and contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• The ability to synthesize and analyze information, design survey instruments, summarize data, and develop clear, concise communications and reports.
• The ability to maintain a professional demeanor in stakeholder and working group meetings.
• A strong focus on continuous improvement, introducing innovative new approaches and best practices from an administrative standpoint, with a commitment to enhancing efficiency, organization, internal clarity, and communication methods.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where complexity and rapid change require agility, creativity, and a focus on improving internal processes.