The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a data-driven and collaborative Senior Regional Planner to join the Demographics & Growth Vision unit within the Planning Division. This key position will lead three major projects in the areas of local data coordination, regional economics, and applied research.

The first is SCAG's Local Data Exchange (LDX) process for the development of Connect SoCal, the agency's quadrennial Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). LDX involves coordinating the review of zoning, general plan, land use, transportation, and growth forecast data across 197 local jurisdictions to inform regional plan development.

The second project involves managing SCAG's Economic Roundtable, a quarterly convening of leading independent economists to discuss regional economic trends, data, and current events. This includes contract and project management, ensuring consistency in data and messaging, and developing quarterly summaries and an annual economic update.

The third project focuses on collaboration with internal staff and, when applicable, external university partners on data-oriented research in demographic and economic topics within regional planning. This includes contributing to analyses, technical reports, and occasionally peer-reviewed journal articles using data such as Census, business establishments, land use, and location-based services (LBS).

This position is within the Demographics & Growth Vision business unit of the Planning division at SCAG. The unit is responsible for developing demographic and economic forecasts to support the RTP/SCS, envisioning and mapping a land development pattern in Southern California that achieves region-level targets, conducting demographic assessments and economic impact analyses, and leading SCAG's Annual Demographic Workshop and an Annual Economic Summit.

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.

As part of our Work@SCAGpolicy, 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 SCAG's Local Data Exchange (LDX) process, coordinating local input on long-term growth projections and maintaining critical datasets such as zoning, land use, and general plans.
• Manage, analyze, and communicate both spatial and non-spatial data at the regional, local, and neighborhood levels to inform planning decisions.
• Communicate and collaborate independently with local jurisdiction staff to support regional planning initiatives and ensure accurate data exchange.
• Oversee and enhance data-sharing platforms and tools that facilitate two-way communication between SCAG and member jurisdictions.
• Coordinate SCAG's Economic Roundtable, engaging with leading economists and integrating their insights into quarterly data updates, the development of key economic summaries and presentations, event planning, and broader regional planning efforts.
• Maintain and expand SCAG's economic data tools by processing datasets on employment, business activity, housing, and regional trends, and fulfilling internal/external data requests.
• Interact with and contribute to data-driven research initiatives in demographics, land use, and regional trends in collaboration with internal teams and external academic partners.
• Support the annual Southern California Demographic Workshop and maintain relationships with the California Department of Finance (DOF) and State Data Center (SDC).
• Identify opportunities for innovation in data management and research to enhance SCAG's regional planning capabilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you'll bring to this role:

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 5 years of experience in urban planning and design, project management, or 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:

• Experience in GIS, spatial data management, data visualization, or statistical programming (e.g., Python, R, SQL).
• Experience in socioeconomic, demographic, and economic impact analysis, including forecasting and regional trends.
• Familiarity with big data research, including extraction, transformation, and modeling of large datasets.
• Familiarity with SCAG's ecomomic data repository.
• Proficiency in research methods, data analysis, and database management to support planning initiatives.
• Knowledge of transportation and land use planning programs at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Project management capabilities, with the ability to lead or coordinate cross-functional projects and stakeholder engagement.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data for a wide range of audiences.