The Principal Planner – Long-Range Planning serves as the senior professional planner responsible for leading long-range and strategic planning efforts, including updates to the City's Comprehensive Plan, sub-area and corridor studies, and master planning initiatives. This position is second-in-command to the Planning Manager and provides guidance, mentorship, and project oversight to other planners. The role requires independent judgment, technical expertise, and a strong understanding of land use, transportation, infrastructure, and housing policy to guide the city's growth and development in alignment with community goals.

Essential Job Duties:

• Lead the development and implementation of long-range planning initiatives including the Comprehensive Plan, corridor and neighborhood plans, special studies, and land use strategies.
• Supervise, mentor, and support junior planning staff; assign and manage projects and timelines; provide quality control on technical deliverables.
• Serve as project manager on major planning efforts including scope development, consultant oversight, stakeholder engagement, public communication, and implementation strategies.
• Coordinate interdepartmental teams and serve as a liaison to regional, state, and federal agencies on long-range planning topics.
• Analyze demographic, economic, land use, and infrastructure data to inform planning decisions and policy recommendations.
• Present findings and recommendations to internal leadership, Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council, and the public.
• Assist in the preparation and management of grant applications and planning-related RFPs/RFQs.
• Support updates to zoning and development regulations consistent with long-range planning goals.
• Represent the City at public meetings, community events, and on regional planning committees.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, including two (2) years in a supervisory or project leadership role.
• Experience with comprehensive planning, land use analysis, community engagement, and interdepartmental coordination.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Planning or related field.
• AICP certification.
• Experience in a fast-growing community or complex metropolitan environment.
• Familiarity with GIS (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online), Adobe Creative Suite, or other planning and design software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; experience presenting to elected or appointed boards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep knowledge of urban planning principles, zoning, transportation systems, land use law, and comprehensive planning practices.
• Strong project management and leadership skills, including the ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
• Ability to analyze complex data, prepare clear and concise reports, and make strategic recommendations.
• Skilled in facilitating public meetings and navigating politically sensitive topics with professionalism and diplomacy.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with elected officials, staff, developers, and residents.