Senior Planner

The Planner III or Senior Planner most often requires advanced professional planning experience of high complexity and variety. The Planner III often leads or is significantly involved with larger, more complex planning assignments. Planners at this level exercise greater independence and judgment, receiving general supervision from senior management. The Planner III may supervise the Planning Technician, Planner I or II, depending on the structure of the organization. Represents the Planning Commission in public meetings and presentations. Performs related duties as required.Under administrative direction, prepares and supervises the preparation of planning studies, development analyses, data analyses, market studies, and maps. Reviews the design and layout of development projects including conformance with zoning, design, and planning standards. Represents the Planning Commission and its Director in public meetings and presentations. Performs related duties as required.A High School Diploma or GED is required. A Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Affairs, Urban Studies, Urban Geography, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Architecture, or a degree of a different name in one of these subject areas from a four year accredited college or university is required. Five years of full time paid experience in Urban Planning, Architecture, or closely related field is required. (Substitution: A Master's Degree in one of the above-listed fields may substitute for two years of experience lacking.)Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for the role of a Senior Planner is a process- and solutions-oriented, proactive, organized and passionate individual that has a background in urban planning and development, data science, and/or urban policy. This individual will lead the data and technology needs of the department, inclusive of but not limited to managing the ESRI ArcGIS online content as well as planning, developing and implementing databases and applications. The candidate must be proficient in GIS and/or other data visualization platforms (e.g. Power BI). Senior Planners should have project management capabilities when it comes to managing strategic zoning policy changes and community-driven neighborhood planning.
The ideal Senior Planner has a collaborative approach towards decision-making along with comfortability with addressing and resolving multiple, sometimes conflicting demands across various stakeholders. The candidate practices strong communication and active listening skills.
This person is a self-starter and is adept in technical writing, public engagement, public presentations and municipal governance. The Senior Planner has interests in specific planning topics or neighborhoods. Given the majority non-white population in the City of Cleveland, the ideal candidate is adept in issues of racial equity and cultural competency with an action-oriented approach toward city building and our built environment, promoting racially, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse communities.

• Performs advanced professional work related to a variety of planning and zoning assignments
• Leads technology and data science for the department using ArcGIS, Power BI, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office suite, and/or other tools
• Interprets zoning codes, ordinances and regulations; provides information and technical assistance to the public and to co-workers
• Manages complex zoning and planning studies and development review applications
• Reviews and processes complex comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, site plans, architectural drawings, engineering drawings and plats for compliance with the zoning code
• Manages data across the department
• Works with data visualization platforms to graphically display complex or technical regulations
• Demonstrates knowledge, skills and abilities in editing GIS layers in ArcGIS Pro
• Develops and informs policy decisions related to zoning, entitlement processes, and contemporary planning issues
• Conducts research and prepares statistical reports on land use, physical, social and economic issues
• Provides professional planning assistance to member committees on varied land use projects
• Manage or assist with portions of the comprehensive citywide plan update
• Create community engagement materials and manage community engagement processes in various neighborhood districts
• Other duties as assigned by the Planning Director, Assistant Director or the Manager, Zoning and Technology

Minimum Requirements

• A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in urban or regional planning, architecture, public administration, public policy, transportation planning, sustainability and environmental studies or related field from a four-year accredited college or university is required
• Exercises strong analytical and organizational skills
• Understands contemporary urban issues, social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively, building and maintaining interpersonal relationships through effective communication skills and responsiveness
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects
• Possesses and demonstrates good problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities
• Demonstrates knowledge of standard office procedures, practices, and adept use of technology tools such as ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite, file sharing platforms, et al.
• Demonstrates a commitment to public, ethics and customer service
• Demonstrates a commitment to innovation and possesses an entrepreneurial spirit
• Physical abilities to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to perform duties with tact, discretion, and confidentiality
• Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines
• Understands climate change and integrate environmental and climate justice into strategic planning, approach, and implementation

Preferred Expertise

• Four years of full-time paid experience in urban planning, architecture or a closely related field
• Understands the structures, practices and relationships required to work effectively within city government and demonstrates ability to work across departments and organizations to achieve results
• Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops
• Demonstrates a sense of urgency and ability to work expeditiously in a deadline driven environment.
• Demonstrates an ability to set goals and develop strategies and schedules for meeting goals
• Bilingual speakers preferred, either in Spanish, Arabic or Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese)

Supervision

• The City Planner will report to the Manager, Zoning and Technology section.

About the City Planning Commission. The City Planning Commission envisions a thriving urban community resilient in the face of changing regional, national, and global conditions. The department is an advocate for the preservation and establishment of prosperous communities that are authentic and diverse, providing equitable access to the resources necessary for residents to thrive. We accomplish this by enhancing physical development, preserving the City's history, and creating places for people that are healthy, sustainable and vibrant for current and future generations. The department has up to 30 staff members who oversee the City Planning Commission, the Landmarks Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Board of Building Standards and Appeals.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Mayor Bibb is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes building an environment that respects the individual, promotes innovation, and offers opportunities for all employees to develop to their full potential. A diverse workforce helps the City realize its full potential. The City benefits from the creativity and innovation that results when people with different experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds work together. The Team is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, language, religion, citizenship status, sex, age, marital status, sexual preference or orientation, gender identity/expression, military/veteran status, disability, genetic information, membership in a collective bargaining unit, status with regard to public assistance, or political affiliation.

Employment Type: Full-time