Salary Range

9,117.00 - 13,676.00

Job Summary

Vancouver is one of the fastest growing cities in the Pacific Northwest. With a fabulous waterfront, vibrant downtown, great parks, neighborhoods and public spaces, a commitment to smart growth, excellent service delivery, a competitive business environment and an engaged community, we continue to attract people and businesses from around the region and up and down the west coast. The City is currently looking for a Long-Range Planning Manager to help shape Vancouver’s growth and development and achieve our vision for an equitable and prosperous community where all members benefit from the growth and advancement we make together. If you are committed to building a community recognized for its quality of life, with affordable housing in vibrant, safe and walkable neighborhoods, access to jobs and economic opportunity for all, and leading-edge efforts to address climate change, this position may be for you.

The primary responsibilities for the Long-Range Planning Manager are to manage long range comprehensive, environmental, equitable development, and regional planning programs. Develop and implement plans, policies, and programs that advance strategic plan goals related to economic opportunity, housing and human needs, vibrant and distinct neighborhoods and climate and natural systems. Oversee the development of subarea, district, neighborhood and place-based action plans. Direct and oversee the work of staff and assign and review work products. Manage budgets, consultant contracts, and interlocal agreements with agency partners. Oversee public engagement processes that emphasize equitable access and culturally relevant outreach. Represent the City’s interests in local and regional planning processes related to growth management and infrastructure investment. Oversee and manage the Planning Commission and coordinate with other boards and commissions tasked with implementing long range plans and policies. Frequently present to City Council, City leadership, and partner agency boards. Understand and work effectively in a political environment. Apply an equity lens to all work activities.

This is a full-time, regular, exempt position. The schedule for this position is M-F, 8am to 5pm.

Open until filled. First review - October 3rd, 2025.

Job Details

Essential Functions:

• Manage, plan, prioritize, assign and supervise comprehensive, environmental, equitable development and regional planning programs that guide the development and preservation of the built and natural environment.  Develop new programs, initiatives and partnerships that advance the City’s strategic priorities and community development objectives. Oversee updates to the Comprehensive Plan and Title 20 development code, and other regulations. Manage development of Capital Facilities Plans in coordination with engineering, emergency services, schools, transportation and parks managers and staff. Ensure compliance with applicable city, state and federal laws and City policies, integration with related local and regional planning processes, and alignment with other City projects, polices and timelines. Prepare budgets and monitor expenditures, and forecast and make recommendations to appropriately resource projects.
• Manage highly visible, complex planning projects requiring expert knowledge in comprehensive planning and land use policy, redevelopment planning, environmental regulations, and community engagement techniques. Manage staff, budgets, timelines, schedules, and consultants. Manage and lead interagency and interdepartmental project teams, coordinate with outside partners and stakeholders, and facilitate technical and public review processes. Analyze and interpret data, prepare presentations and reports, and communicate with policymakers and the public.
• Serve as the City liaison to the Planning Commission. Manage agendas and work programs, identify training and education needs, and appropriately onboard and support members. Ensure meeting materials meet City standards and communicate effectively to both Commissioners and the community. Facilitate joint meetings with the City Council or other boards and commissions. Oversee periodic updates to handbooks, bylaws, and operating procedures. Conduct public hearings in accordance with the legal requirements of Washington State, including all public notice requirements.
• Represent the City on local, regional, and statewide committees related to growth management, land development and infrastructure investment. Coordinate with internal and external partners to define and articulate project goals and City policies and objectives. Provide technical and policy expertise, staff elected officials, and effectively communicate with City leadership to ensure integration with other City projects and policy objectives. Communicate City objectives to a variety of audiences, including policymakers, agency and community partners, and the public and media.  
• Respond to inquiries from members of the public, partner organizations, and media, and assist members of the public in understanding plan or project components and how they can participate. Ensure project and program information is available in formats that are accessible to diverse community members and needs. Ensure planning processes are inclusive and equitable, and that public engagement processes and communication methods are designed to reach and engage Vancouver’s diverse community.
• Prepare materials and present to community groups, leadership, boards and commissions and the City Council as assigned.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

• Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in urban planning, public policy or a related degree. Master’s degree preferred but not required.
• Five (5) years in urban land use, environmental, economic and/or transportation planning.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.

Preferred Licenses and/or Certifications

• Possession of a Certification by American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)  

Knowledge

• Principles and practices of urban planning, including land use, economic, environmental and transportation planning.
• Principles and practices of effective, equitable and inclusive public involvement and engagement.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Principles and practices of comprehensive planning, as mandated under the Washington State Growth Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act, and related planning frameworks.
• Principles and practices of development code writing and application.
• Principles and practices of project management.
• Principles and practices of grant writing and administration, and knowledge of local, regional and federal funding opportunities.
• Principles and practice of municipal budget preparation and administration
• Local and state politics, including working with local elected officials and effectively operating in a political environment.
• Knowledge of public-partnership development and execution.
• Principles and practices of team leadership and employee supervision.
• Principles and practices of conducting research, analyzing and modeling data, and technical writing.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Use of personal computers and basic software
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws that pertain to: land use, transportation, economic, environmental, redevelopment and public facilities planning.

Abilities

• Manage, supervise and oversee large, complex and highly visible projects and programs.
• Manage, supervise and oversee interdisciplinary project teams to achieve Council policy priorities of equity, safety and climate action as they relate to the built environment.
• Provide inspiring, creative and ethical leadership for the Long Range Planning team that achieves strategic outcomes.
• Manage, direct, and oversee the work of professional and technical personnel.
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services.
• Manage, supervise and oversee equitable and inclusive public involvement and engagement efforts.
• Integrate change management practices into planning processes.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Present data and technical information clearly and concisely, and in multiple formats, in a manner easily understood by stakeholders representing diverse communities and lived experiences.
• Manage, supervise and oversee best practices research and data gathering/analysis/interpretation to inform plan and policy development activities.
• Manage, supervise and oversee grant writing activities, develop constructive partnerships with granting agencies, and manage awarded grants.
• Read and interpret complex plans, codes and policy documents.
• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with team members, interdepartmental colleagues and community and agency partner leaders. .
• Demonstrate respect and cooperation in interactions with community members, colleagues, and policymakers.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Attend off-site meetings and work occasional nights and weekends.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Oversee multiple tasks and assignments, set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Make presentations to large groups with diverse perspectives.
• Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work effectively with others to achieve personal, team, department and citywide goals.
• Operate in a political environment.
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles.
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees.
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work.
• Consistently provide quality service.
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance.
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software.
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.
• Responsible for ensuring a safe workplace in compliance with applicable policies, procedures and regulations. Ensures supervised employee review of the City Core Accident Prevention Plan, relevant safety policies and procedures, and training on illness and injury response and specific job-related safety concerns. Reports and appropriately escalates all safety issues and all injuries.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check and a basic criminal background check.  

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you’ll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans’ preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email hrfront1@cityofvancouver.us

Job Posting End Date

Open Until Filled