Planner II/III

Planner II/III

First Review of Applications: Friday, January 16, 2026 (open until filled)

Role and Responsibilities

SEMCOG is seeking an organized and experienced Planner II or III with a strong foundation of economic development and downtown revitalization to join the Economic and Community Vitality team. This position is ideal for a Planner who can coordinate the development of plans through research, data analysis, and policy development; contribute to the development and implementation of the region’s economic development strategy; and provide technical assistance to member local governments. The major work priorities and focus areas of this position include, but are not limited to placemaking, brownfields, Main Street and downtown revitalization, business attraction, fostering entrepreneurship, rural economic development, connecting talent with jobs, and community economic resiliency. Attend virtual and in-person meetings with communities and partner organizations regarding economic and community development planning. Develop materials and present SEMCOG information to various stakeholder groups. Provide technical assistance to members in key economic issue areas. Employment offers of level II or III will be commensurate with applicant experience and qualifications. This position is part of a job series and offers employee development and promotional opportunities.

The ideal candidate will have an understanding of economic development planning and tools including brownfields and downtown revitalization; local government experience; GIS , good organization and time management skills; detailed, self-motivated, and capable of working on and completing multiple tasks; excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact and work with a range of external stakeholders; and demonstrate a strong work ethic and comfort in working both independently and within teams. The above includes a focus on inclusivity to ensure meeting the vision, All people in Southeast Michigan benefit from a connected, thriving region of small towns, dynamic urban centers, active waterfronts, diverse neighborhoods, premier educational institutions, and abundant agricultural, recreational and natural areas.

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Economic Development, Community Development, Economics, Public Administration, Urban Studies, Planning, or a related field. Related professional certification desired (i.e., AICP, etc.).
• At least 3 to 7 years of experience of increasing responsibility
• Experience managing projects with multiple stakeholder groups , group facilitation, working on a multi-disciplinary team, and with technical writing/communication.
• Working knowledge with GIS and visual mapping tools; placemaking, the Main Street Approach, and current community and economic development legislative issues.
• Effective written, verbal, public speaking, and presentation skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.).
• Support and promote a strong internal culture based on SEMCOG core values.

Total Compensation Estimate = $129,516*

In addition to annual base salary, SEMCOG offers a valuable mix of health and fringe benefits! On average, employee benefits account for 42% of Total Compensation.

• Flex time (Core work hours: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm)
• Hybrid Work Environment (A blend of virtual and in-person work. Michigan residency required.)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Paid Jury Duty
• Transit or parking assistance when working onsite

Join us! How to Apply

Please email employment application, cover letter and résumé to the Human Resources Department. Full job posting and employment application at https://www.semcog.org/careers.

About SEMCOG

SEMCOG is a voluntary association of local governments fostering cooperative efforts in order to move the region forward. Since its inception in 1968, SEMCOG has acted as a regional planning partner with local governments in the seven-county Southeast Michigan region, which is made up of Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties. Membership is open to all counties, cities, villages, townships, intermediate school districts, and community colleges.

SEMCOG is committed to building a staff team that represents the rich diversity of the Southeast Michigan region. As a result, we place an emphasis on maintaining a strong internal culture. SEMCOG’s core values below are the basis of our workplace culture and how we perform our work.

•Visionary – We work holistically, inspiring innovative regional and local solution.

•Collaborative and Inclusive – We are respectful, approachable, and embrace different perspectives to meet the diverse needs of our region.

•Strategic – We are intentional, yet flexible in order to leverage opportunities

•Integrity – We are committed to the ethical and honest stewardship of our fiscal, natural, and built resources.

•Knowledgeable – We strive for excellence through sound data and research and continuous learning, ensuring we are a credible and influential voice for Southeast Michigan

SEMCOG promotes a positive, fun, flexible, and welcoming workplace that encourages staff to celebrate what makes them unique while learning about the things that they share. We accomplish by asking questions engaging in areas of work that are aligned with our interests. SEMCOG understands the importance of work/life balance, offering the flexibility our staff needs to accommodate their personal needs. SEMCOG values the importance of continuing education and encourages staff to seek opportunities for personal and professional growth.

At SEMCOG, we embrace and celebrate the collective sum of our unique experiences, knowledge and talents, innovation, and self-expression, which strengthens our organization. We all have a role to play in cultivating and preserving a place of belonging. We at SEMCOG define diversity as the presence of differences across a wide range of backgrounds, identities, experiences, and viewpoints. To us, equity means fair, just and impartial treatment, opportunity, access, and engagement for all. We see inclusion as an environment that values, respects, and welcomes all perspectives, especially ensuring underrepresented groups are included. Together, it is our goal to promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion to fulfill our mission and achieve our vision for a connected, thriving Southeast Michigan.

Acquiring Talent

SEMCOG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices and laws. SEMCOG prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees, applicants, or any other covered persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, height, weight, marital status, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This statement applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.