PLANNING DIRECTOR
GPCOG is looking for an experienced planning professional to lead its planning work, build on its capabilities and programs providing a range project management and land use planning services in support of local governments and regional partners throughout southern Maine. If you have experience building and leading a team of planning professionals, strong, demonstrated knowledge of urban design and placemaking principles, experience writing and/or administering form-based codes, and understanding of site development, factors affecting development feasibility, and local community development, we’d like you to be part of our team.
What you’ll do
• Develop projects, secure and manage grants and contracts, and expand GPCOG’s portfolio of planning services, including complex, high-impact projects
• Identify opportunities for and support the agency’s resource and grants development efforts
• Produce high quality deliverables that can be used as examples and future models
• Help lead regional land use and transportation planning efforts
• Lead and manage GPCOG’s team of planners and data professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and development
• Be a mentor to other planners in the region, sharing skills, knowledge, and building GPCOG’s capacity to serve our communities
• Coordinate public-facing communications and products with the Communications Director and Community Engagement Manager as needed
What you bring
• Demonstrated success and working knowledge of the principles of urban design and placemaking, smart growth, and regional planning
• Ability to build, lead, and manage staff in a team setting
• Training, experience writing and/or administering form-based codes
• Understanding of site development, permitting processes and factors influencing/affecting development feasibility and local community development readiness
• Strong writing, document creation, and spreadsheet skills
• Able to manage multiple complex projects, meeting deadlines and budgets with strong collaborative skills and ensuring successful outcomes
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated community engagement skills in an urban design and planning context, working effectively with the general public and diverse stakeholders and communities
• Excellent understanding of local, state and federal land use regulations, with an emphasis on planning requirements and funding
• Bachelor’s degree in planning, urban design or architecture, or a related discipline with a strong emphasis in planning from an accredited college or university
• Ten (10) years of progressive, professional planning experience including at least five (5) years each leading land use and transportation planning efforts in a regional context and managing and supervising other professional staff
• Or any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
What to know
• The Planning Director is a highly skilled professional management position responsible for leading regional planning efforts, providing planning services and project management in support of local governments and regional partners throughout Southern Maine
• Driving or access to reliable transportation, occasional travel, and extended hours are required
• GPCOG offers competitive benefits, a fun, flexible, and creative work environment, and an annual salary of up to $105,000 for the right candidate
• People of color, people with disabilities, and veterans are welcome and encouraged to apply
What to do now
• Go to https://tinyurl.com/2p9f9hbk to provide your contact information, then
o Upload your cover letter telling us why you want to join GPCOG’s team as a Senior Planner
o Upload your résumé, highlighting your education, relevant experience, and skills
o Upload a brief sample of your work product, which could be an excerpt from a plan, a presentation, or other writing, and
• Submit all of these no later than May 31, 2022
• All applications must be submitted using this application portal to be considered
More to know
GPCOG serves as a federally designated metropolitan planning organization (as PACTS), the regional Economic Development District, and state designated regional planning agency supporting about thirty member towns and other municipalities throughout the greater Portland region. As Maine’s economic center, Greater Portland is an exciting region in which to work and live. GPCOG is committed to advancing racial equity, social and environmental justice in its work to build sustainable prosperity for all in the Greater Portland and Lakes Region.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, competitive salary, and a fun, flexible, and creative working environment. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to representing the region’s diversity in our staff and creating a positive, inclusive workplace where all can thrive.
Visit us at www.gpcog.org
