Community Planner

Job ID: 30242

Date Opened: 09/05/2025

Date Closed: 09/19/2025

Community Planner Job Summary

This position is located within the Office of Planning (OP), Neighborhood Planning division. Neighborhood Planning has six main areas of responsibilities which shape the future development and revitalization of the District's neighborhoods namely, developing small area plans and planning studies; conducting stakeholder engagement, coordinating and tracking plan implementation; participating in citywide planning initiatives that have a neighborhood impact; monitoring and reviewing development projects; and acting as a liaison to elected officials and community stakeholders on land use, development, and planning issues. This position is at an advanced professional level within the division and has corresponding technical expertise and administrative responsibilities in all six of these areas. The Neighborhood Planning Division includes planners assigned to each ward of the District to work in collaboration with Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, citizen associations, residents, businesses, elected officials, and District agencies.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent in this position performs advanced professional planning activities for major multi-phased projects, which include: identifying critical neighborhood-level planning issues, conducting data research and analysis, leading a participatory public engagement process, managing a team of internal planners or external consultants, and formulating policy recommendations to advance development and revitalization opportunities. Serves as the project manager for advanced planning activities with responsibilities that include developing scopes of work, project work plans, and schedules; coordinating all phases of the assigned project's procurement process; and serving as the contracting officer's technical representative. Coordinates and reviews project team analysis, field work, research, and reports related to the assigned project for consistency with District planning objectives, policy, and office standards.

Participates in the legislative approval process by drafting key documents and participating in the Council hearing process. Developes community engagement strategies to ensure an inclusive, multi-stakeholder process; evaluates public support for project plans; and serves as principal liaison between public and private sectors. Assists the Associate Director with specific managerial and administrative tasks and provides general guidance and leadership to Division members in order to accomplish key tasks. Facilitates implementation of neighborhood plans and studies by developing and executing work plans, materials, and reports to assist in stakeholder communication. The incumbent shall have expert proficiency in planning principles and theories, including land use, economic development, transit/transportation, sustainable development, housing development, urban design, and research techniques; the ability to lead and work effectively as part of a team or independently to complete work assignments; and superior communication skills, both orally and in writing. Additionally, the incumbent shall be highly skilled in interacting with a wide variety of people ranging from neighborhood residents to high level agency officials.