Placemaking Project Manager - Planner III (11693, Grade 28)

Do you have experience revitalizing underutilized public spaces?   Do you have a passion for connecting with the community through the canvas of the built environment?  Do you have project management and time management skills?  If you answered yes, we are looking for you!   Join our innovative team dedicated to transforming spaces into vibrant, inclusive communities. At the Prince George’s County Planning Department, we believe in the power of placemaking to enhance the quality of life for individuals and foster a sense of belonging. Our Placemaking Section specializes in creating dynamic environments where people can live, work, and play harmoniously.
 
The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland National-Capital Park and Planning Commission is seeking a talented Placemaking Project Manager to join the Placemaking Section to lead our efforts in revitalizing urban and suburban areas through thoughtful design, community engagement, and strategic implementation. As a Placemaking Project Manager, you will play a pivotal role in orchestrating multidisciplinary projects aimed at transforming underutilized spaces into thriving hubs of activity and connection.
 
The Department provides land use planning for the physical development of Prince George’s County, Maryland, and the Division is responsible for developing and implementing community plans, neighborhood revitalization programs, and assisting with implementation programs.
 
 As the second most populous county in Maryland, Prince George’s has a population of approximately 900,000 residents with 15 Metro Rail Stations and is home to the University of Maryland at College Park, National Harbor, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and a world class parks and recreation system. If you are interested in working for the Prince George’s County Planning Department, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Placemaking Project Manager position.

Qualified applicants for this position will be self-starting and highly motivated and have a passion for successful and meaningful placemaking and redevelopment; outstanding analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills; proven results in placemaking, partnerships, budgeting, and project management.  
 
Salary is commensurate with education and experience.


Placemaking - Prince George's County Planning Department The primary roles for this position include:
Supporting the project lead on placemaking events and community outreach, research to underpin the Comprehensive Plan 5-Year Review, or supporting small scale projects at the local level. The individual in this position will primarily focus on working with communities to implement local projects.
Under general supervision:

• Lead the development and execution of placemaking initiatives from conception to completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community needs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including urban planners, architects, landscape designers, and community stakeholders to conceptualize and implement placemaking projects.
• Conduct thorough site assessments, research, and analysis to inform project strategies and design solutions that enhance the built environment and promote social interactions.
• Facilitate community engagement activities, workshops, and events to solicit feedback, build consensus, and cultivate a sense of ownership among diverse stakeholders.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources effectively to deliver high-quality outcomes within scope and schedule.
• Establish partnerships with local governments, county government, nonprofits, businesses, community organizations, and other entities to leverage resources and maximize project impact.
• Monitor project performance, evaluate success metrics, and develop strategies to continuously improve placemaking efforts.
• May provide planning services in assigned area of the county, to include development and permit review.
• Collaborates with staff from other sections and divisions as needed.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: 
The ideal candidate will be highly organized, have strong analytical and critical thinking skills, possess outstanding communication skills, and be proactive. In addition, they must be independently engaged in the work program and highly dependable.  
 
The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience managing placemaking projects from initiation to implementation, preferably in a community development, business improvement district, main street coalition, or urban design context.
• Experience in a Placemaking role with a Business Improvement District or Main Street Coalition is highly desired.
• Strong understanding of urban dynamics, placemaking principles, and best practices in community engagement.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and allocate resources effectively.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and build consensus across various interest groups.
• Passion for creating inclusive, sustainable, and resilient communities through placemaking initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Comfort in addressing a wide range of groups from elected leaders to community residents.
• A desire to serve the public, collaborate with other agencies and departments, and work closely with other planning team members.
• The ability to cope effectively with change, be flexible, and shift gears comfortably.
• Experience with Office 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook), SharePoint/Teams, GIS is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with design software (AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite) and Project Management Tools preferred.
• Ability to perform other related duties as assigned.
• Multilingual verbal and writing skills (Spanish desired).

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field. 
2. Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional level planning experience related to specific area of assignment such as transportation planning, environmental planning or urban planning.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
4. Valid driver’s license (depending on area of assignment) in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations.  Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.

Class/Specification: Planner III

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

Working Conditions:
Works in an office. Field work will be required for site selection, event planning, and events. Required to attend and/or facilitate public meetings with members of the community and/or events in the evening or on weekends.
 
PLEASE NOTE: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume along with their application.  Applicants should also provide a brief portfolio of placemaking or redevelopment work.

WHY PRINCE GEORGE’S PLANNING? 
Amenities:

• Telework opportunities (up to two telework days per week)
• Flexible schedules 
• Onsite fitness center
• Complimentary access to M-NCPPC gymnasiums throughout Prince George’s County 
• Free parking is available for employees 
• Professional development opportunities/Tuition assistance 
• Positions may qualify for federal student loan forgiveness assistance

The M-NCPPC offers a competitive salary range of $73,523 to $132,614 (salary is commensurate with education and experience) at the Planner III level with excellent benefits including generous leave, extensive health coverage, deferred compensation plan, and employee pension plan.
 
The Prince George’s County Planning Department is conveniently located in Largo, Maryland near Metro and I-495.
 
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Salary : $73,523 - $132,614