Planner (Regional Planning)

The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) is looking for a Planner to help update and adapt Metro Vision, DRCOG’s long range plan for growth and development of the region. DRCOG adopted the first Metro Vision plan in 1997, building on a legacy of regional planning that dates to 1955. Regional planning at DRCOG has long connected growth, transportation, and sustainability, but now has a new focus area of housing with completion of a Regional Housing Needs Assessment and work soon underway on a Regional Housing Strategy.

DRCOG works to help local governments and other planning partners contribute to Metro Vision outcomes and objectives through different pathways and at different speeds for collective impact. If you have a passion for working with local governments, interest in providing technical assistance to shape regional growth through local implementation, and a desire to focus your efforts on making life better in the beautiful and sunny Denver region, please apply today!

The Denver Regional Council of Governments serves as a visionary leader along Colorado’s central front range. We tackle the BIG issues, like growth and development, transportation and meeting the needs of older adults. Our success is built on, and defined by, long-standing partnerships and serving as a forum for discussing these and other emerging issues in an effort to collectively find innovative solutions. DRCOG is a Regional Planning Commission per Colorado state statute, and is the federally designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Denver region. Our culture and values fuel and inform the work we do. Employees are rewarded with competitive compensation, generous benefits and an adaptable work environment. Sound like a good fit? We’d love to meet you!

About the Position of Planner (Regional Planning )

This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Division.

• Researches and analyzes data and information for use in long-range regional planning; collaborates with regional partners and stakeholders and maintains effective working relationships; makes recommendations on regional planning and implementation initiatives and programs.
• Provides professional-level planning services in support of a variety of internal and external planning projects; serves as a DRCOG representative on committees and advisory groups; communicates regularly with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinates and implements program activities and related funding.
• Leads and facilitates meetings with internal and external planning partners; prepares and distributes meeting materials; develops recommendations and reports based on input received.
• Assists in the preparation of regional plans; leads the development of functional plans; prepares maps, charts, and data visualizations; presents findings and recommendations to a variety of audiences.
• Provides technical assistance to local governments and other regional stakeholders; works closely with communities to develop strategies to advance local and regional goals.
• Researches best practices and emerging trends, technologies; identifies potential funding opportunities; makes related recommendations for implementation.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.
• Participates in efforts to update and adapt Metro Vision, DRCOG’s long-range plan for growth and development of the region; conducts research and analysis to evaluate, inform and improve regional planning activities.
• Contributes to efforts to help local governments and other partners implement Metro Vision.
• Supports a healthy community of planning practice that encourages innovation and knowledge sharing among local government officials, staff and other regional planning partners.
• Maintains and helps build productive relationships to advance and sustain the collective impact commitment described in Metro Vision.
• Coordinates projects and leads tasks that help build the capacity and capabilities of local governments and other stakeholders to implement Metro Vision through direct or consultant technical assistance.
• Assists in projects and tasks to support DRCOG in building and maintaining its role in regional and local housing.
• Principles and practices of urban and regional planning;
• Principles and practices of program administration and management;
• Principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative research;
• Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis;
• Best practices, trends and emerging technologies in local and regional planning;
• Effective communication techniques, including writing and public presentations oriented to a variety of audiences;
• Modern budget practices;
• Computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS.
• Basic principles and methods of stakeholder engagement;
• Principles and practices in one or more of the following areas of planning practice highly desirable : transit-oriented development, housing, health and the built environment, social determinants of health, age-friendly communities concepts, corridor and center / node land use planning, or the transportation / land use connection.
• Managing a project or program;
• Gathering and analyzing data, determining findings and recommendations;
• Interpreting, monitoring and reporting financial and project-related data and information;
• Authoring and preparing original reports, documents and presentations;
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, regulations and organizational policies;
• Providing excellent customer service;
• Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications;
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, external stakeholders, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information;
• Contributing to the development and execution of a concurrent planning initiatives in various stages of completion;
• Facilitating meetings and workshops.
• Proficiency with digital accessibility, including techniques and best practices for presenting, remote meetings, document creation, the design, development, and testing of data-centric embeddable and exportable graphics, and writing web content (if tasked with web creation and editing responsibilities).
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems;
• Clear and concise communication, verbal and written, oriented to a variety of audiences, including coworkers, supervisors, external stakeholders, and the general public;
• Managing collaborative relationships with internal or external partners and project stakeholders

Education and experience requirements :

field and two to four years of related professional planning experience. OR   An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

DRCOG.

Compensation and Benefits

The hiring salary range for this position is $2,802.28 - $3,503.29 semi-monthly or $5,604.56 - $7,006.58 / month or depending on qualifications.

Status : Full-time, Exempt

Application Procedure

To view the full job description, a complete listing of benefits, and to apply for this position, please visit our website at https : / / drcog.org / drcog-job-openings.

This position is open until 5 : 00 p.m. Mountain Time on Sunday, February 23, 2025

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Salary : $5,605 - $7,007