Planning Manager - Internal Only
At the City of Lone Tree, we are committed to hiring individuals who are passionate about their community, eager to grow in their careers, and motivated to make a meaningful impact. Here, you won't just take on a job, you'll join a dedicated team working to shape a vibrant, forward-thinking City. Whether you're driven by public service, energized by problem-solving, or simply seeking purposeful work alongside exceptional colleagues, you'll find your place with us.
INTRODUCTION TO THE POSITION
Lone Tree's planning team manages a wide variety of current development and long-range planning projects and activities in fulfillment of the City's Comprehensive Plan.
INTRODUCTION TO PLANNING DIVISION
At the City of Lone Tree, we lead the way with exemplary service, collaborative partnerships, and continuous improvement. The City's Six Big Ideas are demonstrated by our mission to do things the best way- not just the expected way, our ability to work together using all areas of expertise to achieve a common goal, and our commitment to fulfilling the needs of our community through thoughtful interactions. Our team members serve with integrity, respect, and work inclusively with an appreciation for individual differences and diverse backgrounds. We achieve organizational goals through collaborative problem solving, planning, and decision-making.
Lone Tree's Planning Division prides itself on a system of "perfecting planning through the process;" this means we apply a flexible and collaborative development review process when City regulations allow, and when such an approach will result in a better project for the community. Our goal is to develop plans that are visionary, resilient, innovative and practical, and that guide Lone Tree toward a vibrant future. Big-picture, outside-the-box thinkers thrive in this environment and find value in bringing new ideas to the table.
The Lone Tree Planning Division functions as a dynamic team; we work closely together to accomplish objectives and undertake projects large and small. Successful team members possess excellent organizational and oral and written communication skills, as well as the ability to proactively solve problems, redirect priorities, and participate in process improvement.
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF POSITION:
Under the direction of the Community Development Director, this position is responsible for the following primary functions:
Managing the Planning Division and providing leadership and mentorship to Planning Division supervisors and staff; Developing strategic plans related to City and Community Development Department goals associated with current and long-range planning; Making informed recommendations to City management and appointed/elected officials regarding complex land use projects and initiatives; Serving as the staff liaison to the Planning Commission and supervising the planning division staff liaison to the Recreation Advisory Committee; Developing and maintaining relationships with internal and external partners and representing the City in interactions with the public, the development community, as well as local, state and federal agencies; and Assisting the Community Development Director on a variety of special projects.
This position requires an understanding of the principles and practices of local government, urban design, current planning and development review processes, long-range planning and land use analyses, and quasi-judicial and legislative processes. This position reports to the Community Development Director, consults with the City Manager and City Attorney's Offices, and collaborates with the Public Works, Economic Development, and Emergency Risk Management teams (among others) to achieve City objectives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following essential job functions and examples of duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive. Duties may be modified, added or deleted at the discretion of the Community Development Director.
Develop and oversee the Planning Division work program and manage long-range and current land use projects to ensure thorough and efficient processing of projects, and to maintain a fair and equitable delegation of regular and special projects. Interpret zoning and land use regulations for staff, developers, and the general public. Manage, train and coach the current and long-range planning teams. Manage comprehensive projects such as updates to master plans, land use regulations, and design standards/guidelines. Evaluate and administer land use development projects including, but not limited to, site improvement plans, rezonings, subdivisions and special use permits. Prepare agenda items, and drafts of ordinances and resolutions as required. Professionally presents (privately and publicly) to supervisors, City Council, boards and commissions as well as the general public, Draft and present a variety of reports and presentations for varying audiences, to include technical analyses, informational reports, news articles, legislative comments, and public and professional presentations and trainings. Respond to public inquiries in a professional, transparent and politically sensitive manner. Design and maintain training materials for Division staff and the Planning Commission regarding current and long-range planning topics. Collect, analyze and communicate data on a variety of topics to various stakeholders and the public to implement the community's vision. Establish and curate Division policies, standard operating procedures, and training materials. Develop, manage and implement the approved Planning Division's budget and recommend input to the strategic staffing plan. Facilitate effective coordination and communication between Long Range Planning, Current Planning, the Building Division, Code Compliance, the Public Works Department, and other City departments. Promote a culture of equity, innovation, collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES TO SUPPORT SUCCESS:
INTERPERSONAL & TECHNICAL SKILLS:
Excellent interpersonal, oral and verbal skills. Must have the ability to interact effectively with individuals of varying cultural, economic, professional and educational backgrounds to effectively communicate with all levels of personnel within the City and the general public in a positive and cooperative manner.
Demonstrated personal effectiveness, professionalism, integrity and credibility, thoroughness, flexibility, and collaboration skills.
Must have outstanding presentation and public speaking skills including the ability to present information concisely at public meetings. Excellent writing skills: the ability to prepare clear, concise, and complete technical documents, reports, correspondence, and other written materials using proper spelling, grammar, and style. Critical and creative thinking skills with a focus on systems thinking: the ability to assess complex planning issues and problems, analyze data, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective courses of action regarding zoning policies, land use ordinances, public lands management, and community planning. Effective in strategic thinking, organizational development, project management, and team leadership.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Objectives, principles, procedures, standards, practices, information services, and trends in the fields of current planning and development review and long-range planning and growth management. Strong understanding of zoning, land use, urban design, demographic, environmental, and social/economic concepts and principles as applied to local government planning. Special districts, to include a basic understanding of how special districts function, as well as the relationship between special districts and local governments in providing services to communities. Purposes, roles, and authorities of councils, commissions, and others involved in the planning process. Requires solid knowledge of the federal, state and local regulations related to planning. Community engagement principles and techniques. Familiarity with GIS, data analysis, and emerging planning technologies.
ABILITY TO:
Build consensus and negotiate solutions among groups with diverse and conflicting needs and navigate complex political, technical, and community dynamics. Interpret and apply laws, policies, procedures, regulations, specifications, site and building plans, environmental impact reports, data, and maps to development proposals. Implement performance metrics to evaluate division effectiveness, responsiveness, and customer service outcomes.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the general supervision of the Community Development Director.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Directly supervises the Senior Planning Staff and the Principal Planner (who supervises the Associate/Assistant Planning Staff). Supervisory responsibilities may be adjusted over time as needed to support the overall organization of the Planning Division.
QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of education and experience, which demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the Planning Manager's essential duties and responsibilities is qualifying. Common ways to demonstrate such capabilities include:
Master's degree in Land Use Planning, Urban Design, Natural Resource Management, Public Administration, or a closely related field, AND a minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible work experience in local government or private sector planning. At least three (3) years of the required work experience must include experience with staff supervision and project management. Local government experience is strongly preferred. Bachelor's degree in Land Use Planning, Urban Design, Natural Resource Management, Public Administration, or a closely related field, AND a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible work experience in local government or private sector planning. At least three (3) years of the required work experience must include experience with staff supervision and project management. Local government experience is strongly preferred.
EQUIPMENT USED, WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:
Driving: Must be physically capable of operating motor vehicles safely in the normal course of assignments. Office equipment: Daily use of a copier, scanner, and printer. Computer equipment and software: Daily use of a personal computer, MS Office software, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and virtual meeting and presentation software. Experience with Esri GIS software platforms (either online or desktop) strongly desired. Experience with Smartsheet, Bluebeam and Accella preferred. Physical activities: Primarily sitting, standing and walking. May bend, stoop, reach, climb, carry and lift for varying periods. Requires continuous and repetitive arm-hand-eye movement. Field work includes walking in construction sites, developed and undeveloped sites, and conducting walking assessments of parks, trails and open space areas that may have varied topography and grades. Requires continuous and repetitive arm-hand-eye movement. Lifting: May involve lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. for short periods of time. Vision and hearing: Must have visual acuity to see and read paper and electronic documents; must be able to answer telephones, communicate conversation and respond to verbal inquiries. Exposure to environmental conditions: Work is mainly in an office setting, but some outside fieldwork is required.
POSITION TYPE & EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:
This is an exempt, full-time position. The City of Lone Tree's business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Actual work schedule will be determined upon hire and will require availability to work evenings on a limited basis. Flextime and hybrid remote work schedules are offered for employees at the discretion of managers, consistent with City policies; the Planning Division offers a hybrid schedule (three days in the office, two days remote work, typically following orientation period) that is coordinated by the Planning Manager to ensure daily in-office.
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full Time, Exempt HIRING RANGE: $114,251 - $142,814 / year SALARY RANGE: $114,251 - $171,376 / year Anticipated Closing date is July 8,2026, however, applications will be continued to be accepted until the position is filled.
COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE: At the City of Lone Tree, we understand the value of investing in our employees' well-being and financial security. That's why we offer a robust benefits package designed to support you and your family. Our benefits include:
Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and supplemental health plans. Work-Life Balance: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness initiatives to support your overall well-being. Financial Security: Employer-paid basic life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, and voluntary life insurance options. Retirement Planning: Multiple retirement savings options, including 457, 401(k), and Roth IRA plans, as well as participation in PERA and FPPA pension plans. Commuter Perks: Enjoy the convenience of an RTD EcoPass for public transportation.
The City of Lone Tree provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.
It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact Human Resources at HR@cityoflonetree.com within three business days notice.