Planner Principal - Austin Planning - Demographics and Data

City of Austin; United States; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Austin Planning is seeking a Planner Principal to lead regional, urban, and transportation planning activities. This role manages the planning program across divisions and coordinates with multiple departments to deliver equitable, people-centered outcomes for Austin.

The position requires in-depth knowledge of urban planning, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement, including presenting to public audiences and guiding policy implementation. Hybrid schedule available in Austin, TX.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in planning, geography, social science, landscape architecture, or related field with six years of planning experience, including lead/supervisory work.
• Graduate coursework substitution allowed: 12-semester hours for six months experience (max 2 years).
• Experience in project management, data management and visualization, including geospatial data, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees coordination of division and section activities with other divisions and departments.
• Develops and evaluates plans and criteria for a variety of projects and programs.
• Reviews statistics and analyzes market and economic conditions.
• Leads short- and long-range planning efforts and serves on committees.
• Represents the city at boards, commissions, and public groups.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Data analysis

Problem solving

Planning and organizing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

Python

SQL

Power BI

Power Automate

Job description

About This Position: The mission of Austin Planning is to provide equitable and people-centered planning services to shape an Austin where everyone can thrive.

Job Description

Planner Principal Purpose: This position manages the planning activities for the City in regional, urban, and transportation planning areas.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

• Oversees coordination of division and section activities with other division, sections, and departments.
• Develops and evaluates plans, criteria, etc. for variety of projects, programs activities, etc.
• Reviews statistical reports and analyzed market and economic conditions.
• Develops short- and long-range plans.
• Serves as member of various committees, task forces, etc.
• Speaks as City representative before boards, commissions, public groups, etc.
• Answers the most complex citizen questions and provides assistance.
• Provides technical advice and assistance to citizens, contractors, departments, management, etc.
• Develops policies and procedures.
• Develops and revises operating procedures.
• Assists in developing division and section budget.
• Recommends grant application approval.
• Manages division and section activities.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the principles of community and urban planning.
• Knowledge of Federal and State laws relating to planning and urban development.
• Knowledge of City practice, policy and procedures.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.

Skill

• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.

Ability

• Ability to make formal presentations of program and/or project recommendations.
• Ability to explain and enforce City policies.
• Ability to exercise balanced judgment in evaluation situations and making decisions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, geography, social science, landscape architecture, or a planning related field, plus six (6) years of experience in planning related work, two (2) years of which included lead or supervisory responsibilities.
• Twelve (12) semester hours of relevant graduate college course work may substitute for six months of required experience with a maximum substitution of two (2) years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in project management, project scoping, milestone monitoring, and quality assurance.
• Experience in data management, analysis, interpretation, and visualization, including geospatial data.
• Experience in coordinating and facilitating work groups and discussions with various stakeholders.
• Experience working with data on racial/ethnic disparities within local, state, or national context and ability to engage a variety of stakeholders in challenging dialogue around racial identity, implicit bias, systemic racism, and structural inequities.
• Experience with ESRI ArcGIS Pro or equivalent software.
• Experience performing demographic methods and analysis with Census Bureau data.
• Experience in R, Python, SQL, or other programming languages.
• Experience in Microsoft Power Suite, including Power Bi and Power Automate.

Compensation Range

Notes to Candidate: The Planner Principal will lead demographic and geospatial analysis in the Demographics & Data Division of Austin Planning. This position coordinates project and personnel assignments, defining project scopes of work, engaging in data management, outlining standard operating procedures, and ensuring projects are accurate, impactful, and timely. This position will support the work of the city demographer and respond to demographic data requests from City Council and Mayor, the City Manager’s Office, City staff, and the general public by overseeing and preparing reports, data visualizations, and presentations for various audiences.

Physical Location

6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, TX

Travel

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Posting Duration

The Department may close this posting any time after 7 days.

Hybrid Schedule Availability

A hybrid schedule is available. Position may require evening and weekend meetings.

Health and Welfare Benefits

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more.

Join the City of Austin Team

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees’ Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

EEO Statement for City of Austin

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.