Senior Planner, Planning NEXT, Columbus (OH)

American Planning Association - Kentucky Chapter; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Planning NEXT in Columbus, Ohio seeks a Senior Planner to develop and maintain client relationships, plan and coordinate project tasks to deliver on time and on budget. The role emphasizes strong public engagement and clear communication.

You will lead communications, prepare outreach events, support public involvement, and help manage project websites and final reports. This fast-paced, collaborative environment values proactive problem-solving and community-focused planning.

Qualifications

• Experience in urban planning and project delivery.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and teams to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills for public outreach and client relations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain client relationships.
• Plan and coordinate the overall sequence of tasks to deliver on time and on budget.
• Track the scope and budget of projects.
• Develop communications and outreach plans.
• Prepare for public engagement events.
• Facilitate or support public engagement events.
• Manage and facilitate process and planning committees, analyzing and presenting research.
• Oversee development and maintenance of project websites.
• Produce draft content and oversee final reports and plan documents.

Skills

Public engagement

Planning

Client relationships

Budget tracking

Team coordination

Job description

Planning NEXT is a leading community visioning and planning firm in Columbus, Ohio. Our tight-knit and fast-paced office is seeking a supportive and energetic team member to join our national practice. Our work is grounded in the belief that strong technical planning must be integrated with robust community engagement that brings people together to develop a shared vision for the future.

We are looking for someone passionate about making better places who is focused on positively impacting people and has the talent to make us all better.

Senior Planner responsibilities include developing and maintaining client relationships, planning, and coordinating the overall sequence of tasks so that the project is delivered on time and on budget, as well as tracking the scope and budget.

• the development of communications and outreach plans
• preparation for public engagement events
• facilitating or supporting public engagement events
• managing and facilitating process and planning committees, analyzing and presenting research
• overseeing the development and maintenance of project websites
• producing draft content and overseeing the production of final reports and plan documents .