Senior Planning Project Manager

City of Charlotte; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Charlotte seeks a Senior Planning Project Manager for its Planning, Design & Development Department. This crucial role involves managing zoning compliance, mentoring staff, and leading processes related to land development. Candidates should possess a robust planning background and excellent leadership skills to enhance service delivery and facilitate interdepartmental collaboration. A mix of formal education and practical experience ensures the effective management of complex planning projects.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Drug and alcohol-free workplace

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible planning experience.
• Experience in managing projects and teams.
• Knowledge of zoning regulations and development processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor staff in zoning and subdivision compliance.
• Evaluate teams, allocate tasks, and improve processes.
• Communicate and collaborate on development proposals and regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Analytical skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Four-Year degree in Planning, Architecture, Geography or related

Master’s Degree in Planning or related field

Job description

Senior Planning Project Manager page is loaded

Senior Planning Project Manager

Apply locations Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center time type Full time posted on Posted 6 Days Ago time left to apply End Date: June 16, 2025 (7 days left to apply) job requisition id JR101941 Date Opened: Monday, June 02, 2025 12:00 AMClose Date: Monday, June 16, 2025 12:00 AMDepartment: Planning, Design & Development DepartmentSalary: $85,237.21 - $106,546.52 Commensurate with Experience

SUMMARY

The Land Development Division of the Department is seeking a senior project manager who will manage the processes associated with zoning and subdivision compliance along with staff members within the work group. This is a critical work group within the Charlotte Development Center which handles complex land development plan and permit reviews within a collaborative process across multiple departments within the City.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage, train, and mentor staff within the zoning & subdivision compliance work group in a way that fosters a collaborative and efficient work environment and consistency among the team.

• Evaluate direct reports in accordance with City and departmental policies, delegate tasks, track and redistribute workload as necessary, and conduct regular team meetings as well as one-on-ones with direct reports.

• Participate in a leadership capacity in developing and administering land development review processes and policies.

• Communicate and collaborate with staff within the work group and other staff within the Charlotte Development Center on current development proposals, rezoning submittals, the drafting of regulations and policies associated with the proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), and other similar projects.

• Comprehend technical code regulations and find solutions to zoning and subdivision issues that align with the UDO and implementation policies in a reasonable and equitable manner.

• Provide research, coordination, problem solving, and customer service on complicated zoning issues to the public, constituent services for elected officials and the mayor, and internal team members including zoning and subdivision, code enforcement, rezoning, Historic District Commission, city attorney’s office, Mecklenburg County Water Quality, and the Charlotte Department of Transportation.

• Handle conflict resolution on various land development related issues, assist with escalated issues, and lead efforts to continually enhance the level of service to our customers.

• Undertake complex and difficult planning and regulatory project assignments as needed, and lead and facilitate meetings various project groups as needed.

• Identify, problem-solve and make strategic linkages between assigned projects and broader City policies, regulations and objectives, with an emphasis on providing linkages and references to applicable UDO requirements.

• Prepare, interpret, and explain complex planning reports, regulations and analyses to other agencies, staff and to the public.

• Initiate process and service improvements.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to organize, lead, problem-solve, and work collaboratively with departmental, interdepartmental, and other teams.

• Ability to direct, coach, support, and delegate to others.

• Knowledge of planning and land development principles and practices related to regulatory services.

• Ability to comprehend technical ordinance and legal requirements related to zoning matters and convey such information in an easy-to-understand fashion.

• Excellent communication and customer service skills with both internal and external customers (such as the ability to effectively communicate graphically, verbally, and in writing).

• Analytical skills applicable to planning and regulatory projects and initiatives.

• Effective time management by being skilled in prioritization, meeting deadlines, and working on multiple projects and fulfilling multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

• Ability to perform effectively and efficiently with minimal level of supervision.

• Ability to provide team supervision while also managing daily operations of the team to ensure customer service.

• Ability to organize, lead, problem-solve and work collaboratively with departmental, interdepartmental, and other teams on complex projects.

• Demonstrate flexibility to assume new assignments and responsibilities, frequently employing new skills.

• Ability to collaborate within and outside the department to achieve positive impacts on the community.

• Attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to analyze sites and issues, explain and justify what UDO regulations apply, and what process options could result in a customers desired outcome.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Planning, Architecture, Geography, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Science or related field.

• Supervisory experience.

• AICP, CZO or other certifications (AIA, GISP, LEED, PE, etc.)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Four-Year degree in Planning, Architecture, Geography, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Science or related degree.

• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible planning experience in multiple planning areas (notably policy planning and implementation).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where we have workstations available. Our office is located at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email [e-mail] .

The City of Charlotte is committed to making the job application process accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modification will be provided. To make a request, please email [e-mail] , call 704-962-6168, or visit us in person at 700 4th St., Charlotte, NC 28202 .

BENEFITS

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to all employees.

Clickhere to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

Introduction

We want you to work with us!

TeamCharlotteis a diverse 8,000-plus member team serving one of the largest cities in America.

The City of Charlotte is committed to creating an inclusive culture where our employees can show up and belong as their full, authentic selves. Diversity is our strength, as an organization and a community, and this strength is amplified through our pursuit of justice and equity.

Our goals are to provide high-quality services to 860,000 Charlotte residents, and help those who need us the most.

Departments provide services including:police and fire protection, waste and recyclables collection, water and sewer services, road construction and maintenance, transit services, planning and development services, and operation of Charlotte Douglas International Airport.