Planning Supervisor (14201, 15244, Grade 32)

The Prince George's County Planning Department of The Maryland National-Capital Park and Planning Commission is seeking two experienced Planning Supervisors to join our Community Planning Division to help shape the future of one of the nation’s largest, most diverse counties. One of the positions will lead our new Urban Design Studio, while the other will lead our Long-Range Planning team.

The Department provides land use planning and design guidance for the physical development of Prince George’s County, Maryland, and the Division is responsible for developing and implementing community plans, neighborhood revitalization programs, placemaking efforts, and assisting with implementation programs.

As the second most populous county in Maryland, Prince George’s has a population of approximately 900,000 residents with 15 Metro Rail Stations and is home to the University of Maryland at College Park, National Harbor, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and a world class parks and recreation system. If you are interested in working for the Prince George’s County Planning Department, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Planning Supervisor positions.

Job Description

For the Planning Supervisor leading the Urban Design Studio, we are seeking a candidate with experience managing urban design or planning projects from initial visioning through implementation. The ideal candidate will be passionate about shaping communities through the built environment and will bring demonstrated success leading interdisciplinary teams to develop innovative, sustainable, and context-sensitive design solutions to complex planning and urban design challenges. This position also entails playing a key role in building and standing up our urban design studio, solidifying its vision, processes, and culture. We believe thoughtful urban design, in partnership with community, can elevate quality of life and create lasting value within Prince George’s County.

For the Planning Supervisor leading the Long-Range Planning team, we are seeking an innovative and collaborative leader with strong supervisory and project management experience to guide the development of master plans, sector plans, and special studies that advance community vision, sustainability, and equitable growth goals. This position provides strategic leadership for complex planning initiatives and policy efforts that support countywide priorities and implementation objectives. The candidate should have experience working with diverse communities and leading both virtual and in-person public engagement efforts. Success in this role will require the ability to manage multiple priorities, mentor staff, and build productive partnerships with stakeholders, partner agencies, and representatives at all levels of government.

• Provides leadership, direction and guidance in Department strategies and priorities; develops and directs plans to meet County goals and objectives; determines scope and priorities of programs and special projects; manages contracts for professional services.
• Leads the development and execution of urban design and planning studio projects; establishes project goals, timelines, and deliverables; ensures integration of urban design principles with community and area-wide plans, development regulations, sustainability goals, and community needs.
• Provides guidance on urban design, land use, streetscape design, placemaking, and multimodal transportation integration; reviews development proposals, site plans, and urban design frameworks for consistency with adopted policies and regulatory design standards; serves as a bridge between design vision and regulatory implementation, prepares or oversees conceptual plans, design guidelines, and illustrative materials.
• Engages with community members, clients, and public agencies through interactive design workshops, charrettes, and presentations, incorporates stakeholder feedback into design solutions.
• Applies excellent analytical skills and extensive knowledge of design and planning principles to resolve complex or politically sensitive challenges.
• Possesses the ability to lead multiple subject areas and balance competing priorities.
• Directs the Section’s operations; exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines; evaluates and analyzes issues and recommends and implements solutions; manages Department performance and efficiency; assures the overall integrity of the products and services.
• Oversees and conducts robust community engagement activities to diverse communities.
• Represents the Planning Department at public meetings and hearings, and presents urban design and planning  matters to communities, county agencies and key stakeholders. 
• Performs supervisory functions such as assigning work to staff; evaluating staff performance and preparing performance appraisals; recruitment and selection of staff; approving leave requests; recommending training; counseling and discipline; and ensuring adherence to Commission policies and procedures.
• Develops and trains staff in urban design and planning policy and procedure.
• Recommends changes or improvements to work program.
• Provides experienced counsel to senior management and professional colleagues on planning issues.
• Consults with developers, attorneys, architects, engineers, governmental agencies, and the public about planning and design-related issues.
• Collaborates and develops partnerships with other recognized government, academic, and private sector organizations within planning.
• Conducts presentations before various elected and appointed officials. 

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field. 
2. Six (6) years of progressively responsible professional level planning experience that includes supervisory or project leadership and coordination experience.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together totals ten (10) years.
4. Valid driver’s license (depending on area of assignment) in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations.  Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Membership/Certification in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), or equivalent.
• Proven track record of managing a complex comprehensive design or planning work program. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead or facilitate complex projects involving an array of partners and complex issues. 
• Thorough understanding of the principles, methods, theories, practices, and techniques of urban design and land use planning.
• Extensive experience with building and maintaining positive relationships with communities, government officials and agencies, and civic groups.
• Strong communication skills, oral and written, and the ability to maintain collaborative relationships with elected officials and other key stakeholders.
• Ability to work with all levels of government and established communities in a diverse innovative planning environment. 

• Knowledge of budgetary process and scenario planning. 
• Proficiency in GIS, CAD, SketchUp, and other graphic visualization tools.

Classification Specification: Planning Supervisor

May be subject to medical, drug, and alcohol testing. 

Please provide a copy of your resume and cover letter with the submission of your application.

Why Prince George’s Planning?

Amenities: 

• Telework opportunities 
• Flexible schedules 
• Onsite fitness center
• Complimentary access to M-NCPPC gymnasiums throughout Prince George’s County 

• Tuition Reimbursement/Assistance Program, subject to annual budget allocations and program funding availability.

• Free parking is available for employees 
• Professional development opportunities
• Positions may qualify for federal student loan forgiveness assistance 

The M-NCPPC offers a competitive salary range of $91,288 to $161,584 (salary is commensurate with education and experience) at the Planning Supervisor level with an excellent benefits package including generous leave, extensive health coverage, deferred compensation plan, and employee pension plan.

The Prince George's County Planning Department is conveniently located in Largo, Maryland, near Metro and I-495. 

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor. 

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of application at 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1).

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.