Planning Supervisor (Land Use and Economic Development)

Description

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join the Planning Division as a Planning Supervisor for the Community and Economic Development (CED) Department. This critical position will lead SCAG's Land Use and Economic Development Business Unit, focusing on the integration of sustainable land use strategies with transportation planning efforts, including transit-oriented development (TOD), transit-oriented communities (TOC), 15-minute communities, and Priority Development Areas (PDAs). In collaboration with SCAG leadership, the Planning Supervisor will oversee the development and implementation of strategic plans, best practices, and innovative approaches to achieve SCAG's vision outlined in the Connect SoCal 2024 plan . This role involves supervisory responsibilities, strategic planning, and policy development while identifying funding opportunities to advance the department’s goals. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of land use planning and economic development and demonstrate strong leadership, collaboration, and strategic planning skills.

The Community and Economic Development Department is responsible for implementing core programs that support the vision outlined in Connect SoCal 2024. The Department comprises two business units, Capacity-Building & Placemaking and Land Use & Economic Development. The Land Use & Economic Development unit consists of 4 staff members and works closely with other SCAG staff throughout the Planning Division and across the organization. The Land Use & Economic Development unit leads critical strategies that support the effective integration of land use and transportation planning, including planning for transit-oriented communities, 15-minute communities, and priority development areas. In addition, this team leads the completion of the Inclusive Economic Recovery Strategy program, value capture efforts, economic development initiatives, and the Reconnecting Communities work program.

WHO WE ARE

As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG’s values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered.

SCAG operates as a hybrid organization because we recognize that work can be successfully performed in various locations. Designing a work environment and culture where SCAG’s mission, effectiveness, and collaboration can be more flexibly served demonstrates our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) by supporting work-life balance for our employees, retaining our existing dedicated staff, and increasing access to new talent pools.

As part of our Work@SCAG policy, employees are eligible for two work models: in-office and hybrid. Eligibility for these models will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties, as determined by management. All work models require employees to be based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to follow the hybrid model and be in the office 2 days per week.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

MISSION
To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.

VISION
Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future.

SCAG CORE VALUES

• Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do.
• Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.
• Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.
• Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.
• Cultivate Belonging: Embrace differences, foster equity, champion inclusion, and empower all.

In this role you can expect to

• Lead the Land Use and Economic Development Business Unit, supervise planning staff, and offer subject matter expertise in the areas focused around the integration of land use and transportation planning, including transit-oriented development, transit-oriented communities, 15-minute communities, and value capture strategies.
• Oversee the development of work programs and deliverables aligned with SCAG's Connect SoCal 2024 (CSC24) vision for sustainable land use and community development.
• Develop strategic plans to implement work program areas, including creating consultant scopes of work and actionable initiatives.
• Design and administer calls for projects.
• Identify and pursue additional funding to implement pilot projects supporting the Community and Economic Development department’s goals.
• Provide regular updates and reports to SCAG leadership, funding agencies, policy committees, and the Regional Council; collaborate on project budgets and ensure compliance with required processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you'll bring to this role

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 7 years of experience in urban planning, and design, community and economic development, project management, planning regulations, community and economic development, or related field and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.

We’ll be a great match if you also have:

• Experience in leadership, team supervision, strategic planning, and driving innovative planning initiatives, including policy development and administrative process improvements.
• Knowledge of policies and principles related to the integration of land use and transportation planning, including but not limited to transit-oriented communities, and familiarity with transportation analysis tools, financing strategies, and data sets used by major metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), cities, and counties to support transportation planning.
• Experience in managing projects efficiently from inception to completion and the ability to develop and implement programs.
• Knowledge of advanced project management principles and concepts and experience implementing highly visible programs involving multiple stakeholder groups.
• Supervision experience and knowledge of principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation, with the ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships, team spirit, and collaboration with those contacted in the course of work.
• The ability to be politically astute and have experience working with local elected officials and knowledge of regional challenges and opportunities related to transportation and land use, including familiarity with stakeholder agencies and organizations.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including excellent presentation and public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of the Southern California region and local challenges, including knowledge of regional challenges and opportunities related to transportation and land use planning, and familiarity with stakeholder agencies and organizations.
• Excellent management skills as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the agency.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Supplemental Information

Please note, this posting will remain open until January 1, 2025, with the first application review taking place on December 18, 2024. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.

Insurance Coverage
Employees may choose from nine HMO and two PPO health plans administered through CalPERS. SCAG contributes the following amounts towards the monthly health premium: $850 for employee only coverage; $1500 for employee plus one dependent; $1800 for employee plus family. Employees may waive SCAG-sponsored health plans by providing evidence of other health coverage each plan year. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, employee is eligible to receive opt out amount of $200 per month, paid as taxable earnings. Premiums for dental and vision are covered 100% by SCAG. Life insurance in the amount of $50,000 is provided by SCAG. Supplemental life insurance is available at a minimal cost to the employee. Short-term and long-term disability insurance plans are provided by SCAG.

Retirement
Employees become members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Effective January 1, 2013, for new members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), the retirement formula is calculated at 2% @ 62 with a Three Year Average Formula. In accordance with the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the new member will have a mandatory contribution of 7% of reportable compensation. Employees who are current members of CalPERSor an agency with CalPERS reciprocity, or who have less than a six-month break in service between employment with SCAGor in a CalPERS(or reciprocal) agency will be enrolled in the 2% @ 55 benefit formula.

Empower deferred compensation plan is available and all non-management positions receive a 50% match, up to $1,500. Employees do not pay Social Security.

Paid Parental Leave
12 weeks of paid parental leave to employees following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connectionwith adoption or foster care. Employees become eligible for this benefit after12 months of employment at SCAG.

Holidays
Employees receive 10 designated holidays and 44 hours of Personal Floating Holidays (PFH) per fiscal year, 11 hours for each full quarter worked.

Vacation Accrual
Ten to twenty days per year depending on length of service with SCAG.

0-3 years: 80 hours
4-10 years: 120 hours
11-16 years: 140 hours
17+ years: 160 hours

Sick Leave
Employees accrue sick leave at the rate of one day per month.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Tax-exempt savings plans are offered to pay for eligible expenses associated with healthcare, dependent care, and parking.

Transit Reimbursement Program
SCAG reimburses up to $230 per month for commute to the office via public transit via bus, rail, or train. Employees must commute a minimum of 8 days per month in order to receive reimbursement for monthly passes.

Flexible Time/Modified Work Week/Telework
Employees may work a modified 9-80 work schedule, with every other Friday off. SCAG offers a flexible work schedule to allow employees some flexibility on daily work hours. SCAG has developed a hybrid workforce program called Work@SCAG to provide three work model options (office, hybrid, and remote) to choose from, based on their position, within the SCAG Region.

Technology Allowance
Employees in hybrid and remote work models will receive a one-time stipend of $300 to be used for remote office setup. In addition, all employees receive a $140 monthly technology allowance to cover phone usage for business use and to offset utilities costs while working remotely.

Other Benefits
Educational assistance up to $5,250 per year is offered for qualified courses after one year of employment. Professional membership reimbursement up to $300 per year for professional associations.

Probationary Period
All non-management employees are required to successfully complete a probationary period of 2080 hours prior to achieving regular employment status.

Closing Date/Time: 1/1/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• Southern California Association of Governments

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