Job Description

Recruitment #2509-5137-001

List Type

Exempt

Requesting Department

DEPT OF CITY DEVELOPMENT

Open Date

9/16/2025 11:40:00 AM

Filing Deadline

10/17/2025 4:45:00 PM

Introduction

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THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CIVIL SERVICE

Appointment and continued employment are at the pleasure of the Department of City Development (DCD) Commissioner.


The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you are passionate about being part of an inclusive team of public servants, we invite you to consider the following opportunity.

Purpose

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The Long Range Planning Manager role is a unique opportunity for an experienced leader in urban planning and community development to make a significant impact in guiding the visioning, land use, neighborhood planning, zoning, and public engagement in a major city rich in history, potential, and complex planning challenges.

The Planning Division is responsible for developing and implementing the City of Milwaukee's Comprehensive Plan and 14 Area Plans. Efforts include strategic updates to the Zoning Code, urban design initiatives, and supporting the City Plan Commission. The Division also collaborates with DCD colleagues to advance the City's affordable housing and economic development goals.

Under the direction of the City Planning Director, the Long Range Planning Manager develops project assignments, supervises staff on long-range, area and policy planning activities, carries out special projects and consults with and provides technical assistance to various stakeholders.

Essential Functions

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Staff Management:

Manage and supervise the Long Range Planning section staff. Hire, train, and support the professional development and growth of staff. Assign and oversee staff work assignments.

Planning Projects and Implementation:

Lead special and strategic planning projects and initiatives, including land use, housing, and economic development policy creation. Carry out special planning projects including neighborhood and redevelopment plans; research regulatory and other methods for implementing the Comprehensive Plan. Manage the implementation of strategic projects to update the Zoning Code and design guidelines to advance Comprehensive Plan recommendations. In consultation with the City Planning Director, set goals and develop and implement the annual work plan for the Long Range Planning Section, including creating project scopes of work, budgets, and timelines for major projects to ensure the activities of the division advance departmental goals and priorities. Develop the framework and process for ongoing updates of the City's Comprehensive Plan. Oversee the review of public and private development proposals that are subject to discretionary review for compliance with the objectives of the City's Comprehensive Plan and neighborhood goals, as well as relevant design guidelines and City ordinances.

Community Engagement:

Develop and manage public engagement strategies that maximize stakeholder participation during planning projects, reduce barriers to participation and meaningfully engage underrepresented groups. Develop collaborative relationships with internal and external partners to further the implementation of the recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan. Convene stakeholder groups in support of Long Range Planning initiatives. Serve as the Department's liaison to external groups working on related initiatives. Contribute to maintaining Long Range Planning project pages on the City's website and online engagement platform.

Administration:

Respond to requests for information from the Mayor's Office, Legislative Reference Bureau, Council members, other City Departments, residents, business owners, and developers. Seek grant funding and partnership opportunities that generate additional resources to support Long Range Planning projects and initiatives. Present reports to public bodies such as City Plan Commission, Redevelopment Authority, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Common Council committees. Represent DCD at local and national conferences on planning, land use, urban design, transportation, environment, community, economic development, and engagement.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

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The Long Range Planning Manager is required to file a statement of economic interests in accordance with the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 303-Code of Ethics.

The Long Range Planning Manager must be willing and able to:

Work variable hours as required by the needs of the department, including occasional evenings and weekends. Travel to various sites throughout the City of Milwaukee as needed.

Minimum Requirements

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Bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, urban studies, architecture or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Five years of progressively responsible work experience in professional urban planning or community engagement/development roles, including project management and/or staff management. Ability to travel independently throughout the City of Milwaukee by public transportation, walking, bicycling, ridesharing, or driving.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates' education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Desirable Qualifications

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Master's degree in urban planning, public administration, urban studies, architecture or a related field from an accredited college or university. At least one year of supervisory experience. Work experience in government or the public sector. Recognized standing and participation in professional planning and/or community development organizations. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

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Technical:

Knowledge of urban planning theories, principles, and techniques, including economic development and community and neighborhood engagement. Knowledge of automated mapping, ArcGIS principles and practices, and GIS theory and application. Knowledge of mathematical and statistical concepts. Ability to read, interpret, and apply work-related documents, laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations. Ability to lead planning or community development initiatives in neighborhoods throughout the city, including carrying out accessible, responsive, and innovative public engagement techniques. Ability to perform complex mapping and data analysis assignments, including synthesizing complex data and analyses into key takeaways and recommendations. Proficiency using standard computer software and programs such as word processing, spreadsheet, and e-mail. Ability to learn and utilize job-specific computer systems and software.

Leadership and Management:

Knowledge of management and leadership principles and best practices for selecting, supervising, and motivating employees. Ability to make hiring recommendations. Ability to plan and coordinate the work of others and set performance standards. Ability to effectively supervise staff, monitor and evaluate performance, provide guidance and training, coach and counsel employees, and take corrective action.

Communication and Interpersonal:

Customer service skills to provide outstanding client service. Interpersonal skills to collaborate with a range of people across responsibility levels. Verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with diverse groups of individuals and make presentations in public meetings. Written communication skills to create clear and concise business communications, such as memos, reports, budget summaries, policies, procedures, and performance reviews. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse customers, including elected officials, policymakers, community organizations, business owners, contractors, the public, and co-workers. Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one's own.

Judgment and Professionalism:

Ability to exercise sound judgment to make decisions. Honesty and integrity to meet professional standards for handling confidential information and sensitive issues. Ability to recommend and implement solutions to complex problems. Ability to plan and organize work, prioritize tasks, manage projects, and successfully delegate work to complete tasks based on departmental deadlines and goals. Ability to use tact, diplomacy, and excellent judgment when interacting with the public, elected officials, and City employees. Ability to serve as an effective steward of City resources.

Current Salary

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The current salary range (Pay Range 1KX) is

$116,493-$127,413

annually, and resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is

$119,988-$131,235

annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

In accordance with the City of Milwaukee Salary Ordinance, a Long Range Planning Manager with an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification will be paid an additional 3%.

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:





Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Health and Dental Insurance Paid Parental Leave Comprehensive Wellness Program Onsite Clinic Services Onsite Employee Assistance Program Alternative Work Schedules Long Term Disability Insurance Group Life Insurance Tuition Benefits Paid Vacation 12 Paid Holidays Paid Sick Leave and other paid leave Flexible Spending Arrangement Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

Selection Process

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Screening for this position will be based on an evaluation of each applicant's education, experience, and professional accomplishments, which should be detailed in a cover letter and resume.





Please email a cover letter and resume by

4:45 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025

to: vaarmst@milwaukee.gov. Please indicate "

Long Range Planning Manager

" in the subject line of the email. Questions relative to the selection process may be directed to Human Resources Administrator, Vanessa Armstrong at vaarmst@milwaukee.gov.

The City of Milwaukee reserves the right to invite only the most qualified applicants to participate in the selection process.

INITIAL FILING DATE:

The selection process will be conducted as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of application materials may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs have been met. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Conclusion

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EEO 104

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.