Principal Planner

We’re looking for a Principal Planner to join our Land Use Division and provide highly specialized expertise in key functional areas and regional initiatives informed by City Council priorities. This senior-level position performs most functions independently and exercises a high degree of professional judgment in advancing, implementing, and integrating complex planning and policy initiatives. The Principal Planner serves as a technical leader within the division, providing expert-level planning services and guidance on complex policy development and high-priority development proposals, while acting as a key liaison to the Code and Policy Division to support the development and implementation of Land Use Code Amendments (LUCAs).

This role leads and participates in cross-divisional efforts to streamline permitting processes, supports strategic initiatives aligned with City Council and State mandates, and regularly advises department leadership, city management, boards and commissions, City Council, and diverse stakeholders. While not a formal supervisory position, the Principal Planner provides mentorship and technical direction to planning staff, oversees and coordinates the work of multidisciplinary project teams and work groups, and may serve as a project manager and manage consultant contracts.

The work performed in this role is highly visible and has both immediate and long-term impacts on the implementation of plans and the advancement of city initiatives.

• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) and core team member on Land Use Code Amendments under the Land Use Policy Improvement (LUPI) framework.
• Act as the primary liaison between the Land Use Division and the Code and Policy Division to ensure alignment between policy development and project implementation.
• Conduct reviews of draft Land Use Code Amendments (LUCA), text prior to adoption to identify potential conflicts and opportunities.
• Lead or participate in cross-divisional process improvement initiatives to enhance permitting efficiency and customer service.
• Review and provide recommendations on complex development proposals that may include Master Development Plans and Design Reviews applications.
• Collaborate with Planning Managers to ensure consistency and quality of planning work products.
• Mentor junior planning staff and contribute to professional development within the division.
• Represent the department in meetings with developers, community stakeholders, and elected officials as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or a related field or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in land use planning, strategic planning, implementation, policy development and complex development review processes within the area(s) of expertise, including supervisory experience.
• Experience working in or with local government planning departments.
• Experience with process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage high-profile projects.

• Urban planning principles and techniques and the socioeconomic implications of urban planning
• System modeling analysis
• Federal, State and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to urban planning
• City and community-based organizations and general organizational principles and practices

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private officials.
• Critically analyze and resolve internal work-related problems.
• Analyze situations from a variety of contexts, including social, economic and political; observe and evaluate trends; analyze data; draw logical conclusions and make sound decisions.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, including preparation and delivery of public presentations.
• Interpret administrative guidelines and apply them to the work situation.
• Skill in managing and prioritizing multiple demands; effective problem solving and negotiation.

• Strategic Thinking
• Policy Analysis
• Project Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Communication and Facilitation
• Problem Solving
• Leadership and Mentorship

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period. Remote work for this position is subject to the department's operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.