Planning Manager

Please note: Application may not be accepted if it is incomplete. Adding your resume and/or cover letter in lieu of the application may not be accepted as well.

JOB POSTING UPDATED 7/30/2026: Second round of review will happen Thursday August 13th

The City of Bothell is seeking aPlanning Manager to lead its Planning Division! The Planning Manager will lead the Planning Divisions operations overseeing current and long-range planning functions to deliver effective consistent and policy-driven development services. This role will serve as a technical leader for complex development proposals advance process and policy improvements and foster a culture of collaboration integrity and accountability.

The Planning Manager will build strong partnerships with staff stakeholders and the community to support thoughtful growth and exceptional public service. If you are ready to make an impact and help shape the future of the community apply today!

Recruitment information:

• First review will happen Tuesday July 7th 5:00 pm > Already happened but will do second review on Thursday August 13th
• Typical schedule will be a 5/8s schedule with a preferred start time of 8:00 am.
  
• Note: This role will initially be onsite for up to the first six months with the potential opportunity to transition to a hybrid schedule.
  

What will you do in this position

• Direct and administer the operations of the Planning Division overseeing current planning (development review) and long-range planning functions as assigned. Ensures development review services are delivered efficiently consistently and in alignment with broader planning policy objectives.

• Demonstrate and foster the highest standards of professionalism integrity and accountability contributing to a positive collaborative and high-performing work environment.

• Serve as the technical authority for complex high-profile and sensitive development proposals providing guidance on code interpretation approval conditions and regulatory decision-making.

• Identify policy gaps procedural inefficiencies and code-related issues through the development review process leading targeted updates to improve clarity consistency and effectiveness.

• Communicate complex planning development and regulatory matters effectively to diverse audiences including staff applicants stakeholders elected officials and the public.

• Promote a responsive solution-oriented approach to customer service while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations City policies and established procedures.

A successful candidate in this position will:

• Communicate clearly respectfully and professionally across a variety of settings.
• Provide clear direction fosters accountability develops staff and creates a positive collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Maintain objectivity and sound judgment when analyzing complex information.
• Contribute to group success by sharing knowledge resources and responsibility.
• Demonstrate honesty and transparency in all actions and communications.
• Adapt to change with flexibility and a commitment to inclusive practices.
• Uphold high standards of service in support of organizational and community goals.

About City of Bothell:

• The City is comprised of 13.6 square miles within both King and Snohomish Counties and is home to 51760 people (2025). This figure is projected to grow to nearly 75000 over the next 20 years in tandem with Bothells increasingly vibrant downtown and life sciences employment cluster near the I-405 corridor.
• Learn more about the Citys Organizational Valuesand the Bothells City Council 2040 Vision and Strategic Priorities.
• Learn more about the City of Bothells Community Development Department here!

To read the full job description and review the minimum qualifications click here.

We are committed to being a safe equitable and inclusive workplace and community.
The City of Bothell is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. Our employees are people with different strengths experiences and backgrounds who share a passion for improving peoples lives. The City of Bothell recruits hires trains promotes compensates and administers all personnel actions without regard to race color religion sex sex stereotyping pregnancy (which includes pregnancy childbirth and medical conditions related to pregnancy childbirth or breastfeeding) gender gender identity gender expression national origin age mental or physical disability ancestry medical condition marital status military or veteran status citizenship status sexual orientation genetic information or any other status protected by applicable law.

We seek to recruit and hire talented and engaged job candidates from a widely diverse range of backgrounds. We celebrate the diversity in our workplace and community and believe it makes us stronger.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process please send an email to.

To learn more about the City of Bothells commitment to Diversity Equity and Inclusion visit theDEI at Bothell Webpage.

Why Bothell
Bothell offers a career-enriching opportunity to apply your skills and experience in a way that has a positive effect on the community. We encourage professional growth and for employees to think outside the box. We value work-life balance and provide paid vacation and sick leave benefits.

We offer ample time off including 11 paid holidays as well as 2 personal holidays. As an employee you have access to a robust benefits package that includes medical dental and vision for you and your family. We also offer life and disability insurance state pension membership and deferred compensation for retirement. Commute trip reduction alternative work schedules flexible work environment and hybrid work options are available when appropriate. The City of Bothell creates an environment that supports wellness practices which enhance the quality of life for City employees and encourage and incentivize participation in an employee wellness program. As a result the City is a recipient of the Association of Washington Cities WellCity Award.