Planning Manager

Community Development Department Town of Vail Colorado
Full-Time Exempt (Salaried)
Grade 55 Hiring Range: $113506 $170259 annually
Midpoint: $141882.50

The Town of Vail is seeking an experienced planning professional and proven leader to serve as our next Planning Manager. This is a unique opportunity to help shape one of the nations premier mountain communities while leading a talented team of planners responsible for current planning long-range planning development review policy development and community-focused initiatives.

As the Planning Manager you will provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the Towns Planning Division within the Community Development Department. Reporting directly to the Director of Community Development this position oversees a team of professional planners and plays a key role in guiding development land use policy urban design and community planning efforts throughout the Town of Vail.

This position serves as a trusted advisor to applicants property owners architects developers elected officials and appointed boards helping navigate complex planning and development issues while preserving the qualities that make Vail a world-class mountain resort community.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing the Towns Planning Team including supervision coaching performance management hiring and professional development.
• Managing complex development applications land use reviews code amendments rezoning requests special development districts variances and conditional use permits.
• Directing long-range planning initiatives special studies and projects with significant community impact.
• Serving as a liaison to the Planning and Environmental Commission Design Review Board Town Council and other stakeholders.
• Providing expert guidance on land use policy urban design architecture zoning and community development issues.
• Assisting with departmental budgeting strategic planning operational improvements and policy development.
• Collaborating with applicants residents businesses consultants and regional partners to achieve community goals.

This position supervises approximately 34 direct reports and regularly participates in evening public meetings and community engagement activities.

Interested candidates must submit:

• A completed Town of Vail online application
• A current resume
• A cover letter outlining qualifications leadership experience and interest in the position

Applications will be accepted through the Town of Vails online employment portal.

The Town of Vail is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees and applicants.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader skilled communicator and strategic thinker who can balance community values development interests and long-term planning objectives.

• Bachelors degree in Urban Planning Land Use Planning City Planning Urban Design or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 68 years of professional planning experience preferably within a municipal government environment.
• Strong knowledge of urban planning principles current and long-range planning practices public administration and land use regulations.
• Experience managing complex development review processes and planning projects.
• Ability to interpret architectural plans site plans surveys development applications and technical documents.
• Exceptional written verbal and public presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with elected officials appointed boards staff applicants and community members.
• Working knowledge of Colorado land use law.

• Masters degree in Planning Urban Design Public Administration or a related discipline.
• Five or more years of supervisory or management experience.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Experience working within a design-focused community or resort municipality.

• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Political acumen and sound professional judgment.
• Ability to navigate complex and sometimes competing interests.
• Passion for community development design excellence and public service.
• Commitment to customer service collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Ability to communicate complex planning concepts in ways that are accessible and understandable to diverse audiences.

Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies Vail offers an unmatched quality of life. Whether youre skiing world-class terrain hiking alpine trails golfing mountain biking fishing or simply enjoying the vibrant mountain-town atmosphere Vail provides year-round opportunities to live an active and rewarding lifestyle.

At the Town of Vail we are passionate about public service and dedicated to preserving the communitys character while planning for its future. Our culture emphasizes collaboration innovation professionalism customer service and stewardship of one of the most iconic resort communities in North America.

The Town of Vail offers one of the most competitive public-sector benefits packages in Colorado including:

• Comprehensive medical coverage with access to local providers through Vail Health and Vail Summit Orthopaedics.
• Dental and vision insurance options.
• Employer-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Annual wellness incentive program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care).

• $1000 annual Lifestyle Spending Account that can be used for fitness memberships ski passes outdoor recreation race entries sporting equipment camping expenses and more.
• Free recreation pass providing access to Town recreation amenities.
• Free CORE Transit pass.
• Employee discount marketplace through BenefitHub.

• Employer-funded 401(a) retirement plan beginning on your first day of employment.
• Optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan with automatic enrollment.
• Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D coverage.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• Three weeks of vacation during your first year with increased accruals based on years of service.
• Six paid holidays annually.
• Generous sick leave accruals.
• Bereavement leave and Sick Bank program participation opportunities.

• Tuition reimbursement up to $4000 annually.
• Professional development opportunities conferences certifications and continuing education.
• Opportunity to lead impactful projects that help shape the future of one of Americas most recognized mountain communities.