Category: 
Job
Organization: 
City of Milwaukee
Close date: 
Friday, October 17, 2025
To event remaining 28 days


Location: Milwaukee, WI

Long Range Planning Manager

Salary: $116,493 - $127,413
($119,988 - $131,235 for Milwaukee residents)

Closing: 4:45 p.m. CT on Friday, October 17, 2025

DESCRIPTION

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

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.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • 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.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

  • 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.

HOW TO APPLY

For the full job posting and to submit an application, go to this link: https://www.jobapscloud.com/MIL/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1=2509&R2=5137&R3=001

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%.