Planning Manager 2 - Land Development Division, Current Planning

Nashville/Davidson County is seeking experienced individuals to join the Land Development Division. It is an exciting time to be a part of a team that is shaping Nashville's future.

The Metro Nashville Planning Department is comprised of planners and designers with expertise in land use, architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design. These staff members provide analysis and recommendations throughout Metro Nashville on current planning and development, community planning, and urban design and landscape issues in a wide variety of urban, suburban, and rural contexts. The Land Development Division is responsible for current planning within the 526 square miles that make up Nashville/Davidson County, including review of rezoning requests, application of overlays, site plans, mandatory referrals, and subdivision requests. The Division also manages the bond process and oversees the Planning customer service counter in the Development Services Center.

The Planning Manager 2 oversees the 12-person Current Planning Section, a unit within the Land Development Division, and supervises activities of professional staff working in the section. The position reports directly to the Land Development Assistant Director and oversees, and directly manages, two Planning Manager 1 - Plan Review positions. The position is responsible for ensuring that the work of the section on rezoning and subdivision development proposals are in compliance with all regulations and overall department goals. Also, the incumbent oversees review of Zoning Code text amendments and updates to the Subdivision Regulations. The position supervises and supports two Planning Manager 1s, providing clear direction, performance management, and professional development. The Planning Manager 2—Current Planning collaborates with other Planning division leaders to align current planning functions with long-range planning goals, advanced planning and research, zoning ordinances, and municipal codes. The position ensures timely and effective communication with developers, contractors, property owners, and other stakeholders regarding planning procedures, permits, and regulations.

The Planning Manager 2 – Current Planning works closely with the Planning Manager 2 for Development Services, which is also housed within the Land Development Division to oversee the front counter, building permit review, and design inspections. The incumbent develops and implements measures to improve productivity within the section and participates in the policy setting process with members of the senior leadership team to ensure consistency of goals across divisions. Oversees the preparation of cases and presentations to the Metropolitan Planning Commission and Metropolitan Council's Planning and Zoning Committee. Trains Planning Manager 1s and Planner 3s. Attends meetings and speaks to the public as needed. May act for the Planning Manager 2 – Development Services position, as needed, or when that position is vacant.

The successful candidate for all open positions must be experienced in and enthusiastic about current planning and high-quality customer service. Ability to communicate effectively with other Metro Departments, development professionals, citizens, and engineers is desired. Must have the ability to accurately process, review, analyze and critique development issues with an emphasis on good urban design principles. Ability to write clearly and prepare concise and accurate letters, reports, and presentations is also desired.

Other qualifications include: knowledge of basic legal principles of land development and zoning; knowledge of form-based codes and New Urbanism; attention to detail; compliance with time-sensitive deadlines; clear and timely communication with a variety of stakeholders; strong prioritization and negotiation skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; and, other skills generally associated with supervising or managing people, including resource allocation, recommending and monitoring budgets, contracts and work, building and managing effective teams, communicating progress, goal setting and having accountability for overall work and deliverables.

Directly supervises various section supervisors within the department and has indirect supervisory responsibility over all Current Planning section staff. Receives limited supervision and reports to a designated supervisor, who assigns and reviews projects, is kept informed of progress made on projects, and assists with complex or unusual problems.

Planning Manager 2 Education and Certification requirements:

Bachelor's degree in planning, or related field, from an accredited college or university and eight (8) years of related experience, or Master's Degree in Planning or related field from an accredited college or university and six (6) years of related experience. Current planning experience for a local government is desired. Annual salary is $115,478 along with excellent health, dental and retirement benefits, and competitive paid vacation time, paid sick leave, and paid holidays.

Some positions in the Planning Department are eligible to work a 3/2 hybrid workweek.

These positions qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness for qualifying loans.

How to Apply

Applications will be received up to August 22, 2025.

Qualified applicants should send (preferably via email) a letter of interest, resume, and a portfolio of work samples to:

Randi Semrick at randi.semrick@nashville.gov

or

Randi Semrick
Metro Planning Department
800 Second Avenue South
P.O. Box 196300
Nashville, TN 37219-6300
(No Phone Calls Please)

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

The Planning Department does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, or disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. Discrimination against any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, promotion, retention, discipline, or any other employment practices because of non-merit factors shall be prohibited. For ADA inquiries, contact Randi Semrick, ADA Compliance Coordinator, at (615) 862-7230 or e-mail her at randi.semrick@nashville.gov. For Title VI inquiries, contact Human Relations at (615) 880-3370. For all employment-related inquiries, contact Human Resources at (615) 862-6640.