JOB DESCRIPTION

Posting Close Date:

Applicants must submit their completed application by 03-16-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Position Summary:

The Lead Planner in the City of Tucson's Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department supports the Strategic Planning and Community Engagement (SPACE) team in advancing strategic planning, policy development, and community-informed initiatives that strengthen housing affordability and community outcomes. This role integrates GIS, data analysis, and design with robust community engagement to inform planning efforts, evaluate programs, and communicate complex information clearly to internal and external audiences. The Lead Planner leads or contributes to long-range and strategic planning projects, policy research and implementation, and cross-departmental initiatives, while building strong relationships with residents, stakeholders, and partner organizations. Work is performed with a high degree of independence and collaboration and may include serving as a technical and subject-matter resource for HCD and City partners.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Strategic Planning and Community Engagement Manager. This position does not supervise. This position leads and instructs the daily operational work associated with assigned projects and assigned project staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads long-range and strategic planning projects, including housing affordability initiatives, policy frameworks, and cross-departmental planning efforts; research, draft, and implement policies and plans
• Leads the design, facilitation, and evaluation of inclusive engagement processes; build and maintain positive relationships with residents, stakeholders, and partner organizations; incorporate community input into planning and policy decisions.
• Collect, analyze, and visualize data to support and lead planning, policy, and community engagement initiatives; create maps, dashboards, and other data products using GIS tools to inform decision-making and communicate insights.
• Develops and leads graphics, reports, presentations, and other materials to clearly convey complex data, analysis, and planning initiatives to both internal and external audiences.
• Support housing, community development, and planning projects by leading and tracking progress, managing data and materials, coordinating with internal teams and external partners, and preparing reports and materials for leadership and stakeholders.
• Leads and serves as a resource for GIS, data, and planning tools and best practices; provides guidance to staff and partners on data analysis, mapping, and policy implementation.
• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working conditions as follows:

• This position requires the ability to lift and transport boxes of supplies, tables, chairs, and audio/visual equipment and may involve standing, walking, and bending during meetings or events.
• This position may require occasional work outside of standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, and may involve occasional travel.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Work Experience: Three (3) years of relevant experience

*Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Geography, Community Development, Architecture, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated success in community engagement, including designing and facilitating inclusive engagement processes and working directly with residents, stakeholders, and partner organizations on planning, policy, or development-related initiatives, while clearly communicating complex information and building trust with diverse communities.
• Experience leading or contributing to long-range and strategic planning initiatives, including researching, drafting, and implementing housing, community development, or equity-focused policies and plans.
• Experience with:
  • Esri ArcGIS products (ArcGIS Pro/Online, StoryMaps, ArcHub, Dashboards, Experience Builder, etc.)
  • Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro, etc.)
  • Web design and digital content platforms
  • Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
  • Fluency in both written and spoken English and Spanish.

Application and Special Instructions

As part of this online application process, all applicants are required to submit both an updated resume and cover letter at the time of application.

Applications received that do not contain a resume and a cover letter addressing the prompt below will be considered incomplete and will not be considered further in this recruitment process.

COVER LETTER PROMPT:

Please submit a cover letter (no more than two pages) describing your interest in the Lead Planner position with the City of Tucson Housing and Community Development Department. In your letter, please address your knowledge, skills, abilities, training, and/or experience in relation to each of the preferred qualifications listed in the posting and highlight how your background and experience align with the responsibilities of this role.

BENEFITS

The City of Tucson provides a generous, flexible benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, a pension plan, and optional retirement savings. Employees receive 38 paid days off in year one, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, training, and opportunities for community engagement.

More info: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot