JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Description: This role combines two complementary functions: serving as a Senior Planner and acting as an internal leader responsible for embedding resiliency across all of our work.

The Senior Community Resiliency Planner will lead planning projects such as comprehensive and strategic plans. The senior planner duties also include serving as a guide on projects implemented by other staff. This includes project management support, advising on outreach and engagement strategies, and reviewing and editing plans. Mentoring and coaching experience is preferred so that this position can build institutional knowledge, guide continual improvement, and assist with project and staff on-boarding as needed.

The community resiliency duties center around three inter-connected issues facing our communities in the next 5-10 years: demographic changes, climate change, and financial solvency. We are looking for individuals interested in advancing non-traditional models of community and economic development. Our work encompasses various issues that include economic resilience, inclusive and equitable development, changing workforce conditions, talent attraction, civic infrastructure, affordable housing, and sustainable development. The work of the Senior Community Resiliency Planner will be to determine how these issues intersect with communities, and to develop actions to mitigate negative impacts, and capitalize on positive impacts.

A Day in the Life: The first year of this position will be spent building relationships through the implementation of several large regional resiliency projects, and through intentional one-on-one engagements. This work requires outreach to local communities, development of projects, and pursuit of funding to assist with implementation.

The role will also support other planning projects, and develop strategies and scenarios related to these core issues. The Senior Community Resiliency Planner will lead projects, shape regional strategies, and contribute to the direction of the organization.

About Us: We have been providing community and economic development services to southwestern Wisconsin for 55 years. Our team is interdisciplinary, supportive, service-driven, and fun! We are committed to providing meaningful work for our communities. We offer a high degree of flexibility, trust, and professional autonomy. You can read our Strategic Plan here: https://www.swwrpc.org/about-us.

Location: This position will be based out of SWWRPC's Platteville office. Hybrid work is available after an initial on-boarding period.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge with strategic planning, community engagement, meeting facilitation, and visioning.
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Demonstrated understanding and expertise of planning laws and practices in Wisconsin, specifically as they relate to comprehensive plans and zoning.
• Familiarity with current issues facing small rural communities, including demographics, finance, cultural, agriculture, and climate-related risks and opportunities and risks.
• Formal or informal experience mentoring or coaching is preferred.
• Understanding of local government functions and operations.
• Understanding of, interest in, and vision for current and future uses and potential uses of AI in the planning field, and as it may relate to addressing specific resiliency issues in small rural communities and small organizations.
• Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection and analysis.
• Strong analytical skills, and the ability to organize complex information for public consumption and engagement.
• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills, including presentation and public speaking skills.
• Ability to attend occasional evening meetings.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Education and Experience:

• A degree in planning, public administration, economics, geography, or a related field associated with the community planning and resiliency issues.
• Candidates should demonstrate 3-5 years of project management and lead planner experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Leading planning and resiliency projects – 50%
• Providing project management and support functions for projects led by other SWWRPC staff – 35%
• Supporting SWWRPC strategic planning and development – 10%
• Other duties as assigned – 5%

Compensation and Benefits:

• Health insurance: SWWRPC pays 88% of premiums
• Wisconsin Retirement System pension: A defined benefit plan with 7.2% matching contributions
• Other benefits: Dental and Group Life Insurance, Income Continuation Insurance, Flex Spending
• Time off: 40 days of annual paid time off, including holidays (12 days), vacation (15 days), and sick leave (13 days)
• Paid family leave
• Hybrid work supported after initial onboarding period
• Professional development opportunities

To apply, submit a resume to jobs@swwrpc.org.

Applications are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026 and first round interviews will begin the week of April 27. Applications will be accepted until a candidate is found.

BENEFITS

• Health Insurance: SWWRPC pays 88% of premiums
• Wisconsin Retirement System pension: A defined benefit plan with 7.2% matching
• Other benefits: Dental and Group Life Insurance, Income Continuation Insurance, Flex Spending
• Time off: 40 days of annual paid time off, including holidays (12 days), vacation (15 days), and sick leave (13 days)
• Paid family leave
• Hybrid work support after initial onboarding period