Professional Planning Job listings on this site are posted for three months unless the posted deadline is reached or the employer has notified the Association of the position being filled. Publishing on this site does not guarantee ad will be published in the Michigan Planner Magazine. Web site job ads cost $75. To submit a job ad or RFP ad email the description to kmcintyre@planningmi.org and place "job ad" or "RFP ad" in the subject field.
Regional Planner
The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG) seeks a highly motivated, organized, and team-oriented professional to assist the Regional Planning and Community Development Department of the NWMCOG to coordinate and implement community, economic development, land use, and transportation planning projects throughout its ten-county region (Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford Counties).
The full job description can be found at www.nwm.org
Submit resume, three references, writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages), and a transmittal letter stating reason for interest in the position & career goals by June 2, 2008 to: Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, Attn. Mathias McCauley, P.O. Box 506, Traverse City, MI 49685-0506.
The NWMCOG is an equal opportunity employer. Auxiliary aids and service are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Posted May 9, 2008
Planning/Zoning Administrator
Whitewater Township, Grand Traverse County, is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Planning/Zoning Administrator.
Whitewater Township is a rural community of approximately 49 square miles that consists of several square miles of state land, memorial forests, pristine lakes, streams and rivers, located in Northwestern Lower Michigan.
The planning/zoning administrator is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the zoning ordinance, subdivision control, and other zoning and land use related ordinances precisely as written; responsible for administration of the master plan; acts as a liaison to the planning commission and township board on all zoning and land use matters including but not limited to meeting with applicants, preparing informational background materials, submitting recommendations, and providing educational materials to board and commission members; assists in the development of recommendations regarding zoning and land use issues.
A certified planner with knowledge of Michigan statutes pertaining to township zoning, planning and development is desired. Also desired is knowledge of northern rural Michigan’s unique assets and problems. A self starter with adequate writing and computer skills is necessary in this one person office. The applicant must possess a valid driver’s license to meet travel requirements and be able to make site inspections during all seasons.
Salary and benefits are negotiable.
Interested candidates should submit their resume’ and cover letter with salary requirements to Carol Hockin, Whitewater Township Clerk, P O Box 159, Williamsburg, MI 49690 no later than May 19, 2008. Resume’ and cover letter will also be accepted by fax at (231) 267-9020 or e-mail at wwtclerk@charterinternet.com. Phone calls for information will be accepted at the clerk’s office (231) 267-5141 Ext. 24.
Posted May 5, 2008
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, City of Hamtramck
WAGE: $60,000- $65,000 annually DOQ
TYPICAL DUTIES:
Under the general direction of the city manager. Organizes and directs the activities of the Community and Economic Development Department, which includes planning and zoning administration, development review, economic development services. Oversees the administration of the department including supervision of staff, budget preparation and maintaining departmental budget. Resolves complex and sensitive customer service issues; prepares, writes and administers grant applications; manages Community Development Block Grant allocations; and other state and federal grant programs. Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or related field. Master’s Degree and AICP certification preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Minimum of five years of directly related and progressively responsible experience in planning, zoning and community development required.
3. Strong knowledge of municipal, planning, historic preservation and Brownfield redevelopment laws. Working knowledge of Brownfield incentive programs such as Neighborhood Enterprise Zones, Industrial Facilities Tax Exemptions and approval of Brownfield Plans, DDA ,TIF and EDC desired.
4. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to convey planning and zoning concepts in simple language.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
As soon as possible.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Send resume to:
Donald D. Crawford
City Manager
3401 Evaline Street
Hamtramck, Michigan 48212-3315
(313) 870-0349
Donald Crawford dcrawford@hamtramckcity.com
Principal Redevelopment Planner
Vandewalle & Associates, Inc.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Shaping places, shaping change
Vandewalle & Associates, Inc. seeks a creative, highly experienced individual to serve as a principal planner in our growing downtown Milwaukee office. For over 30 years, Vandewalle & Associates, Inc. has been restructuring the economies and rebuilding the fabric of urban, suburban and rural communities across the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest. The firm, made up of a highly talented, multidisciplinary staff of planners, economists and designers, is seeking a collaborator with a proven track record in redevelopment planning and implementation. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 to 15 years of experience in planning, economic development, and/or real estate development and a master’s degree in a related field. An understanding of the unique economic opportunities and challenges confronting the Midwest is essential, with direct project experience in the Milwaukee or Chicago areas preferred. The principal planner position is engaged in all aspects of project management, but also has significant marketing responsibilities and performs some administrative and supervisory functions as well. All interested persons are requested to immediately forward a resume and cover letter to the address provided below. Phone calls and e-mail inquires are welcomed.
Vandewalle & Associates
Founded over 30 years ago by Brian Vandewalle, who continues as its president, Vandewalle & Associates is one of the largest independent planning and urban design firms in the country. The company is focused on strengthening and rebuilding communities primarily across the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest region and offers a wide range of services including traditional comprehensive planning and zoning, urban design and landscape architecture, downtown and waterfront redevelopment, economic restructuring, brownfield reuse and redevelopment, and related services.
The firm has a dynamic staff of nearly 40 professionals, technicians and support personnel, with three levels of professional staff consisting of assistant, associate and principal planner/designer in ascending order of experience and responsibility. Firm management is largely focused on project management, as opposed to personnel management, with all projects approached as a multi-disciplinary collaborative drawing from the staff in our redevelopment, growth management and design divisions. Vandewalle & Associates has established a solid reputation for creating high-level, exciting community visions and plans as well as providing the implementation expertise necessary to make them a reality. Over 90% of the firm’s work is from repeat clients, many of whom have been working with the firm for over 20 years. The firm’s website, www.vandewalle.com, provides summaries of both services and current work.
Principal Redevelopment Planner
Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, Vandewalle & Associates established its only other office in 2005 in downtown Milwaukee to play a greater role in reshaping and rebuilding one of the Great Lakes’ most dynamic and progressive regions. In order to better serve this growing marketplace and increase our access to the other major urban areas of the Great Lakes, we are expanding the Milwaukee office to a total of three full time employees in 2008.
This principal planner position is part of the company’s redevelopment division, which focuses on economic restructuring and physical redevelopment in urban and suburban areas. Typical projects include initial redevelopment plans and implementation strategies, TIF and BID creation, design and zoning overlay districts, developer and business recruitment and negotiation, and on-going implementation project management. Principal planners are responsible for all phases of the work including budget management, directing project content and direction, leading public participation programs, and client contact. The position also has significant marketing responsibilities including potential project/client identification, directing the preparation of project proposals, and participating in project interviews. In addition, the position provides general supervisory oversight of the assistant and associate planners in the division.
The primary focus of the office and the position are urban sites and corridors within the greater Milwaukee and Chicago areas as well as the other major urban centers of the Great Lakes Region, including Canada. Accordingly, the position will require frequent day travel by car and occasional travel by air with some overnight stays. Significant interaction with, and frequent travel to, our Madison office also is expected.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 to 15 years of experience and an established track record in planning, economic development, and/or real estate development and a master’s degree in a related field. An understanding of the unique economic opportunities and challenges confronting the Midwest is essential, with direct project experience in the Milwaukee or Chicago areas preferred. Also required is a thorough, working knowledge of public-private partnerships and a variety of mechanisms to move redevelopment projects through implementation, such as TIF’s, BIDs, bond funding, grant writing, site assembly, developer recruitment, business recruitment, public improvements planning, and development review. The ability to explain complex projects to the public and elected officials is essential, along with an ability to gain the trust and support of private sector corporations and developers.
Previous work experiences may include serving as a city planning or economic development director, executive director of an economic development corporation, project manager for a private developer, or a similar high level position with significant visibility in a community and regular contact with the community’s public and private sector leadership. The individual must have a reputation for collaborative problem solving and a portfolio rich with innovative and successful redevelopment projects. Experience working with disadvantaged and minority neighborhoods and businesses is a plus.
Inquiries
All interested candidates should immediately submit their resume and cover letter with salary requirements to Jenny Kurt, Administrative Services Manager, at the e-mail address shown below (no hard copy follow-up is necessary). Phone or email inquiries about the position may be directed to Jenny or to Scott Harrington, Principal Planner, at the phone number or email addresses shown below. The position is open until filled. Salary is DOQ. The company offers a full complement of benefits including paid vacation and sick leave, and medical, dental and disability insurance. Vandewalle & Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Jenny Kurt, Administrative Services Manager
Vandewalle & Associates, Inc.
120 E. Lakeside Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53715
608-255-3988
jkurt@vandewalle.com
sharrington@vandewalle.com
www.vandewalle.com
Planning Director
Salary Range: $49,892–67,501 (Hiring Range: $49,892–58,696 DOQ)
Hartland Township (population 14,000) is seeking qualified candidates for the full time position of Planning Director to manage planning and zoning administration in a growing Livingston County community. Individuals with experience in preparing professional quality site plan reviews and that possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills are encouraged to apply. Responsibilities include the administration of the Township’s zoning ordinance and master plan; preparation of professional planning reviews; presentation to the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Township Board; supervision of support personnel and professional consultants; preparation of ordinance amendments and other written reports; and frequent interaction with the public.
Education requirements include a bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a related field. A Master’s degree and/or AICP certification is preferred.
Please submit a résumé and cover letter, along with references and salary history, no later than April 11, 2008, to: James Wickman, Township Manager, Hartland Township, 2655 Clark Road, Hartland, Michigan 48353
Posted March 9, 2008
Entry Level Planner
Rich and Associates, Inc of Southfield, MI currently has an opening for an entry level planner. The essential skills needed include proficiency with standard productivity software including Microsoft Word and Excel, knowledge of planning principles, writing ability, presentation skills and a willingness to learn and take on the challenges of participating in projects that are geographically dispersed. The ideal candidate would also be familiar with ESRI GIS Software.
Specific duties for the position will include preparing background material for developing vehicle volume analyses using building inventories, user surveys and parking supply data. Data collection will also be a considerable component of the position. As Rich and Associates takes on projects across the United States and abroad, only candidates willing to travel should apply.
Project travel involves a few days per month or up to a week at a particular location. Data collection, meetings, presentations and research are conducted in the field, while analysis and report writing are conducted at our Southfield Office. All travel expenses are covered.
Interested persons should submit a letter of interest, salary expectations and a resume:
Rich and Associates, Inc.
26877 Northwestern Highway, Suite #208
Southfield, MI 48033
Att: Planning Position
Ph: (248) 353-5080
Fx: (248) 353-3830
Posted February 27, 2008
Professional Planner
ENP & Associates is seeking the services of a professional planner to work part time on contract. Work would be project-based and on an as-needed basis. ENP offers a creative, flexible office environment and telecommuting/working from home is a possibility.
Minimum qualifications:
- Master’s of Urban Planning or related field (strongly preferred) or bachelor’s degree and equivalent experience.
- GIS experience strongly preferred
- Strong writing and public speaking skills
- Site plan review experience
- Ability to work independently
Contact:
Erin Perdu, Principal
202 E. Washington St., Suite 310
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 926-0123
Fax: (734) 527-6158
Email: erin@enp-associates.com
Posted February 27, 2008
Land Use Planner
Regional Planning Commission is currently accepting applications and resumes for the position of Associate Planner. This position requires strong skills in land use planning and zoning, proficiency in writing, GIS applications, strong presentation and communication skills, computer and research skills and the ability to work both independently and as a team member.
Minimum Required Experience and Training: Masters in related field and two years experience or Bachelors and four years of experience
Salary Range: $41,283 - $54,190 commensurate with skills and experience. Employer paid family coverage for health, dental and vision, plus pension, holidays, vacation, sick leave and flexible spending accounts.
Resume To:
Tri-County Regional Planning Commission
913 W. Holmes Rd.
Suite 201
Lansing, MI 48910
tcrpc@acd.net.
For agency information visit www.mitcrpc.org.
Open until filled. EOE
Posted February 27, 2008
Program Director
The Land Information Access Association (LIAA) is a nonprofit service organization dedicated to building better communities through civic engagement. For 15 years, we have helped citizens, civic groups, other nonprofits, and local units of government use advanced information technologies and community development techniques to improve land use planning and resource management throughout Michigan and elsewhere.
We seek an experienced /Program Director /with strong leadership and strategic thinking skills to help move LIAA to the next level. The Program Director will lead our development and communications programs and participate in the design, development and management of new programs to help people build more sustainable communities.
We provide a reasonable salary (salary range: $45-55K), excellent benefits, great colleagues, a comfortable work environment, and a cause worth working for. All of this in one of the most beautiful locations on earth.
We prefer a creative and engaging person with at least 5 years of experience in nonprofit work, truly excellent communication skills, a relevant graduate degree (e.g., natural resources, community development, urban planning) and experience with computer technologies.
Please submit a cover letter, full resume and three references to the attention of:
Search Committee
LIAA
324 Munson Ave.
Traverse City, MI 49686
The application materials may also be sent by e-mail as Adobe Acrobat .pdf documents to: search_committee@liaa.org.
To learn more about LIAA, visit us on line: www.liaa.org
Posted February 14, 2008
Planner
Come to the Rocky Mountain West where open space, wildlife, and recreational opportunities abound! The City of Green River is seeking a generalist Planner with senior level ability for our Community Development Department team. The perfect candidate will be a self-starter with a solid background in current and long-range planning, enjoy the challenges of a growing community, and possess a creative approach to problem solving. A Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, geography, architecture or related field is required along with a minimum of 2 years of experience. A Master’s degree and/or AICP is desirable. Interested applicants must submit a City application, detailed resume, and three work-related references. (City applications and the position flyer are downloadable from the City’s website – www.cityofgreenriver.org.) Submit the completed application packet to the City of Green River, 50 East 2nd North Street, Green River, Wyoming, 82935 by March 1, 2008 at 5 pm. Questions regarding the recruitment process may be directed to 307 872-6135.
Posted February 1, 2008
Senior Planner
U.P. Engineers & Architects, Inc.
U.P. Engineers & Architects, Inc. (UPEA) is seeking a dynamic, skilled and versatile Senior Planner. UPEA is a multi-disciplinary firm with five (5) offices located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin. UPEA is recognized as a leader in providing professional planning services in this region including master plans, zoning, downtown revitalization, recreation and economic development. The U.P. of Michigan is noted for its beautiful environment and outstanding four season recreation opportunities. The position will be located in either the Marquette or Houghton, Michigan offices.
Job Description
This position represents the company with city, township, county, and state entities and manages planning activities for the company. This position acts as the primary contact or supports managing engineers and architects with relations with government agencies on engineering, architecture, and public works projects. This position will represent the company's interest at public hearings and coordinates the acquisition of permits and other approvals required from governmental agencies. The position manages community and land-use planning activities of the company and will develop these markets for the firm. In that capacity, this position will research, design, and develop programs; lead public processes; perform technical analyses; manage; and educate our clients in the area of community planning for their projects.
This position will market planning services in the areas that we operate. This position will also prepare proposals and has an active role in the overall business development for the company.
The position will be the primary contact for clients on planning projects. This position prepares schedules to assure projects are on time and on budget. This position also ensures that the quality of the planning work product meets UPEA standards. This position will be responsible for project management for planning services for our clients and responsible for leading these efforts and assisting our clients in identifying the goals and vision for their projects.
This position will be responsible for developing and managing the Planning group for UPEA.
Our ideal candidate must have a Bachelors degree or Masters Degree in Urban Planning or Landscape Architecture and a minimum of 10-15 years of experience in Planning. AICP certification preferred. Must be computer software literate in Microsoft Office. Great oral and written communication, teamwork and organizational skills are required. Great client service skills are essential to this position.
In addition to our extensive benefit package, we offer a competitive salary and a friendly work environment. Submit your resume and cover letter today to:
Mike Salmela
Human Resources
U.P. Engineers & Architects, Inc.
100 Portage Street
Houghton, Michigan 49931
Posted January 11, 2008
JOB OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT
CITY PLANNING COMMISSION - CITY OF DETROIT
The City Planning Commission (CPC) serves as the zoning commission for the City of Detroit and is housed in the Legislative Branch of city government and acts as an advisory body to City Council on neighborhood planning, community and economic development, zoning and land use matters. In addition, the Commission is served by an 11 member advisory body, the Citizen Review Committee (CRC), which reviews proposals of neighborhood groups for funding.
In this capacity, experienced, creative, and highly motivated applicants are being sought for the following position at the Intermediate level:
CITY PLANNER
SALARY RANGE: $35,000 - 54,000
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of a bachelor's degree in urban planning or related field and 2 years of professional planning experience. Master's degree preferred. Should have demonstrated application of broad land use planning skills with site plan and design review experience. Additional capacities in the areas of Architecture, Landscape Architecture or Geographic Information Systems are also desirable. Must be able to work with community groups in all areas of the city and be sensitive to neighborhood groups and issues. Strong research and analytical skills required as well as good oral and written skills. Position and salary dependent upon education and experience.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:
1. Review and analyze site plans and elevations for new development projects and alterations to existing buildings, taking into account accepted planning principles, zoning, requirements or surrounding neighborhoods, the Master Plan and other factors.
2. Review and analyze the social, economic, physical and environmental impact of development proposals.
3. Make reports and recommendations on requests for rezoning of new and existing districts, land sales and street closings.
4. Conduct special studies on land use issues.
5. Prepare reports for presentation to the City Planning Commission, City Council and other governmental and civic bodies.
6. Participate and represent the Commission on task forces and committees comprised of city staff and groups active in the development of plans for which the Commission is making recommendations.
7. Prepare draft ordinances and resolutions, including amendments to the Zoning Ordinance text.
8. Participate in development of land use policy.
9. Resolve disagreements between developers, community groups, city departments and others through negotiation and compromise.
Although not required, it is desired that applicants reside in the City of Detroit. For immediate consideration, submit resume, together with the names of at least two professional references, to:
Marcell R. Todd, Jr., Director
City Planning Commission
202 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
Detroit, MI 48226
For further information, please call (313) 224-6225. Resumes will be accepted through the close of business Friday, February 1, 2008. The City of Detroit is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer.
Posted January 10, 2008
Housing Inspector
The Community Planning and Development Department is seeking applicants for the position of Housing Inspector II. Essential qualifications include: at least one year experience in ordinance enforcement and housing inspection with good communication, listening and conflict resolution skills; good computer skills, including use of Windows based software; knowledge of residential building construction and repair, and knowledge of acceptable housing/property standards; general knowledge of housing, building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes; ability to obtain ICC IPMC Certification in property maintenance within six months of hire. The ability to carry, lift and hold up in arms 10 lbs., ability to move up to 60 lbs, and possession of a valid driver’s license essential. $20.08 - $22.80 D.O.Q. Please send resume, cover letter and supervisory references by 1/18/08 to: Human Resources Department, 241 W. South Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. AA/EOE
Posted January 7, 2008
Planner - Zoning Administrator
The City of South Haven (population 5,000) is seeking a Planner - Zoning Administrator to manage planning, zoning and building code administration in a Lake Michigan resort community. The Planner - Zoning Administrator is the primary contact responsible for responding to the public regarding the City of South Haven's zoning, municipal and building code policies and procedures.
Individuals with experience in preparing professional quality site plan reviews and that possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills are encouraged to apply. Responsibilities include the administration of the City’s zoning ordinance and master plan; preparation of professional planning reviews; presentation to the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and City Council; supervision of building inspectors and code enforcement personnel; preparation of license agreements, ordinance amendments and other written reports; and frequent interaction with the public.
The position requires a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or a closely related field. A Master’s degree and AICP certification are preferred. This is a full time position with a starting salary range of $43,000 - $48,000 DOQ, with a comprehensive fringe benefit package. Please send a cover letter and resume to Building Services Department, City of South Haven, 539 Phoenix Street, 49090. Deadline for application is February 15. EOE.
Job Summary
The City of South Haven is seeking an urban planner to perform zoning administration and front counter operations of the Building Services Department. S/he will and serve as staff to and prepare agendas for Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Planner - Zoning Administrator is the primary contact responsible for responding to the public regarding the City of South Haven zoning, municipal and building code policies and procedures. The Planner - Zoning Administrator's responsibilities include administration of the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Master Plan; preparation of professional planning reviews; presentation of planning reviews to the Planning Commission and City Council; preparation of planning studies, ordinance amendments and other written reports and frequent interaction with the public. S/he directs and supervises the activities of the City's building inspectors, code enforcement officer and its planning consultants.
The Planner - Zoning Administrator serves as the initial public contact at the Front Counter, providing information to the public and explaining procedures and requirements regarding the permit process. S/he accepts plans for building permits and zoning applications and verifies the accuracy and completeness of information, reviews plans for zoning compliance as well as issuing over-the-counter permits, calculating fees, and performing related duties as assigned. This position handles municipal code enforcement through a code enforcement officer and self-initiates action where warranted. Responds to code violations and follows through on legal actions expeditiously.
Reports to: The Planner - Zoning Administrator reports to the Assistant City Manager.
Supervises: The Planner - Zoning Administrator supervises the code enforcement officer and directs contract building code inspection personnel.
Responsibilities and Duties: Review, amend and maintain the zoning ordinance with expert assistance.
Review and recommend amendments to the master plan.
Prepare the agenda for Planning Commission meetings.
Provide comprehensive reports and recommendations for the Planning Commission.
Write zoning ordinance and municipal code review for zoning applications.
Attend Planning Commission meetings in a role of staff support.
Maintain proper public hearing procedures and Open Meetings Act requirements.
Inspect development sites for compliance with terms of zoning approval.
Prepare the agenda for Zoning Board of Appeals meetings.
Prepare findings of fact and zoning code analysis.
Attend Zoning Board of Appeals meetings in a role of staff support.
Oversee and administer the building permitting and inspection program.
Prepare license agreements for various uses located on rights of way.
Weekly inspection tours of the city looking for violations of the zoning, building and municipal codes, followed by pro-active, progressive code compliance procedures.
Attend City Council meetings as required.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Education, Skills and Abilities
1. Possession of a valid Michigan Vehicle Operators license.
2. A Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning and a minimum of one year experience in a municipal planning department is required.
Preferred Knowledge, Education, Skills and Abilities
1. AICP or PCP designation and site plan review experience is a plus.
2. Master's degree in urban planning or related field.
Posted January 7, 2008
Executive Director - Downtown Development Authority
Salary $50,406 - $59,301 D.O.Q
Under the general direction of the Planning & Community Development Director, the Executive Director is responsible for the initiation and promotion of programs to improve, preserve, and enhance the quality of goods and services provided in the downtown, as well as promoting the improvement of the overall appearance of the area. Must possess excellent communication and public relation skills, tact, the ability to interact effectively with consumers, developers, business owners, property owners, and other employees. Requires Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Community Planning, or Public Administration with three years experience in downtown & community revitalization, commercial business attraction, or related field. Additional experience in economic development, grant writing / administration, historic preservation, and public relations desirable.
Official application forms are available and MUST BE RETURNED TO: City of Midland Human Resources Department, 333 W. Ellsworth, Midland, Mi 48640 Phone: (989) 837-3357. Fax: (989) 837-5718. Website: http://www.midland-mi.org/. Position will remain open until filled, application deadline –February 1, 2008. E.O.E.
Posted January 2, 2008
Principal Redevelopment Planner
Vandewalle & Associates, Inc.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Shaping places, shaping change
Vandewalle & Associates, Inc. seeks a creative, highly experienced individual to serve as a principal planner in our growing downtown Milwaukee office. For over 30 years, Vandewalle & Associates, Inc. has been restructuring the economies and rebuilding the fabric of urban, suburban and rural communities across the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest. The firm, made up of a highly talented, multidisciplinary staff of planners, economists and designers, is seeking a collaborator with a proven track record in redevelopment planning and implementation. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 to 15 years of experience in planning, economic development, and/or real estate development and a master’s degree in a related field. An understanding of the unique economic opportunities and challenges confronting the Midwest is essential, with direct project experience in the Milwaukee or Chicago areas preferred. The principal planner position is engaged in all aspects of project management, but also has significant marketing responsibilities and performs some administrative and supervisory functions as well. All interested persons are requested to immediately forward a resume and cover letter to the address provided below. Phone calls and e-mail inquires are welcomed.
Vandewalle & Associates
Founded over 30 years ago by Brian Vandewalle, who continues as its president, Vandewalle & Associates is one of the largest independent planning and urban design firms in the country. The company is focused on strengthening and rebuilding communities primarily across the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest region and offers a wide range of services including traditional comprehensive planning and zoning, urban design and landscape architecture, downtown and waterfront redevelopment, economic restructuring, brownfield reuse and redevelopment, and related services.
The firm has a dynamic staff of nearly 40 professionals, technicians and support personnel, with three levels of professional staff consisting of assistant, associate and principal planner/designer in ascending order of experience and responsibility. Firm management is largely focused on project management, as opposed to personnel management, with all projects approached as a multi-disciplinary collaborative drawing from the staff in our redevelopment, growth management and design divisions. Vandewalle & Associates has established a solid reputation for creating high-level, exciting community visions and plans as well as providing the implementation expertise necessary to make them a reality. Over 90% of the firm’s work is from repeat clients, many of whom have been working with the firm for over 20 years. The firm’s website, www.vandewalle.com, provides summaries of both services and current work.
Principal Redevelopment Planner
Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, Vandewalle & Associates established its only other office in 2005 in downtown Milwaukee to play a greater role in reshaping and rebuilding one of the Great Lakes’ most dynamic and progressive regions. In order to better serve this growing marketplace and increase our access to the other major urban areas of the Great Lakes, we are expanding the Milwaukee office to a total of three full time employees in 2008.
This principal planner position is part of the company’s redevelopment division, which focuses on economic restructuring and physical redevelopment in urban and suburban areas. Typical projects include initial redevelopment plans and implementation strategies, TIF and BID creation, design and zoning overlay districts, developer and business recruitment and negotiation, and on-going implementation project management. Principal planners are responsible for all phases of the work including budget management, directing project content and direction, leading public participation programs, and client contact. The position also has significant marketing responsibilities including potential project/client identification, directing the preparation of project proposals, and participating in project interviews. In addition, the position provides general supervisory oversight of the assistant and associate planners in the division.
The primary focus of the office and the position are urban sites and corridors within the greater Milwaukee and Chicago areas as well as the other major urban centers of the Great Lakes Region, including Canada. Accordingly, the position will require frequent day travel by car and occasional travel by air with some overnight stays. Significant interaction with, and frequent travel to, our Madison office also is expected.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 to 15 years of experience and an established track record in planning, economic development, and/or real estate development and a master’s degree in a related field. An understanding of the unique economic opportunities and challenges confronting the Midwest is essential, with direct project experience in the Milwaukee or Chicago areas preferred. Also required is a thorough, working knowledge of public-private partnerships and a variety of mechanisms to move redevelopment projects through implementation, such as TIF’s, BIDs, bond funding, grant writing, site assembly, developer recruitment, business recruitment, public improvements planning, and development review. The ability to explain complex projects to the public and elected officials is essential, along with an ability to gain the trust and support of private sector corporations and developers.
Previous work experiences may include serving as a city planning or economic development director, executive director of an economic development corporation, project manager for a private developer, or a similar high level position with significant visibility in a community and regular contact with the community’s public and private sector leadership. The individual must have a reputation for collaborative problem solving and a portfolio rich with innovative and successful redevelopment projects. Experience working with disadvantaged and minority neighborhoods and businesses is a plus.
Inquiries
All interested candidates should immediately submit their resume and cover letter with salary requirements to Jenny Kurt, Administrative Services Manager, at the e-mail address shown below (no hard copy follow-up is necessary). Phone or email inquiries about the position may be directed to Jenny or to Scott Harrington, Principal Planner, at the phone number or email addresses shown below. The position is open until filled, with an anticipated start date in February or March of 2008. Salary is DOQ. The company offers a full complement of benefits including paid vacation and sick leave, and medical, dental and disability insurance. Vandewalle & Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Jenny Kurt, Administrative Services Manager
Vandewalle & Associates, Inc.
120 E. Lakeside Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53715
608-255-3988
jkurt@vandewalle.com
sharrington@vandewalle.com
www.vandewalle.com
Posted January 2, 2008
