Strategic Planning Manager

MacKay Sposito is seeking an experienced and relationship driven Strategic Planning Manager to join our team. We are committed to delivering innovative solutions that shape communities and drive sustainable growth. We partner with municipalities, developers, and stakeholders to navigate complex land use planning regulations, ensuring projects align with local codes and community objectives. This role will be highly relationship oriented, leading our efforts in client and municipal engagement and overall business development activities. This individual will leverage their deep expertise in local land use planning codes and cultivate strong relationships with local municipalities, agencies, and our diverse client base. As a key strategic advisor, you will play a vital role in guiding projects through the entitlement process, identifying opportunities for growth, and positioning our company as a leader in the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert on local land use planning codes, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with municipal officials, planning commissions, and other regulatory bodies to advocate for client projects and company initiatives.
• Support clients in navigating zoning, permitting, and entitlement processes, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Analyze and interpret planning policies, market trends, and regulatory changes to identify opportunities and risks for development projects.
• Provide strategic guidance to internal teams and clients on land use planning, permitting timelines, and community engagement strategies.
• Represent the company at municipal meetings, public hearings, and industry events to advocate for projects and build strong partnerships.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, environmental, and development professionals, to ensure seamless project execution.
• Serve as Project Management and and/or oversight on high level and high visibility projects.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Land Use Planning, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Extensive knowledge of local land use planning codes, zoning regulations, and entitlement processes.
• 7+ years of experience in planning, development, or a related field, with direct experience engaging with municipal agencies.
• Strong understanding of the intersection between planning, engineering, and community development.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with municipal officials, agencies, and clients.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex planning concepts to a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience representing projects in public hearings and community meetings is preferred.
• AICP certification is a plus but not required.

Why join the MacKay Sposito team?

• A people-first culture - We are dedicated to our employees and their families. We want to do what’s best for them, and their well-being helps drive our business decisions.
• Strong business development team - This position is supported by a talented, organized, and proven business development team and processes.
• Excellent reputation - Through our 50-year history, MacKay Sposito has built and maintained an excellent reputation in our community and with our clients and business partners. You’ll be joining a team with a strong foundation and reputation that you can be proud to be part of.
• We give back to the community - MacKay Sposito and our employees believe in giving back to the communities we serve. As a firm, we supported a host of local organizations focusing on our community pillars of veterans and youth. In 2024, our team members volunteered as commissioners, committee and board members, youth coaches, and a host of other volunteer positions and initiatives.

Our Values:

At MacKay Sposito, we’re serious about our work, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. We have a unique and diverse mix of employees who enjoy each other’s company. In addition to having first-rate technical skills, we search for people who are friendly, honest, and dedicated to the team and their work.

We believe in constructive candor with our clients and colleagues - sharing our full knowledge and expertise to allow for fully informed decisions. By creating a positive, committed, and supportive environment, we are able to challenge our people to be the best they can be.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based on candidate experience and qualifications, as well as various market and business considerations.

The wage range for this position is $120,000-$145,000 per year, depending on experience. 

Full-time employees receive a well-rounded benefits package, including access to our company-sponsored Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, and Supplemental Life Insurance plans. 100% company paid Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, and Long Term Disability coverage. Employees are eligible to participate in our company 401k plan with up to a 4% match Additionally, employees also receive paid vacation time, paid sick time, and 11 paid holidays. MacKay Sposito pays for expenses associated with licensure as well as annual profit-sharing bonuses.

Employment requires passing a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

As a federal Contractor, we participate in E-Verify and are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.