Overview

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription: The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is seeking a Regional Planning Program Manager to support the Department of Community and Economic Services (DCES) to lead professional-level activities that support metropolitan planning and regional priorities. In this role, the Regional Planning Program Manager will provide subject matter expertise to address complex planning issues and opportunities in the COG region, inform regional planning and decision-making, and support implementation. The Regional Planning Program Manager will lead the development of analyses, studies and strategic initiatives related to land use, demographics, forecasting, and economic development. Working closely with COG member jurisdictions, committees, technical advisory groups, and other stakeholders, the position will foster collaboration, build consensus, identify emerging opportunities for regional action, and develop innovative strategies and solutions. The Program Manager will present analyses and recommendations to committees, regional stakeholders, and the COG Board, including matters requiring review and approval. The position will manage program and project delivery; oversee technical analyses and planning studies; supervise staff; manage consultant contracts; and coordinate activities across COG and with member jurisdictions and regional partners. The Program Manager will establish work plans, budgets, schedules, and priorities; allocate resources; ensure quality and manage risk; reports on programs, and mentor and develop staff. The successful candidate will have strong program management and analytical skills, with demonstrated experience leading programs, achieving strategic objectives, facilitating collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and communicating technical information effectively to policy and executive audiences. Requirements: Key Responsibilities: Leads regional trend analysis and reporting related to land use, demographics, employment, economic conditions, real estate, and transportation. Oversees the COG Cooperative Forecasting Program, including coordination with local jurisdictions and COG committees and boards, review of methodologies, and reconciliation and finalization of the Forecast. Prepares and maintains documents related to forecasting and economic analysis, including employment, real estate and growth trend reports. Manages periodic updates to COG's Regional Activity Centers. Manages development of the monthly Regional Economic Monitoring System (REMS) Report and Dashboard and coordinates with COG's Planning Data and Research team to identify, develop, and implement enhancements, including online data and visualization products that highlight regional trends and information important to DCES. Coordinates with the DCES Director and Housing Program Manager on priority land use, housing, and economic development initiatives. Supports management of the economic services program, including the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and related work. Provides professional and technical staff support and leadership to the COG Planning Directors Technical Advisory Committee (PDTAC) and the Cooperative Forecasting and Data Subcommittee (CFDS). Coordinates with COG's Department of Transportation on forecasting, land use and transportation analysis, and regional activity centers. Identifies emerging and promising practices in planning and leads the development and implementation of innovative programs, platforms, and reports that integrate demographics, land use, employment, real estate, and transportation. Manages and supports internal and external partnerships and special projects related to land use, forecasting, planning, and data tracking, analysis, and interpretation. Performs other planning duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):Bachelor's degree in urban and/or regional planning, public policy, public administration