Senior Planner

Are you an innovative, strategic leader ready to shape the future of Edmonton’s urban landscape? The Urban Strategies team is looking for a Senior Policy Planner to guide long-range land use planning and drive high-impact, transformational policy projects. Reporting to the General Supervisor of Planning Strategies, you will provide thought leadership, supervise and mentor a team of professional policy planners, and ensure corporate alignment across complex City initiatives.

In this role, you will balance vision with pragmatism, applying your deep understanding of Edmonton's planning and land development system to deliver meaningful results. By working collaboratively with cross-disciplinary City staff, Edmontonians, and other city-building partners, you will play an integral role in guiding Edmonton’s growth and development. Join us in helping to plan Edmonton’s future!

What will you do?

• Oversee and manage complex, long-term policy development projects, strategy recommendations, and reports for City Council on Edmonton’s land use and its relationship to transportation, infrastructure, and growth
• Provide strategic direction, mentorship, and day-to-day supervision to a team of professional planners, fostering a culture of innovation, safety, and collaboration
• Lead interdisciplinary project teams and manage external consultants, ensuring deliverables are high-quality, on time, and within budget
• Deliver clear, insightful reports and presentations to City Council, committees, and senior leadership on broad-based and area-specific land use policy issues
• Design and execute inclusive public engagement and communication plans in collaboration with specialized advisors
• Build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with industry partners, community partners, and regional government entities
• Apply urban planning principles and professional planning expertise to advance implementation of The City Plan
• Perform other related duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Planning or a closely related discipline
• Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in urban planning or a related field, including at least two (2) years of supervisory or leadership experience

Assets:

• Membership or eligibility for full membership in the Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI) and RPP/MCIP designation
• Experience in private sector land development or private policy planning
• Demonstrated experience working on Indigenous initiatives, social policy, or community-led cultural initiatives
• Additional coursework or certification in public administration, project management, facilitation, or change management

Skills required for success:

• Extensive experience in policy development, managing complex interdisciplinary projects, and managing budget or contract deliverables
• Strong applied knowledge of Edmonton’s land use planning system and experience navigating the relationship between policy and land development
• Proven track record of designing and implementing inclusive public engagement processes and working alongside diverse partners
• Demonstrated experience preparing reports for elected officials or navigating municipal governance structures
• Strong leadership abilities with a proven track record of coaching, empowering, and supporting staff performance
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical concepts into accessible, plain language
• High-level conflict resolution, negotiation, and relationship-building skills across diverse collaborator groups
• Superior strategic thinking, analytical capabilities, and sound judgment in navigating politically sensitive topics
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies ()
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion
• Alignment with the goals of the City Plan and/or the Environmental Management System Enviso

Conditions of Employment:

• Compliance with corporate leadership and safety training requirements post-hire
• Applicants may be tested

Work Environment:

• This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite as per the Letter of Understanding between the City of Edmonton and Civic Service Union 52
• The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement, and the incumbent will be notified in advance

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about our benefits

Up to 1 permanent full-time position

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Salary Range: $54.505 - $68.843 (Hourly); $113,806.440 - $143,744.180 (Annually)

Recruitment Consultant: LG/SO

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Métis Nation.