The position generally manages planning and urban design related projects within the Planning and Business Development Department. This is a senior-level professional planning and urban design position, which performs a variety of design related work for both the development review and long-range planning divisions. This includes the review of development proposals from an urban design and landscape perspective, and development of design guidelines, long-range planning documents, comprehensive plans, etc. and other supportive graphics.

The position is a key contributor to the department regarding urban design concepts by performing specialized, professional planning work for development the vision for the city’s physical growth, land use, urban design, infrastructure development, and promotes the best use of the city's land and resources by serving as a program leader.  

Essential Duties:  

Oversees the city’s urban design efforts through development and implementation of the city’s strategic growth, land use planning, resiliency, economic development, housing, transportation, and supportive codes as defined by the City’s implementation strategy, the Unified Development Ordinance and the Aurora Places Comprehensive Plan. Responsibilities may include directing and coordinating activities such as: 

• Taking ownership of urban design elements on projects in the support of staff, city officials, boards, commissions, the public, and other stakeholders.  

• Development Review team staff support, regarding development review projects, landscape review, design policies, and graphic software operating procedures for overall effectiveness and development of new programmatic approaches.  

• Preparing a variety of documents and visualizations for decision-making or marketing purposes. 

• Gathering, interpreting, and preparing data for studies, reports and recommendations. 

• Coordinating department activities with other departments and agencies as needed. 

• Facilitating public engagement in planning process and policy considerations. 

• Monitoring adopted plans to promote and facilitate ongoing implementation and continued relevance.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Education:   

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, landscape architecture, land-use planning, urban planning/design or a closely related field.  

Experience:   

• 4 years professional design experience in public sector planning or private planning consulting involving public process; or 

Knowledge: 

• Knowledge of planning laws, including their formation, process of adoption, application, and enforcement.  

• Knowledge and experience in long-term planning, public input and visioning processes, comprehensive plan formation and adoption, and ongoing implementation and monitoring of adopted plans.  

• Knowledge of personal computers and program-specific applications. 

• Knowledge of the principles of land use and real estate development including entitlements, phasing, design, construction, environmental issues, redevelopment and historic preservation.  

• Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and practices used in planning, design, construction, and maintenance of buildings, or other structures considering aesthetic and functional concerns. 

• Public engagement skills including one-on-one, small groups and workshop-style meetings. 

• Skilled at developing project budgets, scope and schedules. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite including In-Design, AutoCAD, SketchUp and GIS 

Skills:  

• Public engagement skills including one-on-one, small groups and workshop-style meetings. 

• Skilled at developing project budgets, scope and schedules. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite including In-Design, AutoCAD, SketchUp and GIS