Strategic Planner - Principal

Job description

• Government Council
• Contract Role - One Year - Possible Extension
• $72.60 - $76.60 + Super p/h (Depending on Experience)
• Blacktown Location

• Develop housing and associated transport strategies for the local government area.
• To deliver on all commitments made by Council with respect to state and federal funding associated with the “Well-Located Housing Capacity Study and Planning Strategy” project under the Housing Support Program.
• Increase the efficiency of planning decisions in well-located areas, including social and affordable housing.
• Contribute to overall innovation, undertake research and evaluate projects within the Strategic Planning and Economic Development team.
• Promote the local government area as a place to invest and build strong working relationships with key stakeholders in government, private and not-for-profit sectors.

• Manage all activities associated with the engagement of external contractors and consultants funded by the “Well-Located Housing Capacity Study and Planning Strategy” and the Housing Support Program, including but not limited to project scoping, development of agreed milestones, finalisation of engagement documentation, ongoing contract performance management and dispute resolution.
• Develop housing capacity studies which include analysis of regional, subregional/district planning contexts and infrastructure, environmental, economic, financial and land-use sustainability.
• Under the direction of the Manager Strategic Planning and Economic Development, project manage the delivery of precinct planning in designated areas, including but not limited to contract management of consultants to undertake specialist studies as required by external funding bodies and/or Council.
• Identify planning and design principles for master planning and redevelopment of the relevant precincts, including vision for place, urban form and character.
• Conduct research and analysis, including data collation, of all transport related development precincts in the local government area.
• Provide expert advice on strategic housing and transport planning matters to both the Manager Strategic Planning and Economic Development and Director City Planning and Development.
• Manage all aspects of the Housing Support Program Grant, including but not limited to project plans, financial management, procurement, coordination, engagement of consultants/contractors, project milestones, internal and external reporting requirements.
• Overall management of grant-funded administrative processes associated with housing supply and affordability in the local government area, including but not limited to drafting submissions, financial acquittals, periodic reporting, evaluation, signage, correspondence, publicity, promotion and media releases.

• Degree in urban planning, urban development, environment, urban economics, public or social policy, a related field, or equivalent skills and knowledge acquired through relevant experience.
• Significant relevant work experience, including but not limited to: 
• Working with multidisciplinary professionals and coordinating input from a diverse range of stakeholder groups.
• Management of private sector professional services contractors and/or consultants in a public sector context.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement, tendering and contractual dispute resolution processes, ideally within a local government context. 
• Preparing environmental planning instruments and development control plans, policy development and implementation. 
• Proven ability to manage externally grant-funded projects/programs, preparation of submissions, acquittal of funds, manage reporting requirements, evaluation and associated processes.
• Sound knowledge of applicable legislation/regulations, including the appropriate sections of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, State Environmental Planning Policies and relevant Planning Reforms.
• Advanced qualitative, quantitative, research, and analytical skills with a sound understanding of demographic trends and underlying business dynamics.