Regional Planner

Position Title:

Regional Planner Organization:

Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission (MPPDC)

Employment Type:

Full-time grant-funded position

Pay Range:

$60,000 - $70,500 Position Summary The Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission (MPPDC) seeks a strategic and collaborative Regional Planner to coordinate and advance integrated planning initiatives across the six-county, three-town coastal Middle Peninsula region of Virginia. This position plays a critical role in implementing MPPDC's mission to provide regional leadership, foster intergovernmental cooperation, and deliver innovative solutions that enhance environmental resilience, economic vitality, and community sustainability. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of rural coastal dynamics, regional governance, and place-based planning, and will work closely with local governments, state and federal partners, and community stakeholders to shape and execute forward-looking regional strategies. Key Responsibilities Develop and implement regional planning strategies aligned with MPPDC priorities, including coastal resilience, rural transportation planning/ transportation demand management, hazard mitigation planning, floodplain management, water management, and rural economic development. Work with multidisciplinary planning initiatives and projects, including those supported by state and federal funding programs (e.g., resilience, hazard mitigation, and waterway management efforts). Coordinate with member localities (counties and towns), regional authorities, and partner organizations such as the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority to ensure alignment of policies and projects. Facilitate stakeholder engagement processes, including public meetings, advisory committees, and intergovernmental workgroups to build consensus and advance regional priorities. Conduct technical and policy analyses related to land use, demographics, environmental conditions, infrastructure systems, and economic trends affecting the Middle Peninsula. Prepare high-quality reports, grant applications, policy recommendations, and presentations for the Commission, funding agencies, and external stakeholders Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, including those related to coastal zone management, environmental permitting, and grant administration. Support and strengthen MPPDC's role as a regional convener and innovator, promoting collaboration, efficiency, and continuous improvement across programs. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in planning or related field or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Experience in regional planning, rural/community development, environmental planning, or a related field. Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-jurisdictional projects from concept through implementation Strong knowledge of land use planning, zoning, environmental regulations, and coastal/rural policy frameworks Experience with grant development and administration, including budgeting, reimbursement processes, and compliance Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable strategies Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public presentation and facilitation experience Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Urban/City and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Environmental Policy, or a related discipline. Experience working with Planning District Commissions, regional authorities, or similar public entities Familiarity with coastal Virginia issues such as sea level rise, recurrent flooding, working waterfronts, and nature-based solutions Proficiency in GIS and spatial analysis tools, as well as data visualization platforms Experience coordinating with state and federal agencies (e.g., FEMA, NOAA, USACE, Virginia DCR/DEQ) Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies Experience with grant management systems, project tracking tools, and reporting software Familiarity with stakeholder engagement tools and digital outreach platforms Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-jurisdictional projects from concept through implementation Strong knowledge of land use planning, zoning, environmental regulations, and coastal/rural policy frameworks Experience with grant development and administration, including budgeting, reimbursement processes, and compliance Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable strategies Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public presentation and facilitation experience How to Apply Interested applicants should submit the following via

Indeed:

A cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant experience A current résumé

Pay:

$60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person