Planning Manager

About the role

The City of Bothell is seeking a Planning Manager to lead its Planning Division. This position oversees current and long-range planning activities, provides technical leadership on complex development projects, and advances the City’s planning goals through effective policy implementation, development review, and customer-focused service.

Responsibilities

• Direct and administer the operations of the Planning Division, overseeing current planning (development review) and long-range planning functions as assigned.
• Ensures development review services are delivered efficiently, consistently, and in alignment with broader planning policy objectives.
• Demonstrate and foster the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability, contributing to a positive, collaborative, and high-performing work environment.
• Serve as the technical authority for complex, high-profile, and sensitive development proposals, providing guidance on code interpretation, approval conditions, and regulatory decision-making.
• Identify policy gaps, procedural inefficiencies, and code-related issues through the development review process, leading targeted updates to improve clarity, consistency, and effectiveness.
• Communicate complex planning, development, and regulatory matters effectively to diverse audiences, including staff, applicants, stakeholders, elected officials, and the public.
• Promote a responsive, solution-oriented approach to customer service while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, City policies, and established procedures.

Requirements

A successful candidate in this position will communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally across a variety of settings. Provide clear direction, foster accountability, develop staff, and create a positive, collaborative, and high-performing work environment. Maintain objectivity and sound judgment when analyzing complex information. Contribute to group success by sharing knowledge, resources, and responsibility. Demonstrate honesty and transparency in all actions and communications. Adapt to change with flexibility and a commitment to inclusive practices. Uphold high standards of service in support of organizational and community goals.

Qualifications

The City of Bothell is committed to being a safe, equitable, and inclusive workplace and community. The City of Bothell is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. Our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds, who share a passion for improving people’s lives.

Skills

A successful candidate will possess strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. They should have a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, city planning, or a related field, and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in planning, development review, or a similar field. Experience with GIS software and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite are preferred.

Benefits

The City of Bothell offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family. We also offer life and disability insurance, state pension membership, and deferred compensation for retirement. Commute trip reduction, alternative work schedules, flexible work environment, and hybrid work options are available when appropriate.

Pay

The starting salary for this position is $85,000 per year. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

The typical schedule for this role will be a 5/8s schedule, with a preferred start time of 8:00 am. The initial role will be onsite for up to the first six months with the potential opportunity to transition to a hybrid schedule.

Contact Information

To read the full job description and review the minimum qualifications, click here. For additional information, please contact the Human Resources Help Desk at hrhelpdesk@bothellwa.gov.