Planning Supervisor (Housing)

: Description

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a planning professional to join our Housing Department within the Planning Division as a Planning Supervisor. This key role will oversee existing and recently established programs focused on accelerating housing production and supporting innovative land use strategies across the 6-county SCAG region. In coordination with the Manager of Housing and the Deputy Director of Planning, the Planning Supervisor will play a critical role in implementing programs under the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) 2.0 grant, developing regional housing policy as part of the Connect SoCal Plan, and developing the 7th cycle RHNA. This role requires a thorough understanding of land use, housing, equity policy issues, and planning concepts. The successful candidate will also have experience developing and implementing projects and programs at the local and/or regional level and supervising the work of staff with less experience in the field. This individual will have strong experience working with various decision-makers and stakeholders. It is crucial that the Planning Supervisor possess good judgment and decision-making skills, excellent communication and collaboration skills, and is an expert in the field. The Housing Department is comprised of 10 dedicated full-time professionals and three business units: Housing Planning, Housing Special Programs, and Connected Communities. The business units are focused on developing and supporting implementation of SCAG's housing and land use strategies, as identified in Connect SoCal. The Planning Supervisor will lead the Housing Policy business unit, which is tasked with leading Connect SoCal housing policy development and implementation, managing some of the implementation and project work under REAP 2.0, and the upcoming 7th cycle of RHNA. WHO WE ARE As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG's values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered. SCAG operates as a hybrid organization because we recognize that work can be successfully performed in various locations. Designing a work environment and culture where SCAG's mission, effectiveness, and collaboration can be more flexibly served demonstrates our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) by supporting work-life balance for our employees, retaining our existing dedicated staff, and increasing access to new talent pools. As part of our Work@SCAG hybrid approach, employees' eligibility in the three work models (office, hybrid, remote) will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties. All work models require employees to work from a location based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to be in the office one day per week. WHAT WE BELIEVE MISSION To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices. VISION Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future. SCAG CORE VALUES

• Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do.
• Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.
• Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.
• Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.

In this role you can expect to

• Lead the regional housing program, including coordinating a quarterly working group, oversee projects that implement housing policies, and lead housing element reform.
• Manage the Regional Utilities Supporting Housing (RUSH) grant program and several housing-related projects under the REAP 2.0 grant program.
• Oversee the closeout of the REAP 1.0 grant program and coordinate final grant program report to the State Legislature.
• Analyze policies and legislation supporting housing.
• Lead the RHNA program, including developing policies consistent with the Connect SoCal Plan, a workplan for the 7th cycle RHNA, and coordinating a cross-departmental team.
• Effectively communicate housing policies, strategies, and initiatives through presentations, written reports, and other communication channels to diverse audiences.
• Integrate racial and social equity considerations into all aspects of program and policy development, ensuring a commitment to inclusivity.
• Collaborate effectively with elected officials, government agencies, and various stakeholders, fostering strong working relationships to advance housing initiatives and policy reforms.
• Supervise and provide guidance to direct reports and junior experienced staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you'll bring to this role

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 7 years of experience in urban planning and design, project management, planning regulations, housing, land use, or related field and a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered. We'll be a great match if you also have:

• Experience working with elected officials, other government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• The ability to translate technical data and information in an accessible and digestible manner for a wide range of audiences.
• Experience incorporating racial equity in program/project development and/or implementation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including making presentations.
• Experience managing multiple multi-year projects and budgets simultaneously.
• Experience with housing policy and planning at the regional and/or local level.
• Knowledge of land use principles and regulations for meeting housing needs in California.
• Knowledge of data trends and research methods in housing and demographics.
• Strong analytical skills combined with good judgment, enabling the evaluation of housing policy options and the selection of the most effective and equitable solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise and support staff, promoting team building and professional development.
• Experience with project and/or program delivery.

Supplemental Information

Please note, this posting will remain open until November 6, 2025, with the first application review taking place on October 23, 2025. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.

The information you provide on the application and supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the hiring process. Please be advised that failure to provide complete and accurate information in the application and supplemental questionnaire may result in disqualification of your application even if you possess the qualifying experience or education. Please be as specific as possible and include all information as requested. Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a sufficient response. Please note that all information is subject to verification at any time in the hiring process. Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or dismissal.

Southern California Association of Governments is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, mental condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We strive to embrace and actively support an inclusive and diverse work environment where the personal dignity of each person is recognized, valued, and celebrated. To achieve this objective, we must hire, retain, and inspire the right people to do the right work. Each member of the workforce is charged with contributing diversity of thought through intersectional identities and experiences.

The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provision contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.