Position Overview

The Senior Planner is an experienced, certified planning professional responsible for helping to strengthen and grow the entitlement group in the Tampa (TPA) metro and throughout Central Florida. This person will collaborate with clients and internal teams to lead projects through all phases of design, due diligence, planning, entitlement and site development.  Responsibilities will include proposal writing, budget management, staff development and managing client relationships. This person and their team will provide valuable entitlement guidance to internal project teams in all market sectors as well as directly to clients.

At McAdams, we invest in growth-minded leaders who are eager to build, innovate, and elevate those around them. You will have the autonomy to shape strategy, influence market direction, and expand capabilities—backed by a collaborative leadership team, robust internal resources, and a strong platform for long-term career development. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and is motivated by meaningful impact, continuous improvement, and helping others succeed. 

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation and submission of entitlement applications, including zoning amendments, conditional use permits, and variances, ensuring that all necessary documentation is accurate and complete.
• Successfully manage planning or entitlement projects through the review process; respond to comments, clearly communicate issues and potential solutions to clients, and obtain project / staff / council approval according to the client's schedule.
• Implement and uphold rigorous quality control measures throughout the planning process by reviewing project deliverables for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to regulatory standards.
• Assist Project Manager with or independently lead the project team with the review and input of project design and development review process as applicable to the entitlement process.
• Assist Project Manager with scoping projects and development of tasks on proposals or change orders.
• Track project progress, timelines, and budgets, providing regular updates to project managers and stakeholders, and identifying any potential risks or challenges that may impact project outcomes.
• Draft proposals or contracts in accordance with project entitlement and construction schedules and fees.
• Foster effective partnerships with corporate services including Accounting, Admin Services, and HR among others, to streamline processes, ensure compliance, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Prepare, review and approve project billing with accounting/admin team and collect accounts receivable in accordance with company collection policy.
• Maintain client relationships from initial meeting through final deliverable to ensure client satisfaction, including monitoring of the Firm's interactions throughout project duration.
• Actively participate in business development initiatives by identifying and pursuing potential project leads, while collaborating with the client management team to effectively relay insights and strategic opportunities that align with organizational goals and client needs.
• Develop community engagement plans and supporting materials / graphics, collaborate with staff and community partners, facilitate engagement meetings / events and prepare community engagement summaries.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior planning staff, fostering their professional development and ensuring the application of best practices in planning processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills + Experience

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited program in Landscape Architecture, City/Community /Regional Planning, Urban Planning, or related field
• Possess AICP certification, and or RLA
• 15+ years’ experience in planning or design
• Display advanced oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of regulatory requirements and planning standards
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills
• Self-starter with strong drive for personal growth and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to facilitate accurate, efficient, and quality project deliverables

Work Environment + Physical Demands

The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible (without undue hardship to the company), reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Work will primarily be in an office setting with limited opportunities to be exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
• Work will be primarily working with fingers by picking, pinching, typing, and grasping often with repetitive motion.
• Must have visual acuity for viewing a computer screen, the ability to talk, hear and sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to carry, lift and push/pull up to 5 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally.
• Additional physical duties may be required as necessary.