Principal Planner (Expediter)

The City of Raleigh is seeking a collaborative, solutions-oriented professional to serve as a Principal Planner specializing in permitting solutions within the Raleigh Planning and Development Department.

This position plays a central role in guiding permit applications and development plans through the review lifecycle, helping move projects efficiently from intake to approval while maintaining a strong commitment to customer service and regulatory integrity.

In this role, you will act as a key liaison for applicants, residents, design professionals, reviewers, and City staff. You’ll coordinate across departments, help resolve issues, and translate complex technical and regulatory information into clear, actionable guidance for applicants navigating the development review and permitting process.

The Principal Planner balances customer needs with organizational priorities, triages inquiries and escalations, and works proactively to identify challenges early so they can be addressed effectively.

You’ll also contribute to continuous improvement by analyzing permit activity/trends and leading initiatives that enhance processes and service delivery. A key part of the work also includes evaluating projects for consistency with the Unified Development Ordinance and related codes.

The Principal Planner will supervise two Senior Permit Advocates.

About Us

The Planning and Development Department is tasked with guiding development in the City of Raleigh, supporting responsible and sustainable growth. The Land Development Division is responsible for the intake, review, and issuance of plans and permits, ensuring development within the City adheres to applicable policies and regulations.

As part of the team you’ll enjoy a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to contribute to shaping Raleigh’s future. The Division also works closely with the other teams across the City involved with Development Review and Capital Projects. The Division is led by an Assistant Director, two Managers, and multiple supervisors.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Supervise two Senior Permit Advocates
• Monitor permit activity and provide targeted support for select or stalled development applications, helping move projects efficiently from intake to approval
• Work across disciplines to expedite the approval of projects that are a City priority and/or are close to completion
• Triage and manage inquiries and escalations while balancing customer needs with regulatory requirements and organizational priorities
• Coordinate across departments to facilitate issue resolution and help applicants achieve compliance with applicable regulations
• Serve as a liaison for applicants, residents, design professionals, reviewers, and City staff, fostering clear communication, collaboration, and excellent customer service
• Analyze permit activity and performance trends to recommend process improvements and support special initiatives
• Review projects for consistency with the City’s Unified Development Ordinance and other codes

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Studies, Transportation or a related field and 5 to 7 years’ of progressively responsible experience in a lead or supervisory capacity related to urban, land use, or regional planning

OR

Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted.