JOB DESCRIPTION

About this Opportunity

The City of Hillsboro's Economic & Community Development Department plays a central role in shaping a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable future for one of Oregon's most dynamic and diverse cities. As an economic engine of the state and a key part of the greater Portland metropolitan region, Hillsboro is connected by light rail and home to thriving neighborhoods, innovative industries, and a strong sense of community. Our work is grounded in thoughtful planning, inclusive engagement, and policies that support long-term resilience and opportunity for all who live and work here.

As the City of Hillsboro continues to grow and evolve, the Senior Planner - Long Range role serves as a key leader in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient community. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead community planning efforts, shape land use and housing policy, and manage highly technical projects.

What You Will Be Doing

In this role, you will provide advanced planning, project management, and communication expertise while leading major long-range planning initiatives. Key responsibilities include:

• Applying a systems thinking approach to identify and respond to opportunities within our community.
• Managing projects involving plan and policy development, defining project scope, creating schedules, coordinating with various departments, agencies, and stakeholders, providing technical guidance, and presenting recommendations.
• Leading and supporting assigned staff, including writing, reviewing, and editing staff reports.
• Handling inquiries and complex information requests related to studies, plans, and other relevant matters.
• Overseeing the preparation of plans, studies, reports, ordinances, and amendments, providing recommendations, and effectively communicating complex technical information.
• Coordinating and implementing community engagement efforts, including facilitating presentations on sensitive issues to appointed and elected officials and the general public.
• Performing other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, strategic planner who brings both technical expertise and strong relationship-building skills.

Skills and experience we are looking for include:

• A background in land use planning, housing policy, public policy, or a closely related field, with an understanding of how land use and housing intersect to shape community outcomes.
• Proven experience managing one to two large, complex projects that involve policy analysis, technical planning work, and collaboration with consultants, partner agencies, developers, and community members.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities while delivering high-quality work.
• A collaborative leadership style that fosters strong working relationships and shared ownership throughout a project's life cycle.
• Conversational Spanish language skills are highly desirable and support inclusive and accessible community engagement. The City of Hillsboro offers a bilingual pay incentive for qualified employees

Upcoming Projects

In this role, you will perform advanced project management and communications work. You will have the opportunity to lead a wide range of Long-Range Planning Section projects and policy initiatives.

• Upcoming projects involve managing concept planning for a proposed residential growth area,
• Overseeing Hillsboro Housing Production Strategy reporting with the state
• Supporting an Equitable Development Strategy and Transit-Oriented Development Plan for the Tualatin Valley Highway corridor's future bus rapid transit line within Hillsboro.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Policy, or related field; and five years of experience in municipal, public, or private sector land use planning or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Recruitment Timeline

Job Posting Date: January 5, 2026

Application Deadline: January 25, 2026

Application Review: January 26-30, 2026

Interview I: February 9-13, 2026

Interview II: February 23-27, 2026

Final Candidate Selection: March 2-6, 2026

Note: Timelines subject to change based on City needs.

Application Instructions

To ensure your application receives full consideration, please complete all sections of the online application thoroughly. Resumes will not be accepted and should not be submitted in place of the completed application.

• Include detailed information about your work experience, education, and relevant qualifications directly in the application. Taking the time to provide complete and accurate information helps the review panel fully understand your background and experience.
• Please answer all supplemental questions thoughtfully and thoroughly. Your responses provide valuable insight into your qualifications, experience, and help the hiring manager better understand how your background aligns with the needs of the position.
• Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Only Veterans' Preference documents (if applicable) will be reviewed as attachments.

Commitment to Equity

Hiring a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas.

BENEFITS

City of Hillsboro is proud to offer robust benefit packages to employees. Please check out our Salary and Benefits page for benefit guides for our non-represented full-time employees and part-time employees. Benefits may vary for positions identified in Police, Fire, and Library collective bargaining agreements, which can also be found on the Salary and Benefits page.

BENEFITS

City of Hillsboro is proud to offer robust benefit packages to employees. Please check out our Salary and Benefits page for benefit guides for our non-represented full-time employees and part-time employees. Benefits may vary for positions identified in Police, Fire, and Library collective bargaining agreements, which can also be found on the Salary and Benefits page.