Tribal Planner

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde is seeking a Tribal Planner to provide specialized planning, economic analysis, and research expertise to the Engineering and Community Development Department. This position is responsible for advancing strategic planning initiatives, guiding long-range growth, and providing expert advice on community and economic development. The Tribal Planner also supports land-use planning, environmental permitting, and coordination with local government projects, contributing to a more prosperous, healthy, and resilient Tribal community.

The Tribal Planner applies comprehensive knowledge in planning, research, and economic analysis to drive Tribal development efforts. They play a key role in supporting the Tribe’s Community Development Plan, Strategic Plan, Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and several other planning documents. The Tribal Planner coordinates with various Tribal departments and external agencies to ensure effective implementation of these plans, with an emphasis on community engagement and public participation.

The Tribal Planner reports directly to the Community Development Manager and collaborates with the Engineering and Planning Manager, Project Manager, and Public Works Coordinator. This position also manages and leads external consultants in planning efforts that support the growth and development of the community. The Tribal Planner is responsible for organizing community meetings and planning sessions, analyzing land-use patterns, and recommending policy and planning options to Tribal leadership. This position collaborates with the Grants Program Manager, supporting and assisting grant writing, identifying funding sources, and preparing proposals to support Tribal programs and services. Additionally, the Tribal Planner provides communication materials to promote Tribal services and facilitates partnerships with external stakeholders. This role may also require field work as needed to support project development and community outreach.

The Tribal Planner for The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde is a seasoned professional with a comprehensive understanding of land-use planning, community development, and tribal governance. They are excited by the opportunity to contribute to the growth and resilience of the Grand Ronde community with a deep commitment to honoring the Tribe's rich cultural heritage and values. The successful candidate brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role with a proven track record of navigating complex planning processes and collaborating effectively with Tribal members, Grand Ronde community members, and various stakeholders, including local jurisdictions and regional partners.

The successful candidate demonstrates and prioritizes cultural awareness and sensitivity to Native American culture. With a strong understanding of Tribal purposes, organizations, policies, and procedures, the Tribal Planner ensures culturally competent service delivery that respects and honors the traditions and values of The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Furthermore, the Tribal Planner embodies the Tribe’s core values and nurtures an open and collaborative work environment. Exhibiting strong leadership qualities, the successful candidate leads community meetings and planning sessions with confidence, providing expert advice and recommendations to Tribal leadership. They embrace their role in providing strategic guidance for issues affecting the growth of the Grand Ronde community. The Tribal Planner represents Grand Ronde with integrity and effectively advocates for the organization at all times.

With strong interpersonal skills, the Tribal Planner enjoys working with a close-knit and supportive team that depends on one another to accomplish their respective tasks. The successful candidate brings a proven ability to prioritize and effectively strategize to ensure alignment with the Tribe’s strategic goals and initiatives and seeks assistance when needed. The Tribal Planner effectively collaborates with external partners, Tribal departments, and community members to advance planning initiatives and projects. They also enjoy collaborating through the grant process to identify funding sources and write and prepare proposals that support Tribal programs and services. Culturally engaged and socially active, the successful candidate willingly participates in tribal events and cultural activities, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Qualifications

A minimum of four years of experience in comprehensive land-use and community development planning for a local jurisdiction such as a town, city, or county is required. Tribal government planning experience is ideal, and experience in a growing community is beneficial.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution in Land Use Planning, Urban or Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, Social Science, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Economics, Geography, or a related field is required. A master’s degree is preferred. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.

The Tribal Planner will collaborate with colleagues in the Engineering and Community Development Department to realize the following projects and initiatives:

• Community Development Plan: Implement The Grand Ronde 2033 – Our Future, Community Development Plan, a ten-year horizon plan for the Grand Ronde community. Evaluate, measure, and report on initiatives and strategies aligned with the four communities of The Seat of Government, A Place to Live, A Place to Connect, and A Regional Economic Engine.
• Property Development: Assist with the development of the tumwata village project, a 23-acre site near Willamette Falls in Oregon City. Guided by the values of spirit, place, people, and prosperity realize the vision for environmental and cultural restoration alongside thoughtful new development and restored public access.
• Housing Study: Conduct a comprehensive study to address the Tribe’s housing needs over the next 10-20 years.
• Campus Master Plan: Update the plan accounting for smart and sustainable growth. Include an update to the Utility Master Plan identifying infrastructure needs that support the Campus Master Plan.
• Climate Action Plan: Create a formal Climate Action Plan that addresses climate resiliency, carbon reduction efforts, and the impact of climate-related events throughout the Grand Ronde community. Be mindful of integrating climate action plans with existing documents.
• Strategic Plan: Revive the Grand Ronde strategic plan, which was last updated in 2019. Ensure this document is outward-facing and aligned with other tribal documents.
• Social and Economic Study: In alignment with the eight-year cycle, prepare for the next study to be completed by late 2024/early 2025.
• Community Engagement: Build relationships and actively engage the community. Conduct and facilitate community listening/feedback sessions and appropriately integrate data in support of the Tribe's resilience.
• External Collaboration: Ensure effective collaboration with regional entities and external partners on grants, projects, and initiatives that are mutually beneficial.
• Legislation Advocacy: Advocate for legislative changes that streamline property acquisition, update zoning, and inform density development in rural areas.

$97,858 - $157,734 annually