Planning Manager 2- Design Studio

The Design Studio is a division within the Metro Planning Department that is tasked with shepherding the overall vision of Nashville, with specific focus on major zoning studies, management of the downtown code and creation/implementation and ongoing management of key initiatives in the urban core. 

General Purpose of the Job.

• Manager and supervisor of the Design Studio section, leading all disciplines of the team, overseeing and coordinating all regulatory work, comprehensive studies, public meetings (e.g. Downtown Code Design Review Committee, Planning Commission) and internal design exercises and criteria standards.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Overall Section Management. Oversee the (3) branches of the Design Studio- Urban Design, Ecological Design & Design Implementation.  Ensure full integration of strategy, analysis and production.   Supervises all activities of professional, technical and/or clerical staff, including working with Management Team to assess internal resources and assign projects to individuals & teams.  Instruct and train junior planners in architecture, urban design and ecological principles.
• Quality Control.  Centralize point of quality control to ensure accuracy of all staff reports and section output.  In addition to correct and current data, review to account for context, compelling persuasion and professional tone.
• Project Management & Prioritization. Oversee multiple concurrent urban design studies and corridor plans, ensuring all initiatives meet time sensitive deadlines.  Ongoing monitoring of assigned projects including determining key internal presentations, content &cadence of public updates, and assessment/analysis of pertinent political ramifications.
• Regulatory Oversight.  Ensure consistent interpretation of the Downtown Code (DTC) and Urban Design Overlays (UDO) across all staff reviews to provide predictability for the development community.  
• Specific Work. Oversee and participate in studies and data analysis, presenting findings with the selected DS team to key constituents.
• Cross Departmental Collaboration.  Act as the lead liaison between the Design Studio and other Metro Departments (e.g. NDOT, Water Services, Parks, Finance) to integrate key actions including infrastructure, East Bank development, etc. with quality urban design.
• Communication. Weekly reporting and coordination with other senior Planning management team members to ensure that division wide goals are addressed, implemented and communicated with one voice.
• Public Presentation & Advocacy.  Representing the Planning Department at Planning Commission, Downtown Code Design Review Committee and Metro Council meetings to explain and defend policy and design recommendations and/or support senior planners and managers as they do so.
• Stakeholder Negotiation.  Navigate complex discussions between developers, neighborhood residents and elected officials to reach consensus on controversial design and development issues.  Establish and set the tone for conversations and relationships with design and development professionals and the broader community. Maintain credibility and collaboration to envision, strengthen and implement planning policies. 

Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and trends in community, urban planning and real estate.
• Interdisciplinary Expertise.  Maintains a deep understanding of architecture and landscape architecture along with familiarity with land use law with the ability to see three-dimensional implications of two-dimensional policies.
• Experience with professional architecture, landscape architecture and/or planning firm including ability to apply private practice experience and perspective to proposed planning policies.
• Political Savvy.  Ability to navigate Metro Nashville’s unique political landscape, understanding the concerns of Metro Council members and neighborhood advocates.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to community development.
• Ability to develop, implement, and/or modify policies and procedures.
• Ability to conduct studies, analyze findings, and determine trends and/or make recommendations.
• Commitment to sustainability. Maintain focus on creating “livable, walkable and sustainable” urban forms that align with the Nashville Next general plan.
• Ability to examine and modify the flow of work to increase productivity.
• Knowledge of legal principles of land development and zoning.
• Thorough knowledge of supervisory and management principles and practices, including supervising the work of others and examining and modifying the flow of work to increase productivity and work quality.
• Management and Mentorship.  Committed to mentoring planners and managers, identifying gaps in skill sets, refining strengths and growing all people in the division in professional understanding.
• Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creatively helping to solve complex problems.
• Understanding of how to leverage 3D spatial design/urban design capabilities and graphic representation techniques to support and communicate projects and ideas.
• Strong prioritization and negotiation skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to successfully work with and influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to present technical information to lay people in ways they can understand, including communicating effectively, both orally and in writing in plain language narratives for the general public.
• Ability to value and respect cultural differences, balance different perspectives, and to be intentional about expanding opportunities for all people.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university and eight (8) years of relevant experience, with progressively responsible experience in financial analysis, economic development, capital planning, or related project management in the public or private sector.

OR

Master's Degree from an accredited college or university and six (6) years of relevant work experience.

Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.

Qualified applicants should send letter of interest and resume to:  

Randi Semrick at randi.semrick@nashville.gov 

Candidate materials will be accepted through July 21, 2026.  Annual salary is $140,000.00.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

The Planning Department does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, or disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. Discrimination against any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, promotion, retention, discipline, or any other employment practices because of non-merit factors shall be prohibited. For ADA inquiries, contact Randi Semrick, ADA Compliance Coordinator, at (615) 862-7230 or e-mail her at randi.semrick@nashville.gov. For Title VI inquiries, contact Human Relations at (615) 880-3370. For all employment-related inquiries, contact Human Resources at (615) 862-6640.