Salary: See Position Description
Location : 1001 17th St, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80202, CO
Job Type: Full-time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-12
Department: Regional Planning and Development
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Closing Date: 9/25/2026 5:00 PM Mountain

Summary
The hiring salary range for this position is $4,308.33 - $5,383.71/semi-monthly or $8,616.66 - $10,767.42/month depending on qualifications.

The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) is looking for a Program Manager to help local governments and other planning partners implement the region's long-range plan, Metro Vision. DRCOG adopted the first Metro Vision plan in 1997, building on a legacy of regional planning that dates back to 1955. Throughout its history, DRCOG's regional planning efforts have connected growth, transportation, housing, and sustainability.

DRCOG works with individual communities to advance Metro Vision outcomes and objectives through a variety of approaches and at different paces, creating collective impact across the region. If you have experience managing projects, a passion for partnering with local governments, a desire to help improve quality of life in the vibrant Denver region, and an interest in leading a team of practicing planners, we encourage you to apply today!

Description of Work
This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Division.

• SUPERVISE: Directs staff by prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff is trained; ensuring that employees follow policies and procedures; maintaining a healthy and safe working environment; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.

• LEAD: Directs the activities of a function and/or program which includes developing, approving, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating programs, projects, processes, policies, procedures, systems, standards, or service offerings; ensures compliance of function/program goals, policies and performance expectations.

• RESOURCE: Develops and oversees assigned budgets; allocates resources; reviews and approves justifications for budget items; monitors and controls expenditures.

• COLLABORATE: Develops and maintains internal and external relationships; communicates with internal and external groups regarding services, programs, areas of opportunity, and other information; represents assigned program; negotiates and manages contracts terms and activities when necessary.

• ADVISE: Reviews and approves a variety of records, reports, contracts or other documents; makes decisions or provides recommendations based on findings; serve as an advisor to the organization's executive team.

• PRACTICE: Acts as a technical resource and subject matter expert within assigned program or function; performs staff work and duties for the most difficult and complex situations and cases.

• Provides leadership on efforts to update and adapt Metro Vision, DRCOG's long-range plan for growth and development of the Denver region.

• Facilitates efforts to help local governments and other partners implement Metro Vision.
• Provides leadership and coordination for technical assistance programs for member governments.
• Fosters a healthy community of planning practice that encourages innovation and knowledge sharing among local government officials, staff and other regional planning partners.

• Builds and maintains productive relationships to advance and sustain the collective impact commitment described in Metro Vision.

• Leads a team of planners building the capacity and capabilities of local governments and other stakeholders to implement Metro Vision through direct or consultant technical assistance.

• Provides leadership and support in building and maintaining DRCOG's role in regional planning initiatives.

• Prepares and delivers reports, briefing papers, and presentations on regional planning topics to various audiences.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Management principles and practices;
• Strategic planning principles;
• Budgeting principles;
• Fiscal policy and financial management;
• Program development and administration principles and practices;
• Practices and methods of coaching and leading the work of others;
• Project management principles;
• Advanced principles and practices of urban and regional planning;
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and/or statutes.
• Techniques and methods for organizing, prioritizing, assigning and monitoring work;
• Best practices in stakeholder engagement and management;
• Planning principles and practices for strategic regional growth and development;
• Planning principles and practices to meet regional and local housing needs;
• Principles and practices in one or more of the following areas of planning practice desirable: transit oriented development, open space conservation, water supply, age-friendly communities concepts, corridor and center/node land use planning, or the transportation/land use connection.
• Providing leadership to staff;
• Delegating and prioritizing work;
• Planning, coordinating, and implementing programs, projects, events, and activities;
• Developing and administering budgets;
• Analyzing processes and making recommendations for improvement;
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, rules, and regulations;
• Interpreting analytical reports, summaries, and other related statements;
• Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications;
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Preparing credible and understandable written materials and presentations;
• Facilitating group discussions and building consensus;
• Exercising political acumen, tact and diplomacy;
• Synthesizing information, articulating issues and making recommendations;
• Understanding and defining agency and division needs and creating work programs;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, governmental and non- governmental agency personnel, elected officials consultants, and the public;
• Facilitating and leading interagency work groups and committees.
Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, geography, public administration or directly related field and five to seven years of experience, including two years of supervisory experience. A Master's Degree in a field directly related to assignment may be preferred. Supervision of staff on projects and tasks may be considered in lieu of experience with direct staff reports. OR An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONS:

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred, but not required.

STATUS:

• Full-time, Exempt

01

Which best describes your level of education?

• High School or GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree

02

How many years of urban and regional planning, geography, or public administration experience do you have?

• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five to less than six years
• Six to less than seven years
• Seven to less than eight years
• Eight to less than nine years
• Nine or more years

03

What best describes your supervisory experience?

• Two or more years supervising direct reports
• Two or more years supervising others on projects and tasks
• All of the above
• Less than two years of supervisory experience

04

Briefly tell us about your experience managing, working with, and/or working as a private sector consultant for local governments. Please feel free to describe specific projects, contributions, etc.
05

Please describe your experience balancing and setting priorities on a team. Please feel free highlight and describe specific projects, positions and/or roles, as well as any skills you developed to do so.
06

Please describe your skills and experience that have prepared you to lead a team on varied regional planning topics and initiatives (e.g. transportation, environment, aging, housing, land use, economic development).
Required Question