Planning Manager

Planning Manager

City of Bothell
Bothell, WA United States

The City of Bothell is seeking a Planning Manager to lead its Planning Division! The Planning Manager will lead the Planning Division’s operations, overseeing current and long-range planning functions to deliver effective, consistent, and policy-driven development services. This role will serve as a technical leader for complex development proposals, advance process and policy improvements, and foster a culture of collaboration, integrity, and accountability.

The Planning Manager will build strong partnerships with staff, stakeholders, and the community to support thoughtful growth and exceptional public service.

• Typical schedule will be a 5/8s schedule, with a preferred start time of 8:00 am.
• Note:
  
  This role will initially be onsite for up to the first six months with the potential opportunity to transition to a hybrid schedule.

• Direct and administer the operations of the Planning Division, overseeing current planning (development review) and long-range planning functions as assigned. Ensures development review services are delivered efficiently, consistently, and in alignment with broader planning policy objectives.
• Demonstrate and foster the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability, contributing to a positive, collaborative, and high-performing work environment.
• Serve as the technical authority for complex, high-profile, and sensitive development proposals, providing guidance on code interpretation, approval conditions, and regulatory decision-making.
• Identify policy gaps, procedural inefficiencies, and code-related issues through the development review process, leading targeted updates to improve clarity, consistency, and effectiveness.
• Communicate complex planning, development, and regulatory matters effectively to diverse audiences, including staff, applicants, stakeholders, elected officials, and the public.
• Promote a responsive, solution-oriented approach to customer service while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, City policies, and established procedures.

• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally across a variety of settings.
• Provide clear direction, fosters accountability, develops staff, and creates a positive, collaborative, and high-performing work environment.
• Maintain objectivity and sound judgment when analyzing complex information.
• Contribute to group success by sharing knowledge, resources, and responsibility.
• Demonstrate honesty and transparency in all actions and communications.
• Adapt to change with flexibility and a commitment to inclusive practices.
• Uphold high standards of service in support of organizational and community goals.

• The City is comprised of 13.6 square miles within both King and Snohomish Counties and is home to 51,760 people (2025). This figure is projected to grow to nearly 75,000 over the next 20 years in tandem with Bothell’s increasingly vibrant downtown and life sciences employment cluster near the I-405 corridor.
• Learn more about the City’s Organizational Values and the Bothell’s City Council 2040 Vision and Strategic Priorities.
• Learn more about the City of Bothell's Community Development Department here!

• Paid vacation and sick leave benefits.
• Ample time off including 11 paid holidays as well as 2 personal holidays.
• Medical, dental and vision for you and your family.
• Life and disability insurance, state pension membership and deferred compensation for retirement.
• Commute trip reduction, alternative work schedules, flexible work environment, and hybrid work options are available when appropriate.
• Employee wellness program participation and incentives.
• Association of Washington Cities Well City Award recipient.

• $ - $ / Annually

AICP Level

Hae Choe
Phone:

We are committed to being a safe, equitable, and inclusive workplace and community. The City of Bothell is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all…