Principal Strategic Planning Manager

The Project Lead will serve as the local anchor for D. Wilson Agency’s Strategic Framework initiative. This role will ensure project execution is aligned with client priorities, community values, and stakeholder needs. The Project Lead will act as the primary liaison between DWA consultants, city staff, and community partners, supporting discovery, engagement, planning, and implementation activities. This position requires demonstrated experience in municipal or county planning and a strong ability to build trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, business leaders, and residents. Key Responsibilities •Stakeholder Engagement & Alignment •Coordinate interviews, listening sessions, and roundtables with staff, residents, and community partners. •Build and maintain relationships with municipal leaders, boards, and commissions to ensure alignment with project goals. •Serve as a consistent local presence to represent DWA and reinforce transparency and accessibility. Project Management & Coordination •Support scheduling, logistics, and documentation for project activities, including workshops, strategy labs, and council sessions. •Track project deliverables and milestones in alignment with the overall 9-month timeline. •Coordinate across departments to ensure data, policy, and planning inputs are gathered efficiently. Strategic Planning Support •Contribute local expertise to visioning, guiding principles, and strategic priorities. •Provide insights on municipal planning, zoning, land use, housing, transportation, or related areas. •Assist in drafting and refining sections of the Strategic Framework document, drawing from local context. Community Engagement •Facilitate inclusive community workshops with a focus on historically underrepresented groups. •Ensure community input is reflected in the deliverables. Qualifications •Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Urban/Regional Planning, Political Science, or related field (Master’s preferred). •Located in North Carolina or a surrounding state (preferred) •3–5+ years of professional experience in city or county planning, municipal strategy, or community development required. •Demonstrated experience working with government staff, elected officials, and community stakeholders. •Strong facilitation, communication, and relationship-building skills. •Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate complex projects on time. •Familiarity with equity-centered engagement practices and inclusive planning approaches. •Comfortable working in a fast-paced consulting environment with tight deadlines. Apply tot his job