Strategic Planning and Program Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

The Strategic Planning & Program Coordinator serves as a mid-level staff and policy support professional responsible for leading organizational planning, performance management, interdepartmental and interagency coordination, special projects, and strategic initiatives for the Town of Forest Heights. The position supports executive leadership by developing long-range plans, tracking departmental goals and performance measures, coordinating operational improvement initiatives, and advancing data-driven decision-making across municipal government.

The Strategic Planning Coordinator plays a key role in enhancing government efficiency and service delivery through long-term planning, executing growth initiatives, research, analytics, grant coordination, policy development, and organizational management initiatives supporting the Town Administrator. This position assists with strategic communications, capital planning coordination, and implementation of innovative municipal programs and technologies. This position will also play a key role in leading potential Ward realignment research efforts for future large-scale commercial or residential projects.

Work will be hybrid (in-person as required and remote; may work up to 30 hours per week

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The duties listed below are representative of the work performed and are not intended to be all-inclusive.

Strategic Planning and Organizational Development

• Monitor the implementation of the ForeStat Project, Blackhawk Lane project, and others as directed by the mayor or assigned by the town administrator.
• Develop, implement, and monitor the Town’s strategic capital improvement plan, organizational priorities, and performance initiatives.
• Coordinate departmental goal-setting and assist departments in establishing measurable objectives and performance indicators.
• Monitor strategic initiatives and prepare progress reports for administration leadership and elected officials.
• Conduct operational assessments and recommend improvements to organizational structure, workflow, and service delivery.
• Assist in developing long-term municipal policies, operational frameworks, and administrative procedures.

 

Performance Management and Data Analytics

• Manage and analyze organizational performance data and operational metrics.
• Support implementation and maintenance of municipal performance dashboards, including initiatives like ForeStat, Vialytics, or other municipal analytics platforms.
• Prepare statistical reports, trend analyses, executive summaries, and briefing materials.
• Coordinate data collection efforts among departments to improve reporting accuracy and accountability.

Portfolio Management (also known as project management)

• Lead and coordinate select special projects and cross-departmental initiatives.
• Assist with the implementation of technology modernization and innovation initiatives.
• Coordinate program timelines, deliverables, stakeholder meetings, and reporting requirements.
• Monitor grant-funded and town-financed projects and assist with compliance and reporting obligations.

Policy, Research, and Administrative Support

• Conduct research on municipal best practices, legislation, regulations, and emerging trends.
• Assist the Town Administrator in drafting policies, resolutions, reports, presentations, and administrative recommendations.

Community and Intergovernmental Coordination

• Coordinate with local/county, state, and federal agencies on planning and operational initiatives.
• Assist public engagement efforts, strategic communications, and community outreach initiatives.
• Represent the Town at meetings, conferences, and collaborative working groups as assigned pursuant to assigned duties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of municipal government operations, strategic planning principles, and organizational management.
• Experience with the GOCCP grant, SAM portal, BJAG, Sustainable Maryland grant portal, and other state or federal grant and reporting systems.
• Knowledge of performance management systems, data analytics, and reporting tools.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Ability to prepare detailed reports, presentations, and policy recommendations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, staff, outside agencies, and the public.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and municipal technology platforms.
• Familiarity with GIS systems, dashboard reporting software, and municipal analytics tools preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Political Science, Organizational Leadership, or a related field. At least five (5) years of experience in municipal government and project management/strategic planning within a government setting may be substituted for a college degree.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, municipal administration, organizational management, project management, policy analysis, or related work.
Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Planning, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Experience with municipal performance dashboards, GIS platforms, grant administration, or strategic analytics strongly preferred.
• Municipal government experience is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required.
• Ability to attend evening meetings, community events, and off-site functions as necessary.

Working Conditions

The Strategic Planning Administrator may be required to work outside of “normal business hours” to attend meetings, special events, emergencies, or project deadlines.

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