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The International Tax Policy and Planning Analyst will support the team by coordinating Tax-Treasury initiatives, assisting with the design and execution of tax planning projects, and supporting the ...

Support Policy Planning * Attending meetings to represent FDOT with other agencies * Attendance at meetings and public forums * Review of technical reports * Preparation and delivery of presentations

This role combines strategic policy advising with limited clinical duties to maintain privileges and readiness. Key Responsibilities * Involved with Medical Policy & Planning Support * Serve as a ...

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Policy Planner information

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$33K

$69.6K

$113K

How much do policy planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy planner in the United States is $69,591.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Policy Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Policy Planner, you need a solid background in urban planning, public policy, or a related field, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data analysis tools, and planning regulations is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and stakeholder engagement skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for developing informed, sustainable policies that address community needs and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Policy Planner vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy PlannerPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, think tanks, NGOsGovernment agencies, research organizations, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in planning and development of policies at strategic levelsUsed in analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting policies and data

Policy Planners focus on developing and designing policies, while Policy Analysts evaluate and interpret existing policies. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and work in related environments, but their core functions differ: planning versus analysis.

What are Policy Planners?

Policy Planners are professionals who research, develop, and evaluate policies and programs for organizations or government agencies. They analyze data, consult with stakeholders, and recommend strategies to address social, economic, or environmental issues. Policy Planners often prepare reports, advise decision-makers, and help ensure that policies align with organizational goals and public needs. Their work plays a key role in shaping effective and sustainable solutions for communities and institutions.

What are some common challenges Policy Planners face when building consensus among stakeholders?

Policy Planners often encounter the challenge of balancing diverse and sometimes conflicting interests among stakeholders, such as government agencies, community groups, and private organizations. Achieving consensus requires strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to present data-driven analyses that address varying concerns. Policy Planners must be adept at facilitating meetings, managing expectations, and finding creative compromises to develop effective and widely supported policies. Building trust and maintaining transparency throughout the planning process are also critical for overcoming resistance and ensuring successful policy adoption.
More about Policy Planner jobs
What states have the most Policy Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Policy Planner jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Policy Planner jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Policy Planner jobs are:
Infographic showing various Policy Planner job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 8% Full Time, 84% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,591 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Sr. Director, WNY Policy & Planning

Empire State

Buffalo, NY • On-site

$120K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

*Applicants MUST submit a cover letter with resume to be considered.

*This position will require in-office presence. Hybrid work schedules may be possible based on specific job duties and consistent with ESD policy.

*Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.


BASIC FUNCTION:

Reporting to the ESD VP/Sr. Counsel, with additional “dotted line” reporting to the WNY Regional Director for activities and projects involving the WNY regional office, assists in the formulation, development, and implementation of programs, activities and projects in furtherance of the ESD’s WNY subsidiaries missions associated with “place-based” revitalization and assists with the development and implementation of projects in the larger WNY Region as directed by the WNY Regional Director.. Leads and/or contribute to various technical activities, including but not limited to the development of strategic mission statements or policy formulation, development of annual goals, budgets, and action items, and specific capital, organizational, incentive assistance, or other site-specific projects that would advance these respective strategic missions.

At the discretion of the ESD COO, ESD Senior VP of Real Estate, and ESD VP/Sr. Counsel for Upstate Capital Projects, this person shall also be responsible/available for augmenting ESD’s Design and Construction Department capabilities in Upstate New York by providing technical support related to city planning, place-based economic development, environmental review, and/or historic resources management for capital projects in being undertaken/administered through the ESD’s Regional Offices and/or Upstate-wide initiatives.


WORK PERFORMED:

Strategic Planning

  • Develop and formulate with staff and serve as primary author for ESD’s WNY subsidiaries mission statements, policy statements, white papers on critical issues, etc.
  • Identify goals/objectives for each program year and formulate/refine projects to progressively advance ESD’s WNY subsidiaries mission and coordinate with Subsidiary Presidents and Regional Directors (“RDs”) to assist in annual budgeting and programming of such efforts.
  • Serve as primary technical liaison with other City/State agencies associated with development projects, e.g. various NYS Parks capital/management personnel, NYSDOT, NYSDEC, county/municipal planning and public works, etc.

Project Planning, Design & Environmental Review

  • Serve as principal author of ESD’s WNY subsidiaries strategic and project-based planning documents (e.g., strategic plans, master plans, general project plans). Assist ESD-WNY Regional Office with strategic and project-based planning documents (e.g., strategic plans, master plans, general project plans) upon request of the WNY Regional Director.
  • Prepare various types of applications for grants, federal aid, or other types of assistance for ESD-WNY and ESD Subsidiary projects.
  • Oversee and/or assist in all ESD-WNY & WNY Subsidiary responsibilities regarding the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”), including but limited to assessment of agency actions; preparation of all required notices, findings, and determinations; preparation of environmental assessments for non-complex projects; and procurement/oversight of consultants for complex environmental reviews (e.g., environmental impact statements).
  • Oversee and/or assist in all ESD-WNY & Subsidiary responsibilities under Section 14.09 of the New York State Historic Preservation Act and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, including but not limited to: consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer on all applicable agency actions; preparation of letters of resolution, programmatic agreements, and memoranda of understanding; and procurement/oversight of consultants for complex cultural resources work (e.g. detailed archaeological investigations, detailed historic building assessments).
  • Administer/oversee and/or participate in all review activities related to compliance with Urban Design Standards for projects involving USAN or ESD-WNY grant assistance for projects in Niagara Falls and East Buffalo, ECHDC’s Canalside Project, and make periodic refinements of such standards to address issues experienced in their application.
  • As necessary, procure/oversee work of consultants involved in planning, architecture/engineering (“A/E”), environmental review, construction management (“CM”), hazardous waste/materials investigations and asbestos surveys/abatement actions as they relate to ESD-WNY and WNY subsidiaries capital projects.
  • As necessary, serve as primary liaison for any local, county, state, or federal permitting required for ESD-WNY and WNY Subsidiary capital projects.

Procurement/Business Development

  • Prepare technical scopes of work for requests for qualifications (“RFQs”), Requests for proposals (“RFPs”) for term and project-specific professional services.
  • Prepare requests for expressions of interest (“RFEIs”), RFQs, and RFPs for development on ESD-WNY and WNY Subsidiary-owned or controlled land/properties.
  • Develop technical selection/evaluation criteria for procurement activities.
  • In conjunction with ESD’s Procurement office, assist in leading procurement processes in accordance with ESD Procurement Guidelines, including documentation, required screenings, responsibility determinations, interview sessions, de-briefings, etc.

Project Management/Oversight

  • Provide oversight to CM and A/E consultants as "owners representative" for WNY Subsidiary projects and as requested by WNY Regional Director.
  • Ensure ESD-required statements, policies, and/or procedures are included in contract specifications.
  • Attend weekly progress meetings with contractors, CM, and A/E reps.
  • Responsible for effective scheduling, staging, and supervision of project team members.
  • Responsible for trouble-shooting minor problems throughout the design/construction process and promptly briefing appropriate higher-level personnel when necessary to avoid escalation.
  • Travel throughout WNY may be required

Technical Assistance

  • At the discretion of the ESD COO, provide technical assistance in the above-listed fields of expertise to other ESD Regions/Subsidiaries and /or related local, county, or state agencies engaged in joint or complementary efforts with ESD.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education Level required: Bachelor’s degree in city planning with emphasis in urban redevelopment, capital facilities, and/or transportation. Will consider degree in architecture or civil engineering, or equivalent professional degree in a related field. Masters in city planning preferred.

Relevant experience required: 5+- years’ progressively responsible experience in public administration, public agency consulting, or other positions related to economic development, urban redevelopment projects, capital facilities, urban transportation projects, project programming/planning and/or environmental documentation for capital projects.

Knowledge required:

  • Advanced concepts, practices and procedures related to development and redevelopment including city planning, urban design, development regulations, capital facilities planning, real estate finance, preliminary/final design and engineering, environmental review/documentation, historic/archaeological consultation, construction management and project oversight.
  • Ability to read, review, and comment on preliminary/final design drawings, construction documents, and specifications for public infrastructure, capital improvement, and building projects.
  • Strong written, graphic, and oral communication skills, including ability to prepare technical reports, summary briefings, and oral presentations to ESD Management, ESD/USAN/ECHDC/ECSC Boards, governing bodies, and regulatory agencies.
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.