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Senior Planning Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Noblis

Senior Planning Specialist

Lorton, VA · On-site

Responsibilities Noblis ESI is seeking a Senior Planning Specialist to provide space operations planning support to mission functions in an integrated space operations center environment located in ...

County Of Albemarle

Senior Planner

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

Senior Planner I/II Department of Community Development Full-Time, 12 Months Exempt, Pay Grade 33 ... Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban and rural planning * Comprehensive knowledge of ...

Range

Senior Financial Planning Associate

Mclean, VA · On-site

You'll work alongside Senior and Lead Planners, gaining hands-on experience and mentorship while playing a meaningful part in delivering an exceptional experience to our members. If you're passionate ...

City of Newport News

PLANNER, SENIOR

Newport News, VA · On-site

PLANNER, SENIOR Apply Target Hiring Range: $66,080.81 - $85,284.00 - Based on Experience Requires a ... PLANNING Job Family : PROFESSIONAL Posting Start : 08/10/2026 Posting End : 09/10/2026 Details ...

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All JobsPlanning JobsSenior Planning JobsSenior Planning Jobs in Virginia

Senior Planning information

See Virginia salary details

$24.8K

$79.6K

$162.1K

How much do senior planning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior planning in Virginia is $79,598.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,100.00 and $102,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior planning professional?

Senior Planning professionals are experienced individuals responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing strategic plans within an organization or government body. They analyze data, anticipate future needs, and create frameworks to guide projects, resources, or community development. Their role often involves collaborating with stakeholders, leading teams, and ensuring that all planning aligns with the organization’s long-term goals. Senior Planning professionals typically have extensive experience in their field and strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior planner?

To thrive as a Senior Planner, you need expertise in urban or regional planning, data analysis, and project management, typically supported by a relevant degree and several years of planning experience. Familiarity with GIS software, planning regulations, and sometimes certification (such as AICP) is often required. Strong communication, leadership, and negotiation skills help facilitate stakeholder engagement and guide teams through complex projects. These abilities are crucial for creating effective, sustainable plans and ensuring successful project implementation within regulatory and community frameworks.

How does a senior planning professional typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

Senior Planning professionals regularly work alongside project managers, engineers, procurement, and finance teams to ensure project milestones are met on schedule and within budget. They facilitate communication between departments, coordinate schedules, and proactively identify potential bottlenecks or risks. By leading planning meetings and developing detailed timelines, they help align team efforts and resolve conflicts, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and project objectives are achieved efficiently.

What is the difference between Senior Planning vs Project Coordinator?

AspectSenior PlanningProject Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Planning, Urban Development, or related field; often with experience in planning softwareBachelor's degree; often entry-level or related field
Work EnvironmentInvolved in strategic planning, policy development, and project oversight within urban, environmental, or infrastructure projectsSupports project teams by coordinating schedules, resources, and communication
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in government agencies, consulting firms, and large corporations involved in planning projectsCommon in construction, engineering, and event management industries

Senior Planning professionals focus on strategic, high-level planning and decision-making, often overseeing projects and teams. Project Coordinators handle day-to-day logistics, ensuring project tasks are completed on time. While both roles require organizational skills, Senior Planning involves more strategic responsibilities and industry expertise, whereas Project Coordinators focus on operational support.

What are the most commonly searched types of Planning jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Planning jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Planning jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Planning job openings:

Senior Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Planning job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,598 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Senior Planning Specialist

Lorton, VA • On-site

Noblis
See more jobs at Noblisexternal

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities
Noblis ESI is seeking a Senior Planning Specialist to provide space operations planning support to mission functions in an integrated space operations center environment located in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
The selected candidate will support mission-critical planning activities spanning joint operational planning, adaptive planning and execution, and cross-organizational synchronization across NRO, USSPACECOM, USSF, and mission partner organizations. Drawing on deep expertise in joint planning processes and space operations, this role will advance integrated space operations planning through development and execution of plans, orders, and TTPs in support of national and theater-level missions.
Responsibilities Include:
  • Lead and support space operations planning activities across NRO, USSPACECOM, Combatant Commands (CCMDs), and interagency mission partners.
  • Apply Adaptive Planning and Execution (APEX) and the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) processes to develop and maintain space operations plans.
  • Integrate with Joint Staff (JS) and Interagency Partners to support operational plans development.
  • Coordinate across directorates to support development and maintenance of NRO specific plans and supporting annexes.
  • Support CCMD/JS planning processes and cross-command coordination activities.
  • Support Integrated Joint Special Technical Operations (IJSTO) planning and execution.
  • Prepare and present planning products, briefings, and recommendations to senior government officials and mission partners.
  • Coordinate with ground segment, space segment, and network/communications teams to ensure integrated planning on behalf of the space enterprise.
  • Identify and track planning dependencies, issues, and risks across the space operations enterprise.
  • Lead and support cross-organizational working groups, planning conferences, and coordination forums.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior planning staff.

Required Qualifications
  • Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with Counterintelligence (CI) Polygraph.
  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Bachelor's degree and 12 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise OR Master's degree and 11 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise OR 14 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise if no bachelor's degree is held.
  • Degree within a relevant operational, technical, or strategic studies field preferred.
  • Demonstrates deep experience with joint operational planning processes including JOPES and APEX.
  • Experience supporting CCMD/JS planning processes and cross-command coordination.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and implementing TTPs in a space operations or joint planning environment.
  • NRO or IC experience strongly preferred.
  • Strong project management skills with ability to manage complex multi-stakeholder planning activities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present complex planning products to senior audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and lead planning efforts in a matrixed environment.

Desired Qualifications
  • Graduate of USAF Weapons School, Marine Corps School of Advanced Warfighting, Army School of Advanced Military Studies, or equivalent.
  • Prior military service as a space operations officer or related specialty (e.g., USAF 13S, 1C6/5S, Marine 8866/0540, Army FA40/FA59) or equivalent civilian experience.
  • Experience with NRO MGS/IC operations and space enterprise planning.
  • Familiarity with USSPACECOM and USSF operational processes and organizational structures.
  • Experience with space situational awareness and satellite operations planning.
  • Background in multi-domain operations and joint planning at the operational or strategic level.
  • Familiarity with space-based intelligence systems.
  • Familiarity with national-level planning processes and policy frameworks.

Overview
Overview
Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI and Noblis MSD, take on some of the nation's toughest challenges, delivering advanced solutions to our customers' most critical missions. We bring together leading scientific, engineering, and management expertise in a culture grounded in objectivity and collaboration, ensuring our work creates lasting impact across federal missions.
We work with a broad range of government agencies in the defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors. Learn more and find opportunities at careers.noblis.org
Why Work at Noblis
At Noblis, we share a passion for excellence and innovation, and we create an environment where people can do meaningful work while maintaining the balance that keeps them energized and fulfilled. We seek out individuals with a natural curiosity and desire to collaborate and learn. We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we consistently seek exceptionally skilled, mission-driven professionals who care deeply about doing work that enriches lives and makes our nation safer.
Noblis has earned numerous workplace awards for our culture, our commitment to employee well-being, and our dedication to meaningful, impactful work. We also maintain a drug-free workplace.
Remote/hybrid status is subject to change based on Noblis and/or government requirements.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, pregnancy/childbirth and related medical conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us.
EEO is the Law | E-Verify | Right to Work
Total Rewards
At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Benefits page on our Careers site.
Compensation at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is based on full time status. For part time or on-call staff, compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked. While monetary compensation is important, it's just one component of Noblis' total compensation package.
Posted Salary Range
USD $132,900.00 - USD $207,750.00 /Yr.

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