Planner Jobs in District of Columbia
Planner jobs in District of Columbia concentrate heavily in federal government contracting, urban and transportation planning, and policy-driven land use work, making D.C. one of the most active markets for planners in the country, with roles from entry-level associate planners through senior project managers and principal planners. Most hiring clusters in Washington D.C. itself, where large employers such as the District Department of Transportation, the National Capital Planning Commission, and AECOM maintain sustained demand. The most in-demand specialties are transportation planning, comprehensive and zoning planning, and environmental planning tied to federal infrastructure programs. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Various Site Locations, DC Metro Area
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The Senior Conference Planner [Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) Science, Technology and Innovation Board (STIB) leads full-lifecycle planning and execution of high-visibility, secure Department of War (DoW) conferences and off-site meetings. The role applies knowledge of DoW operations, organizational protocols, military customs and courtesies, Official Representation Funds (ORF), and security requirements while coordinating administrative, logistical, accessibility, transportation, catering, audiovisual, registration, and security activities for an annual event supporting approximately 50–100 participants over seven days, including setup and closeout, with potential support for an additional surge event. The position works in coordination with the Program Manager and corporate Security Team and leads a supporting team during on-site event execution.
- Lead event planning from concept through post-event closeout, in coordination with the Program Manager, including project plans, milestones, in-progress reviews, master trackers, schedules, risk identification, and mitigation.
- Research and evaluate at least three viable event locations; assess lodging, room configurations, breakout space, A/V and IT infrastructure, internet capacity, accessibility, security, catering, transportation, parking, walkability, emergency services, cost, and compliance with Government per diem and expense rules.
- Prepare site comparison matrices and comprehensive survey reports with clear findings, advantages, disadvantages, risks, and recommendations.
- Manage attendee registration, RSVPs, dietary restrictions, secure badges, help-desk operations, attendance rosters, and reasonable accommodations.
- Coordinate Distinguished Visitor and VIP protocol, including escorts, reserved parking, seating, flag placement, motorcade staging, and military/government customs and courtesies.
- Direct on-site logistics, room configurations, crowd flow, signage, supplies, venue coordination, A/V and IT support, catering deployment, transportation, and rapid issue resolution.
- Plan working meals, refreshment breaks, welcome receptions, and wrap-up banquets; verify dietary accommodations, vendor eligibility when applicable, delivery timing, allowable costs, and cleanup.
- Procure, assemble, safeguard, ship, and account for event materials, including badges, lanyards, briefing binders, name tents, directional signage, and office supplies.
- Create and maintain a minute-by-minute Run of Show covering activities, speaker transitions, A/V cues, catering deliveries, transportation, and assigned points of contact.
- Prepare an After Action Report within ten business days and an electronic attendance roster by participant and date.
- Apply working knowledge of DoW organizations, staff processes, decision cycles, operational requirements, and coordination channels when developing and executing event plans.
- Ensure event activities comply with DoW protocol, military customs and courtesies, senior leader and Distinguished Visitor requirements, and applicable federal policies.
- Coordinate ORF-supported meals and official functions, including documentation, approval support, allowable-cost controls, attendee eligibility, vendor requirements, and reconciliation in accordance with governing policy.
- Lead, task, and coordinate the event support team during setup, execution, and closeout; conduct team briefings, assign functional responsibilities, monitor performance, and resolve on-site issues.
- Coordinate staffing plans, work schedules, communications, and contingency coverage with the Program Manager to maintain uninterrupted support.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Support the corporate Security Team in coordinating visitor access requests, security clearance rosters, facility access, document control, and secure handling of classified and sensitive materials.
- Coordinate with the corporate Security Team, Government security representatives, Special Security Officers, venue security teams, and other authorized stakeholders to plan and execute applicable personnel, physical, information, and facility security requirements.
- Develop and follow event-specific off-site standard operating procedures and promptly report security incidents through appropriate channels.
- Safeguard Government equipment, information, property, controlled unclassified information, National Security Information, and proprietary data.
- Clearly identify contractor status when interacting with third parties and appropriately mark contractor-produced reports and documents.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Project plans, milestone schedules, event trackers, site comparison matrices, survey reports, event-specific procedures, Run of Show, attendance roster, and After Action Report.
- Deliverables are timely, accurate, clear, concise, complete, properly formatted, and suitable for Government review with minimal rework.
- Event spaces, technology, transportation, catering, supplies, registration, accessibility, protocol, and security controls are fully operational before attendee arrival.
- Risks, schedule changes, vendor issues, security concerns, and operational problems are communicated early and resolved proactively.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
- 7+ years of experience planning and executing complex conferences, executive meetings, or government events from site selection through post-event reporting to include:
- Experience supporting Department of War (DoW) organizations, senior leaders, and mission-driven operations in a complex headquarters or operational environment.
- DoW organizational structures, staff coordination processes, event approval pathways, protocol requirements, and military customs and courtesies.
- Experience planning and administering ORF-supported events, including allowable uses, required approvals, supporting documentation, vendor considerations, and financial accountability.
- Top Secret clearance required with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) eligibility and access for the duration of the assignment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in event management, hospitality, business administration, communications, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
- Direct experience supporting DoW organizations, federal advisory committees, classified meetings, senior government officials, general or flag officers, and other Distinguished Visitors.
- Professional event-planning certification or comparable industry credential.
- Experience evaluating Government per diem, allowable expenses, vendor pricing, contracts, attrition provisions, and cancellation terms.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Must be available during core Government hours of 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, on non-event days.
- Must support altered or extended schedules during setup, event execution, and closeout.
- Frequent travel may be required within the National Capital Region and throughout CONUS, with possible OCONUS travel. Travel and shipment of event materials require Government authorization.
- Must be able to work on-site at Government-selected venues, including locations outside the Pentagon and Mark Center.
- Proven ability to coordinate venues, lodging, catering, transportation, A/V and IT, registration, accessibility, protocol, vendors, supplies, budgets, and schedules.
- Strong knowledge of event risk management, quality control, document management, and executive-level customer service.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, organization, judgment, discretion, and ability to manage competing priorities.
- Ability to produce accurate, concise, complete, and professional deliverables in Microsoft Office applications with minimal revision.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with the Program Manager and corporate support functions; lead cross-functional and on-site event teams; communicate proactively; delegate effectively; and maintain continuity during altered or extended schedules.
We offer opportunities to help sharpen skills in addition to hands-on experience in the global, fast-changing business world. From on-the-job learning experiences to formal development programs, our professionals have a variety of opportunities to continue to grow throughout their careers.
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See All 25 Planner Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Planner JobsPlanner Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Planner Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in planner jobs across District of Columbia.
- AICP certification preferred or active pursuit required by most D.C. planning employers
- Bachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, public policy, or related field
- Experience with GIS software such as ArcGIS for spatial analysis and mapping
- Familiarity with D.C. zoning regulations and the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital
- Strong written communication skills for preparing planning reports and policy documents
- Experience coordinating with federal agencies, community stakeholders, or local D.C. agencies
Planner Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a planner in District of Columbia?
Most planner positions in D.C. require at least a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or public policy, with a master's degree from an accredited planning program increasingly expected for mid-level roles. D.C. does not issue a separate state planning license, but the American Institute of Certified Planners credential is widely required or preferred by D.C. agencies and contractors. Candidates pursue AICP certification through the American Planning Association after meeting education and experience requirements.
Which companies hire planners in District of Columbia?
Companies currently hiring planners in District of Columbia include SmithGroup, Knight Federal Solutions, and CBRE, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. D.C.'s heavy concentration of federal agencies and government contractors means many openings sit within consulting firms and public-sector bodies tied to transportation, housing, and infrastructure policy.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most planner jobs?
The cities with the most planner openings in District of Columbia are Washington and Anacostia. Washington D.C. drives the large majority of demand given its concentration of federal agencies, the D.C. Office of Planning, and national consulting firms that base their government-facing practices there, while surrounding areas reflect spillover from regional transportation and land use projects.
Are there remote planner jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, but they're limited. Planning work often involves site visits, public hearings, and in-person coordination with D.C. agencies, which keeps most roles at least partially on-site. About 60% of planner openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with remote options most common in research-heavy or policy-writing roles that do not require regular field work.
How can I get hired as a planner in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in D.C. is through a graduate planning internship or entry-level analyst role at a federal consulting firm or D.C. government agency. The D.C. Office of Planning and the District Department of Transportation both hire planning technicians and junior analysts where a master's program practicum or senior thesis project can substitute for work experience. Building a GIS portfolio and demonstrating familiarity with D.C.'s Comprehensive Plan gives candidates a clear edge when applying to these openings.
Where can I find and apply to planner jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to planner jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across D.C. agencies, consulting firms, and federal contractors. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level and specialization, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 25 Planner Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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