Planning & Development Specialist

About You and The Role 

Zipline is entering a period of rapid expansion across the U.S., and we’re seeking a seasoned Planning and Development Specialist to guide our efforts in securing land use and zoning approvals for Zipline’s real estate footprint nationwide. This is not a standard, behind-the-scenes role focused on zoning interpretation and compliance. This is a highly-visible, external facing, strategic position that is central to the company's growth. It demands a confident, hands-on leader who can operate at the forefront of a dynamic, evolving regulatory landscape and drive the organization forward.

As part of our growing Legal team, you will partner closely with Zipline’s Operations, Real Estate, and Customer Success teams to enable the rapid and repeatable deployment of Zipline’s uncrewed aerial systems and related infrastructure across metropolitan regions. 

This position reports to Zipline’s Deputy General Counsel and is based at our South San Francisco HQ. 

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute Zipline’s strategy for securing operationally critical land use, zoning, entitlements, and permitting approvals in markets across the U.S.
• Build and maintain relationships with municipalities - including planning directors, buildings commissioners, economic development corporations, and local staff.
• Represent Zipline in public settings - including at public planning commission and city council hearings, community meetings, and other key stakeholder meetings - regarding land use and zoning matters.
• Serve as a trusted partner within the Legal Team, interpreting, drafting, and analyzing municipal ordinances affecting Zipline’s operations and site development.
• Partner with Operations, Real Estate, and Engineering teams to ensure that jurisdictional engagement strategies align with technical and operational realities.

What You'll Bring

• A strong command of land use and zoning ordinances, with experience obtaining complex or first-of-their-kind entitlements preferred.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience, ideally including a mix of the following experience: within state or local government, as part of a land use and zoning law firm or practice group, in a corporate environment, and/or as a consultant.
• Persuasive written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage a variety of stakeholders - including planning directors and staff, city attorneys, economic development managers, and community groups - with diplomacy and credibility.
• Pragmatic, business-oriented risk assessment skills, with the ability to make confident, independent judgment calls and escalate when appropriate.
• A proven track record of delivering high-stakes regulatory approvals under tight timelines, while maintaining composure and focus.
• A proactive, resourceful mindset with an eagerness to tackle novel challenges and shape scalable jurisdictional engagement strategies.
• Unwavering ethics, strong relationship-building instincts, and the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams.

What Else You Need To Know

• AICP certification preferred
• Must be eligible to work in the United States

The starting cash range for this role is $150,000 - $190,000. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; overtime pay; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws or our own sensibilities.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!