Master Planner

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.

Nearly every project at Walt Disney Imagineering includes a first-of-its-kind. Innovation is in our DNA, and Imagineers constantly push the boundaries of technology and invent new goals as well as the solutions to achieve them. As Imagineers, one of our greatest rewards is knowing that the experiences and environments we create inspire others. The diversity of expertise at Imagineering makes us uniquely capable of influencing positive change in our communities and around the world. And knowing that we have helped make a difference is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring for all of us.

WDI Master Planning manages the long-term development framework for sustainable growth of each resort and provides expertise to support new business opportunities. Our team provides data analytics, land planning & urban design, environmental planning, entitlement, infrastructure, and real estate development expertise to enable smart growth and preserve future flexibility for development and expansion of our parks and resorts across the globe. This team is part of the Global Creative Strategy Studio that includes the Menu (capital) and Franchise Planning teams; together we work to inform development decision-making, consistently at each of our resorts around the world.

We are seeking a collaborative Master Planner to support and guide complex and innovative planning efforts across our global portfolio, specifically focused on our Walt Disney World (WDW) and Disney Signature Experiences (DSE) portfolios. This role is ideal for an early to mid-career professional who thrives in a data-driven, fast-paced, constantly evolving and highly collaborative environment. You will play an integral role in shaping the long-term planning vision of our parks, resorts, residential and entertainment destinations, ensuring that every environment we create is not only magical but also operationally sound, sustainable, and data informed.

This position offers a unique opportunity to grow within WDI, contributing to the evolution of immersive environments while mentoring others and influencing strategic planning decisions. As a Master Planner, you will collaborate across disciplines and lines of business—from creative storytelling to regulatory/legal issues to design and engineering—positioning yourself as part of a team of world-class talents from across the professional spectrum of themed entertainment and resort development.

You will report to the Executive Master Planner.

This is a Full-Time role.

What You Will Do:

• Provide expert input across key master planning areas: land use and urban design, strategic visioning, geographic data management, and pre-development support.
• Support related domains such as government/community relations, sustainability, environmental planning, and transportation planning.
• Manage select phases of small projects, including procurement, scheduling, and moderate-risk budgeting.
• Conduct advanced data analysis and visualization to inform planning strategy.
• Research and synthesize regional and site-specific data for multi-variable planning.
• Organize and present complex information clearly using planning frameworks and visualization tools.
• Contribute to creative and planning direction; prepare site analysis and land use recommendations with guidance from Studio leadership.
• Represent the studio to internal and external partners including project teams, design studios, municipalities, consultants and vendors.
• Clearly communicate planning concepts and project updates, both verbally and in writing.
• Provide input on strategic development plans and track project status, risks, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with global teammates to manage databases, tools, and graphics.
• Support contract execution with consultants under Studio oversight.
• Mentor and guide interns as needed.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 2+ years of relevant experience in planning or related fields.
• Strategic thinker with ability to navigate complex legal and technical issues.
• Able to translate planning strategies into actionable guidance.
• Comfortable adapting to changing project scope and fast-paced environments.
• Skilled in graphical communication, digital or hand sketching, modeling, etc.
• Working knowledge of GIS and basic proficiency with ArcGIS.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and Adobe Suite (especially Illustrator and Photoshop).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Eager to learn project delivery methods and work across project scales.
• Organized and collaborative; fosters a positive work environment.
• Familiarity with real estate development principles and risk management.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Knowledge and experience in World-Class Planning, Design & Development projects
• Experience with or education in sustainability and/or climate resiliency
• Experience working with public sector/municipalities in any areas such as land use planning, environmental planning, utilities planning, or transportation planning
• Knowledge of themed entertainment and Disney brand
• Membership, and active participation, in one or more professional organizations such as AICP, ASLA, ULI, AIA, APA, SARA, NCARB, LEED

Education

• Professional degree in Urban Design, Urban and Regional Planning, Real Estate, Landscape Architecture or Architecture
• Advanced graduate degree in a related specialized field preferred

Additional Information:

• Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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