Master Planner Senior

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 Senior to support and guide complex and innovative planning efforts across our global portfolio, specifically focused on our Walt Disney World portfolio. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional who thrives in a data-driven, fast-paced, constantly evolving and highly collaborative environment. You will play a key 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 Senior, you will collaborate across disciplines and lines of business—from creative storytelling to regulatory/legal issues to design and engineering—positioning yourself as a thought leader in themed entertainment planning and development.

You will report to the Executive Master Planner.

This is a Full-Time role.

What You Will Do:

• Provide subject matter expertise across core master planning areas (e.g., urban design, strategic visioning, data analysis, pre-development).
• Contribute to additional areas like government relations, sustainability, environmental and transportation planning.
• Lead all phases of moderately complex projects—including procurement, budgeting, and scheduling.
• Guide and execute advanced data analysis and visualization to support planning strategies.
• Synthesize global, regional, and site-specific data to inform multi-variable decisions.
• Use strategic, objective, and data-driven planning methods to inform project direction.
• Communicate complex planning information using innovative tools and compelling visuals.
• Shape planning direction and site analysis; recommend land use, density, access, and layout improvements.
• Represent studio work across internal teams, vendors, consultants/contractors, and external stakeholders.
• Clearly present planning concepts and generate reports on complex project issues.
• Contribute to master planning and real estate strategy development.
• Report project status, risks, and opportunities to Studio leadership and partners.
• Maintain planning databases and tools in collaboration with global team members.
• Manage consultant contracts with Studio oversight.
• Mentor junior staff and interns.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 5+ years of relevant planning experience.
• Strategic thinker with ability to navigate complex technical and legal issues.
• Skilled at turning planning strategy into actionable guidance.
• Agile in fast-paced, evolving project environments; collaborates effectively across diverse teams.
• Strong visual communicator, via hand sketching, modeling, or digital design.
• Working knowledge of GIS; basic ArcGIS proficiency.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and Adobe Suite (especially Illustrator and Photoshop).
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Familiarity with project delivery methods and varying project scales.
• Organized, with ability to manage workstreams and foster collaborative team environments.
• Foundational knowledge of real estate and development.

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