What Is the Role of a Planner?

The role of a planner is to develop comprehensive plans.

Planners work for the government, public companies and nonprofit organizations. Several different types of planners exist, such as urban planners, event planners, wedding planners, finance planners and strategic planners. Planners forecast data, plan projects, lead project teams and conduct trend analysis. According to job resources portal Indeed, the average annual salary for a planner was $80,000 as of August 2010.

Job Competencies

The role of a planner can be challenging. Employers expect a planner to be equipped with decision-making skills and have the ability to carry out comprehensive financial and strategic plans. The role requires accuracy and efficiency to meet company goals.

Duties

Planners are primarily responsible for conducting research. This research allows them to analyze risks and identify market trends. A great deal of a planner's time involves reviewing data, working with project staff, budget management and designing land, financial or strategic plans.

Communication

Planners facilitate meetings to propose a project idea or plan. A planner may also initiate training sessions to educate staff on the objectives of a planning project. A planner is a liaison between upper-level management and project staff. As part of a planner's role entails developing key messages, excellent writing and presentation skills will greatly benefit a potential candidate.

References

• Indeed: Planner Salary
• Pioneer Infoserv: Role of a Planner--Presentation Transcript