Planning Studio - Studio Leader

Nelson • Philadelphia, PA

22h

About The Position

The Planning Studio Leader provides strategic, technical, and operational leadership for NELSON’s Planning Studio. The role is accountable for the studio’s overall performance, including teammate development, resource management, project delivery and quality, client service, and financial results. The leader guides urban planning and development work such as land use planning, master planning, zoning and entitlements, community development, and sustainable design.

Working with Practice Leadership, project leads, clients, and other stakeholders, the Planning Studio Leader supports successful project execution and develops existing client relationships, new business opportunities, and the studio’s capabilities and market presence. The role establishes a vision for the studio and cultivates a collaborative, inclusive environment in which teammates are supported, mentored, and able to grow. The position also directly supervises assigned teammates and project leads, and participates in hiring, training, performance evaluation, and problem resolution.

The leader oversees staffing and resource allocation, project schedules and budgets, technical quality, operational reporting, financial forecasting, and client relationships. They provide technical guidance on planning regulations and practices, GIS, sustainability, and quality assurance; support proposals and business development; and represent NELSON in professional and community settings. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Policy, or a related field. Twelve or more years of relevant experience is preferred.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Policy, or a related field from an accredited university.
• Extensive knowledge of urban planning, land use, community development, zoning, and entitlement processes.
• Strong understanding of design, urban development trends, construction methodologies, materials, and sustainable planning practices.
• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local government programs, regulations, zoning codes, and applicable building and accessibility requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with master planning, land use planning, conceptual design, and development strategies.
• Experience using GIS software for mapping, analysis, and planning applications.
• Strong understanding of project management, including budgeting, scheduling, resource planning, and project delivery.
• Proficiency in financial management concepts, including project profitability, revenue forecasting, utilization, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop teams while managing multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Strong business development, client relationship management, and presentation skills.
• Excellent analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills, including the ability to lead client presentations and design charrettes.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with clients, public officials, developers, consultants, and industry partners.
• Proficiency in Deltek Vision/Vantagepoint and Microsoft Office applications.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD or Revit, Adobe Photoshop, Bluebeam Revu, and other relevant planning and design software.
• Knowledge of LEED, WELL, and other sustainability guidelines.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing complex projects, and overseeing studio or practice performance.
• Experience with business development, client relationship management, and financial management within a professional services or AEC environment.

Nice To Haves

• 12 or more years of relevant professional experience in urban planning, regional planning, architecture, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in Urban Planning or Regional Planning.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Architectural license in at least one state.

Responsibilities

• Establish a vision and strategic direction for the Planning Studio, aligning its goals with firm and practice objectives.
• Lead, mentor, evaluate, and develop project leads and teammates; set performance goals, provide feedback, support career growth, and address team challenges.
• Foster an accountable, collaborative, inclusive, and productive studio environment.
• Plan and allocate staffing and other resources, monitor workloads and utilization, and coordinate staffing decisions with Practice Leadership and other Studio Leaders.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding.
• Ensure completion of internal reporting, project planning, pipeline projections, timesheet approvals, and other operational requirements.
• Provide technical oversight for urban planning projects, including land use plans, master plans, conceptual designs, and planning studies.
• Guide teams on zoning, entitlements, land use regulations, building codes, accessibility requirements, government programs, and relevant environmental, social, economic, and infrastructure considerations.
• Guide the use of GIS for mapping, spatial analysis, and data-driven planning, and promote sustainable planning practices.
• Review project work and deliverables, uphold NELSON standards and QA/QC procedures, and support development of technical best practices and resources.
• Oversee project execution to meet schedules, budgets, scopes, quality expectations, and regulatory requirements.
• Guide project leads in developing work plans, schedules, budgets, and resource requirements; support proposals, contracts, scopes of work, and fee estimates.
• Lead or participate in complex projects, zoning reviews, entitlement and permitting processes, client workshops, and design charrettes.
• Coordinate internal teams, external consultants, clients, stakeholders, and authorities having jurisdiction.
• Monitor project progress and identify and address scope, schedule, staffing, and delivery issues.
• Maintain accountability for studio revenue, profitability, utilization, and project financial performance; review financial reports and identify improvement opportunities.
• Oversee project budgeting, fee development, resource planning, financial forecasting, invoicing, and support for accounts receivable collections.
• Partner with Practice Leadership on annual revenue forecasts and strategies to achieve financial objectives.
• Build and maintain client relationships, monitor client satisfaction, and serve as a senior contact for key clients.
• Identify and pursue business development opportunities, respond to RFPs, develop proposals, participate in interviews, and expand the studio’s market presence.
• Represent NELSON in professional organizations, industry events, and community initiatives, and maintain relationships with industry professionals and partners.
• Maintain applicable professional certifications and continuing education, and stay current on industry trends, regulations, planning methods, and technology.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Full health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision.
• Wellness program with rewards for healthy activities.
• Pet insurance.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• Paid time off and holiday pay.
• Paid parental leave.
• Flexible working schedules and work-from-home options based on client needs.
• Professional development support, including discretionary support and reimbursement for registrations, certifications, and professional organization memberships.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior