Planning Studio - Studio Leader

NELSON Worldwide • Atlanta, GA

1d • Remote

About The Position

The Planning Studio Leader provides leadership, technical expertise, and business direction for NELSON’s Planning Studio. The role is accountable for the studio’s overall performance, including teammate development, resource management, project delivery, quality, and financial results. The leader establishes the studio’s vision and aligns team priorities with firm and practice objectives while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and engaging environment in which teammates can develop and succeed.

The position provides strategic and technical oversight for urban planning and development work, including land use planning, master planning, zoning and entitlements, community development, and sustainable design. Working with Practice Leadership, project leads, clients, consultants, and other stakeholders, the leader guides projects from planning through delivery, supports high-quality and compliant outcomes, and helps manage schedules, budgets, staffing, and resources.

The Planning Studio Leader also supports client relationships and business growth by maintaining existing accounts, pursuing new opportunities, contributing to proposals and interviews, and representing NELSON in professional and community settings. The role supervises assigned teammates and project leads, including hiring, training, work direction, performance evaluation, feedback, and problem resolution. Continuing responsibilities include maintaining applicable professional certifications, staying current with industry and regulatory developments, and developing leadership and business-management skills.

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+ 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 strategic vision for the Planning Studio and align team goals with firm and practice objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop project leads and teammates; set performance goals, provide feedback, conduct evaluations, and support professional growth.
• Manage assigned teams, promote accountability and inclusion, address conflicts, and maintain a productive studio environment.
• Assess team capabilities and identify opportunities to strengthen technical expertise and expand studio capabilities.
• Oversee resource planning, staffing, workload balance, utilization, and resource sharing across projects and teams.
• Meet with project leads to review project progress, staffing needs, schedules, and resource requirements; support resolution of project issues.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding, and make staffing recommendations to Practice Leadership.
• Ensure completion of operational requirements, including internal reporting, project planning, pipeline projections, timesheet approvals, and utilization monitoring.
• Provide technical guidance and quality oversight for urban planning projects, including land use plans, master plans, conceptual designs, planning studies, zoning analyses, and entitlement work.
• Guide teams on zoning, land use regulations, building codes, accessibility, government programs, environmental and infrastructure considerations, and applicable standards.
• Direct the use of GIS for mapping, spatial analysis, and data-informed planning; promote sustainable planning practices and awareness of LEED, WELL, energy efficiency, and environmental impact.
• Review project work and deliverables, ensure NELSON QA/QC procedures and standards are followed, and develop best practices, tools, and resources.
• Oversee project execution to meet scope, schedule, budget, quality, and regulatory expectations; guide project leads in work plans, schedules, budgets, and resource requirements.
• Support proposals, contracts, scopes of work, and fee estimates, and provide project leadership on complex work as needed.
• Guide teams through zoning reviews, entitlements, permitting, and coordination with authorities having jurisdiction; coordinate internal teams, consultants, and stakeholders.
• Lead or facilitate client workshops and design charrettes and communicate planning concepts through presentations and visual communication.
• Monitor project progress and financial performance, identify scope or schedule concerns, and support corrective action, scope-change management, and accurate documentation.
• Maintain accountability for studio financial performance, including revenue, profitability, utilization, project performance, forecasting, and operational efficiency.
• Review financial reports, oversee budgeting and fee development, monitor expenditures and staffing projections, support invoicing and collections, and mentor teammates on financial management.
• Partner with Practice Leadership on annual revenue forecasts and strategies to achieve financial objectives.
• Maintain and develop client relationships, monitor client satisfaction, address concerns, and serve as a senior contact for key clients.
• Support business development by identifying opportunities, pursuing new clients, responding to RFPs, preparing proposals, and participating in interviews and presentations.
• Develop relationships with developers, public officials, government entities, community organizations, consultants, and industry partners; represent NELSON at professional and community events.
• Directly supervise assigned teammates and project leads, including assigning and directing work, training, performance evaluation, feedback, and resolving complaints or problems.
• Maintain applicable professional certifications and continuing education, stay current with industry developments and technologies, and participate in professional organizations and industry events.

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, including discretionary support and reimbursement for registrations, certifications, and professional organization memberships.

What This Job Offers

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