Senior Project Manager - Planning Group
About The Position
Verdantas is redefining environmental consulting and sustainable engineering using cutting-edge modeling and digital technology, with a strong commitment to people. The company operates in high-growth sectors such as water resources, resilient land use, energy transformation, and civil infrastructure, with over 90 offices and a team of over 2,000 experts. Verdantas partners with clients to deliver smart, data-driven solutions to complex environmental and infrastructure challenges, aiming to shape a more sustainable future. The company fosters a people-first culture that values well-being, growth, and impact. Verdantas is seeking an experienced Senior Project Planner to lead community planning, economic development, and placemaking initiatives across the Midwest. This role is for a strategic, client-facing planning professional passionate about guiding communities through complex land use, zoning, revitalization, and policy initiatives. The successful candidate will possess deep technical expertise, strong project management skills, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines to deliver thoughtful, implementable solutions that strengthen community identity and drive lasting impact.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in City Planning, Urban Planning, Economics, Political Science, or a related field
- 15+ years of progressively responsible professional planning experience
- AICP certification required
- Demonstrated experience managing municipal planning and economic development projects
- Strong facilitation, communication, and presentation skills
- Proven ability to lead projects from concept through implementation
- Experience working with public-sector clients and diverse stakeholder groups
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in City or Urban Planning or related discipline preferred
- Experience leading area-wide planning, downtown strategies, and revitalization initiatives
- Background in historic preservation planning and design guidelines
- Familiarity with Brownfields redevelopment and EPA-funded planning initiatives
- Active participation in professional organizations (APA, CNU, etc.)
- Commitment to professional development and mentoring of young professionals
- Conference speaking, publications, or thought leadership experience
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage complex community planning, land use, zoning, and economic development projects
- Serve as Senior Project Manager for municipal and regional initiatives, including comprehensive plans, design guidelines, zoning and code development, revitalization strategies, and area-wide planning efforts in a fast-paced environment
- Lead and collaborate with diverse multidisciplinary teams (planning, engineering, environmental, and design) to deliver integrated solutions
- Engage meaningfully with stakeholders, elected officials, and the public through workshops, charrettes, and community outreach
- Provide strategic guidance grounded in local context, data-driven analysis, and best practices
- Lead business development efforts, including strategy and pursuit
- Lead client development and client relationship management
- Mentor and support planners and project team members
- Contribute to thought leadership through conference presentations, workshops, and professional engagement
Benefits
- Flexible Work Environment
- Paid Parental Leave
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Paid Time Off + Holidays
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
