Senior Project Manager - Urban & Community Planning
About The Position
The Senior Project Manager for Urban Design and Community Planning is a senior-level professional responsible for leading complex planning and urban design initiatives from visioning through implementation. This role requires a strategic thinker and skilled practitioner who can manage multidisciplinary teams, engage diverse stakeholders, and translate community input into actionable, high-quality plans and projects. The ideal candidate combines design excellence, technical planning expertise, and strong leadership capabilities with a deep commitment to community-centered outcomes. This individual operates with a high degree of autonomy, demonstrating sound judgment, initiative, and accountability in delivering impactful, implementable solutions.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field
- 10+ years of progressive experience in urban design, planning, or related disciplines
- Demonstrated experience managing complex projects and leading multidisciplinary teams
- Strong portfolio of completed planning and/or urban design projects
- Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills
Nice To Haves
- Professional certification such as AICP Certification or licensure in Architecture or Landscape Architecture
- Experience working with public-sector clients and navigating regulatory processes
- Familiarity with GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, and visualization tools
- Experience in the Southeast U.S. or similar growth contexts
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage comprehensive planning, urban design, and placemaking projects, including comprehensive plans, small area plans, corridor studies, and redevelopment strategies
- Oversee all phases of project delivery: scoping, budgeting, scheduling, technical execution, and quality control
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with client objectives and regulatory frameworks
- Provide strategic direction and problem-solving on complex planning and design challenges
- Lead multidisciplinary teams, including planners, urban designers, engineers, and subconsultants
- Delegate effectively while maintaining accountability for overall project outcomes
- Mentor and develop junior and mid-level staff, fostering a culture of design excellence and innovation
- Coordinate with public agencies, elected officials, and partner organizations
- Design and lead inclusive, meaningful community engagement processes
- Facilitate public meetings, workshops, charrettes, and stakeholder interviews
- Integrate community input into planning and design solutions in a thoughtful and transparent manner
- Navigate complex political and community dynamics with professionalism and sensitivity
- Develop and oversee the creation of plans, frameworks, and design concepts that reflect best practices in urban design, land use planning, and placemaking
- Ensure solutions are context-sensitive, market-informed, and implementable
- Apply innovative approaches to mixed-use development, mobility, public realm design, and economic activation
- Maintain awareness of emerging trends, policies, and tools in planning and urban design
- Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, maintaining strong, trusted relationships
- Identify opportunities for additional services and support proposal development and presentations
- Contribute to the firm’s growth through thought leadership and strategic positioning
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
