Sr. Land Use Planner

McGuireWoods LLP•Tysons, VA

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

McGuireWoods is seeking a Senior Land Use Planner to join our Tysons team and provide senior level counseling and advice to clients on zoning and land use issues to obtain governmental approvals for development throughout Northern Virginia. This is a unique opportunity for a planning professional with deep knowledge of local jurisdictions to lead complex development projects from concept through approval. McGuireWoods, one of the world’s leading law firms, has provided legal solutions to corporate, individual and nonprofit clients since 1834. Along with excellent benefits, McGuireWoods offers most employees a hybrid remote option allowing flexibility and work-life balance. Our Applicant Disclosures describe your rights. Our Privacy Statement describes how we will process and safeguard your personal data.

Requirements

Requires Master’s Degree in Planning and professional certification obtained through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
Requires eight to ten years of experience working with zoning ordinances, comprehensive plans, rezoning applications, site and subdivision plans, preferably in a law firm environment.
Expert level knowledge of local government land use, zoning and planning policies and codes.
Must be able to meet/exceed established billable hours on a consistent basis.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and professionalism.
Ability to effectively present proposals/recommendations to senior management.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; negotiation skills.
Planning and organizational skills; detail oriented.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Local travel required.
Ability to work under time restraints and deadlines.
Superior analytical and problem-solving ability.
PC skills to include Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.

Responsibilities

Conducts extensive land use due diligence on properties, including analysis of Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances and Comprehensive Land Use Plans as to the best strategy for gaining local government approval of development proposals.
Negotiates with local government staff and other private/public agencies to obtain development approvals and related site work and construction approvals. Includes preparation of application forms, exhibits, affidavits, proffers and related materials for zoning applications.
Designs/implements community engagement strategies on behalf of the client throughout the development approval process (typically a 12–24-month process) to solicit community support for development applications.
Manages the work of client sub-consultants (architects, landscape architects, civil engineers, traffic engineers, historic preservation and wetlands consultants, for example) in the preparation and approval of development applications.
Prepares and makes presentations on behalf of clients to land use committees, civic associations, planning commissions and local governing bodies to obtain development approvals.
Facilitates the approval of other government approvals, such as site/building permits once the land use and zoning approvals have been obtained.
Confers with transactional real estate attorneys to coordinate transactional matters on development approvals such as preparation of zoning compliance letters.
Participates in marketing events, professional associations and pro bono cases to promote the Firm’s work.
Conducts research and analysis of complicated land use regulatory issues as they impact client projects.
Serves as a “resident expert” in Land Use Planning matters and may be required to train/develop/mentor other Land Use Planners as directed.
Identifies, researches, evaluates and recommends ways to streamline/improve processes to ensure the Firm’s strategic initiatives are met.
Performs high level research and analysis and renders proposals upon which senior management makes significant decisions impacting significant client matters.