Project Manager - Planning

About the role

We are seeking a Project Manager to join our Planning & Entitlement Team. This role serves as the primary liaison between clients, jurisdictions, and subconsultants, ensuring clear communication, strong collaboration, and successful project outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning efforts and author policy documents, including specific plans, design guidelines, and objective design standards
• Lead project planning and execution by managing scope, schedule, staffing, budgets, work plans, deliverables, and team performance to ensure successful project outcomes
• Prepare and negotiate proposals, fees, schedules, and contracts for clients and consultants
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring timely communication and effective resolution of issues
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while staying informed of client goals, market conditions, and industry trends
• Schedule, facilitate, and document project meetings with clients, internal teams, consultants, and agency representatives
• Cover multidisciplinary project teams to maintain quality standards and meet budget and schedule objectives
• Manage project documentation and consultant coordination throughout planning, entitlement, and early design phases
• Identify and resolve project challenges in collaboration with Principals, planning staff, and design teams
• Support business development efforts with current and prospective clients
• Contribute to project reporting, resource planning, and staffing discussions to support team performance and financial goals
• Foster a positive team environment by supporting staff development, training, and mentoring
• Oversee project setup, including contracts, project processes, and coordination with accounting for invoicing
• Ensure a seamless transition of projects into design development and construction documentation phases
• Conduct post-project follow-ups to assess client satisfaction and identify future opportunities

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading planning, entitlement, urban design, or architectural projects, including client management and consultant coordination
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Urban Design, Planning, or Architecture
• 5+ years of experience in urban design, planning and/or architecture, including project management and leadership responsibilities
• Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. building codes, permitting processes, and construction practices
• Experience coordinating with U.S. - based clients, consultants, and regulatory agencies
• AICP or architectural licensure preferred
• Commitment to ongoing professional development

Pay

Starting salary $90,000 to $120,000 depending on qualifications. Placement within this pay range will be determined by factors such as education, qualifications, project complexity and/or experience.