Sr. Project Manager - PLA

About the role

As a Senior Project Manager at LJA Land Development, you will manage members of the Public Planning team and participate in advanced, professional planning and design activities. You will also lead strategic efforts and mentoring within the Placemaking + Resilience Group. This role requires experience in project management, business development, team building, and project profitability for Public Sector City Planning and Design projects, along with strong leadership and communication skills with team members, clients, and governmental agencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall strategic leadership within the Placemaking + Resilience Group to enhance client relationships, work products, and team skills.
• Lead a team of public planning professionals responsible for producing community planning, urban and landscape design, and graphic & technical production.
• Advise various councils, boards, commissions, and elected/appointed officials on planning and design-related issues.
• Serve as liaison and perform necessary functions in support of public client planning and development departments.
• Evaluate and prepare reports on operations & activities; recommend improvements and modifications.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration.
• Create, administer, and supervise public outreach campaigns for planning and design efforts.
• Develop business by marketing the company to existing clients and identifying and marketing to new clients.
• Support technical efforts for business development, such as preparation of responses to RFPs and RFQs, preparation for presentations, and coordinating the efforts of the Placemaking and Resilience Group.
• Develop and assist in preparation of scope, budget, and schedule.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in City Planning, Public Affairs, Public Administration, or other related fields. Master’s Degree preferred.
• AICP Certification or ability to acquire.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning and design.
• Minimum seven years of experience as a practice leader and manager with direct reports.
• Creative and innovative design skills.
• Reading comprehension skills to understand complex technical and legal materials.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative, and ArcGIS Pro software; social media and website design and development.
• Advanced GIS mapping skills.
• Ability to create advanced graphics and layouts in Adobe Creative.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong communication skills.
• Problem-solving ability.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets, along with mental health support.
• Family Support: Paid maternity and parental leave.
• Education Support: Tuition reimbursement and in-house courses provided by our Learning and Development team.
• Referral Bonuses: Rewards for referring great talent.
• Community Impact: Company-sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.
• Professional Development: Memberships to industry organizations.
• Career Growth: Great internal mobility opportunities.
• Fun Culture: LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, and more.

About LJA

LJA is an employee-owned firm where team members take pride in their work and workplace. We foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and shared success, guided by leaders who champion continuous learning and personal growth. As an employee-owner, you’ll benefit from:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Consistently ranked as a Top Workplace.
• Internal recruitment team, in-house training, and a marketing department specific to our industry.
• Flexibility, allowing every team and office to lead with their proven approach.
• A culture that values constant evolution, communication, and having fun while making an impact.