Senior Urban Planning Business Development and Project Manager

Environmental Science Associates is hiring a Senior Community Planning Business Development and Project Manager in California. The role involves leading community planning projects, managing business development efforts, and mentoring junior team members. Candidates should have a degree in Urban Planning or related fields and over 10 years of experience. Responsibilities include project management, client relationship building, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
About the position

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is seeking a Senior Community Planning Business Development and Project Manager to join our dynamic team in the Bay Area. This role is pivotal in driving community planning initiatives, managing complex projects, and spearheading business development efforts to support our team's growth objectives. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with excellent leadership and client service skills, passionate about shaping the future of the built environment in an equity-centered workplace. In this position, you will lead and manage community planning projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with company goals and client expectations. You will serve as a contributing author for community planning work products for municipal and private development clients, which may include Specific/Master Plans, Area/Neighborhood Plans, General Plan Updates, zoning regulations, and Sustainability/Climate Adaptation Plans. Your role will also involve coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and subconsultants, developing and implementing business development strategies, and building strong relationships with clients and community stakeholders. As a Senior Community Planner, you will mentor junior team members, ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, and assist with team building and recruiting activities. This position is not only about managing projects but also about fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment. You will have the opportunity to work on exciting projects that contribute to smart, resilient environments, making a significant impact in the field of urban planning.

Responsibilities
• Lead and manage community planning projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with company goals and client expectations.
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• Serve as a contributing author for community planning work products for municipal and private development clients.
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• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and subconsultants to deliver innovative and comprehensive planning solutions.
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• Develop and implement business development strategies to identify and seek new community planning opportunities.
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• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and community stakeholders.
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• Conduct market research and follow development trends to inform business development efforts.
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• Lead, prepare and coordinate proposals and other business development activities.
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• Present technical content to clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
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• Mentor and guide junior team members and project managers to foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
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• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and standards in all planning and development activities.
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• Assist with team building and recruiting activities.

Requirements
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering or a related field.
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• 10 or more years of experience in urban planning, with a focus on business development and project management.
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• Proven track record of successfully managing complex, multi-year projects with large teams.
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• Strong understanding of urban planning principles, zoning regulations, and land use policies.
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• Proficiency in design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS, SketchUp, or other is a plus.
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• Excellent leadership, oral and written communication, and negotiation skills.
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• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
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• Proficiency in project management software and tools.
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• Professional certification (AICP, LEED AP) is a plus.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience with community engagement programs.
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• Familiarity with sustainability and climate adaptation planning.

Benefits
• Competitive salary based on experience and location.
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• Employee ownership structure.
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• Diversity and inclusion initiatives.
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• Professional development opportunities.
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• Flexible work arrangements.