Senior Planner

Job Description

Job Description

Join our team! Our mission is BUILDING COMMUNITIES. IMPROVING LIVES. With a history spanning over 110 years, HR Green has consistently delivered on this mission, establishing ourselves as a trusted partner for our colleagues, clients, and communities alike. Each day, we work to find solutions that inspire our employees and fit our clients' needs to build trust to exceed their expectations. As a leading player in the industry, we’re proud to be ranked No. 168 on Engineering News Record’s Top 500 Design Firms list in 2025. Our unwavering dedication to cultivating an exceptional workplace environment has earned us the distinguished honor of being recognized as a Best Place to Work.

Summary

The Senior Planner plays a critical role by leading the delivery of complex and often multi-jurisdictional planning projects. This role provides strategic direction, mentors junior staff, and contributes to thought leadership within the organization. The Senior Planner is also responsible for managing client relationships, identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, and representing the firm in high-level stakeholder and public meetings. With advanced expertise in planning and policy, the Senior Planner plays a crucial role in shaping long-term community visions and development strategies at both regional and national levels.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex planning projects, providing strategic direction and technical oversight from concept through execution.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to develop scopes, fees, and contracts that align with client expectations and project goals.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, conducting in-depth research and analysis on urban trends, demographics, land use, and economic indicators to inform data-driven planning solutions.
• Design and lead public engagement initiatives to foster transparent, inclusive planning processes that incorporate community input.
• Develop market assessments and contribute to regional and national strategic planning efforts.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, support proposal development, and actively build a pipeline of future projects.
• Cultivate and maintain strong client relationships by anticipating needs and delivering thoughtful, customized planning solutions.
• Represent HR Green at client meetings, industry conferences, and professional events to promote our expertise and expand our presence.
• Contribute to thought leadership by publishing articles, presenting at conferences, and engaging with professional organizations.
• Mentor junior and mid-level planning staff, offering technical guidance and career development support.
• Assist with resource planning and staff assignments to ensure effective project delivery.
• Provide quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) for technical planning deliverables to ensure consistency, accuracy, and high-quality outcomes.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Urban Design, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience leading and managing complex planning projects across a variety of sectors.
• Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is required.
• Proven leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to mentor teams and guide project direction.
• In-depth knowledge of urban planning, urban design, transportation planning, land use, economic development, and environmental planning.
• Proficiency in planning and design software such as AutoCAD, GIS, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a strategic, detail-oriented approach.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas to a range of audiences including clients, stakeholders, and the public.
• Effective project management capabilities, including budget oversight, task prioritization, and deadline management.
• Active membership in the American Planning Association (APA) is preferred.

Benefits

Not only does HR Green provide you with a place to grow, thrive, and enjoy your work, but we are also dedicated to delivering a comprehensive and multi-faceted benefits package. Visit our website for detailed total rewards information.

https://www.hrgreen.com/careers/benefits/

HR Green is proud to be an affirmative action/ equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.