Sr. Manager Public Realm Planning

Job Description

Job Description

The Navy Yard Business Improvement District (Navy Yard BID) — formerly the Capitol Riverfront BID — is seeking a talented, mission-driven urban planner to join our dynamic team in one of Washington, DC’s most exciting and fastest-growing waterfront neighborhoods.

As a Senior Manager of Public Realm Planning, a successful candidate will champion the planning and implementation of projects that shape the public realm of the neighborhoods that make up Navy Yard BID — from parks and streetscapes to public art and community activations. The successful candidate will be the primary planner for several projects in the Navy Yard BID’s growing portfolio of public assets including streetscape design improvements, Tingey Plaza, and Buzzard Point Park, while supporting the Capitol Riverfront Parks Foundation's role in developing partnership and programming related to those spaces. This is a rare opportunity to make a visible, lasting mark on the physical and social fabric of a neighborhood at the center of the District’s future.

Responsibilities include:

Public Realm Planning (70%)

• Propose, advocate for, and manage public realm projects from concept through implementation, including grant applications, community engagement, public space improvements, permitting, and signature events.
• Draft public realm guidelines and policies, leveraging data analytics, real-time information, smartphone apps, and digital tools; socialize them internally before implementation.
• Propose and lead public realm activities including public art installations, holiday display planning, and neighborhood aesthetics and beautification.
• Organize community members and institutions to activate public spaces in their communities—helping the public obtain necessary permissions and streamlining processes for public space activation.
• Partner with the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Clean Team Director, and external stakeholders to foster vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming public environments.

Capitol Riverfront Parks Foundation (30%)

• Work closely with the SVP of Planning and Public Realm to advance the Parks Foundation’s mission, including leading work programs, supporting the Board of Directors, and managing the lifecycle planning, budgeting, and maintenance of Foundation-stewarded public assets.
• Support the organizational development of the Foundation, including administrative systems, financial oversight, volunteer programs, and governance operations.
• Perform related work as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise and mentor seasonal interns and Parks Foundation volunteers.
• Select, contract with, and oversee vendors and contractors; ensure work meets quality standards and project specifications.
• Identify intern needs; design and manage intern work programs in coordination with executive leadership.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Landscape Architecture, or a related field; graduate degree preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in public realm planning, urban design, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with government agencies, community stakeholders, and nonprofit organizations.
• Background in public works, urban design, transportation/mobility, real estate, parks management, or related disciplines is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable making public presentations and representing the organization to diverse audiences.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong collaborative instincts and interpersonal skills; able to build and sustain productive relationships across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
• Proven problem-solving ability: analyzes situations, identifies issues, and recommends effective solutions.
• Ability to work independently and to exercise sound, independent judgment.
• Knowledge of grant writing, contract administration, and procurement processes.
• Experience with graphic and digital design software is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint) and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce/Zoho).
• High level of professional integrity, discretion, and ethics.
• Detail-oriented, resourceful, and decisive.

The Navy Yard Business Improvement District is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization that delivers comprehensive place management services to help ensure the neighborhood is clean, safe, accessible, distinctive, welcoming, and vibrant. Through active collaboration and strategic partnerships, the BID works to cultivate a thriving waterfront community along the banks of the Anacostia River.

Today Navy Yard has evolved into a vibrant mixed-use district featuring waterfront parks, residential communities, retail shops, and world class sports venues such as Audi Field and Nationals Park. Learn more at www.navyyarddc.org.