DESCRIPTION

Michael Baker International’s Alexandria Office has seen significant growth over the past few years.  In support of that success, and to position us for future growth, the Michael Baker is looking for an exceptional person to serve as Community Planning Studio Lead/Project Manager II who will focus on winning and managing great projects, hiring skilled planners, and mentoring staff.

 

We are looking for a leader who will participate in the office leadership team while also collaborating with their counterparts in our other regional offices to provide high quality planning services. You will be directly involved with development and implementation of a business strategy and work with project teams while also helping to win work and expand our project portfolio and client base, primarily with municipal and state clients across Virginia, Maryland and DC. 

 

The Community Planning Studio Lead / Project Manager II (CPSL/PM) will be responsible for leading and growing our robust studio of experienced community and facility planners, hazard mitigation planners, public engagement professionals, and project managers who are dedicated to making a positive impact on the world through effective planning. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record illustrating drive, intellectual curiosity, commitment to excellence, and a desire to make a difference in the communities we serve. The candidate will also possess extensive connections with targeted client groups including NOVA/DC/MD local municipalities, counties, and state governments as well as private sector clients and the planning community to facilitate the winning of new clients and exciting projects. In addition to growing the studio through winning new work and hiring new planners and associated support staff, the CPSL/PM will lead task orders as well as independent multi-disciplinary community planning projects. 

 

The Community Planning Studio Lead will report to the Planning and Urban Design Department Manager.

 

As an office leader, the CPSL/PM will participate in senior managers’ meetings and coordinate with other discipline leads throughout the region and nation. The CPSL/PM will also support programs and projects through our nationwide network of planners.

 

The Community Planning Studio Lead / Project Manager’s responsibilities will include:

Lead, manage and grow the Community Planning Studio in Alexandria, VA. Expand the reach of the Community Planning Studio through business development efforts, and successful RFP and task order responses. (With support from our proposal development professionals.)  Foster growth with existing and new clients through exceptional communication, collaboration, and problem solving. Lead and participate in cross-discipline business development efforts. Coordinate with planning industry contacts. Champion high quality planning work within the group. Perform Project Management for select projects including: Coordinating the facilitation of planning charrettes for clients as both a lead facilitator and as a member of a facilitation team Coordinating the collection and compilation of a variety of quantitative and qualitative data to prepare reports and maps. Coordinating and participating in field evaluations and assessments  Coordinating research of requirements and standards  Overseeing and providing quality review of reports and templates  Acting as liaison between government agencies and other organizations in developing plans Establishing/Implementing project plans/methodologies for complex projects Maintaining scope, schedule, and budget for all projects.  Managing financial aspects of projects including invoicing, resource allocation, and project status reporting Other duties as assigned.

The Community Planning Studio Lead / Project Manager should possess demonstrable:

Knowledge of planning principals, best practices, & techniques of planning.  A well-developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as urban planning, community planning, facilities planning, economic development, or land use. Ability to constructively teach techniques and planning best practices.  Knowledge and experience in site plan review, construction, and zoning processes. Knowledge of space planning and facility utilization surveys. Ability to conduct research and prepare statistical planning reports on land use, physical, social & economic possibilities, and constraints.  Experience and appropriate training in employing strategic planning and space planning techniques to develop long and short-range plans.  Excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects. Strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently as well as in multi-disciplinary teams. Ability to conceptualize and think creatively. Ability to manage large and interdisciplinary project teams comprised of internal members across multiple offices as well as subconsultants. Establish clear lines of communications within project teams and with clients for free flow of information. Intimate familiarity with client's requirements, challenges, and key areas of interest for growth. Ability to properly address and manage change. Problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making skills.

 

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

10-15 years related experience in planning project management. Four-year degree in Planning or related discipline. AICP with PMP preferred. Extensive knowledge of community master planning and facilities planning. Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Project). Familiarity with GIS, Bluebeam Revu and Adobe Suite (Acrobat, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.) Moderate travel required.

 

COMPENSATION
The approximate compensation range for this position is $116,084 to $181,290.  This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting.  Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.