Our Urban Design + Planning Studio is seeking a senior-level Urban Planner and Project Manager to join our San Diego Urban Design + Planning team. Our ideal candidate has experience working on a variety of long-range planning and urban design projects throughout California, including general plans, community plans, specific plans, corridor plans, housing elements and housing studies, zoning and development codes, objective design standards, and community engagement. We are looking for someone with a collaborative approach, enthusiasm for planning, a can-do attitude, the ability to go beyond convention and develop innovative and high-quality planning documents, and an interest in being part of a fast-paced planning and design studio.

Here’s What The Role Entails:

• Provide project and team leadership on long-range planning and urban design projects.
• Lead complex planning and design studies and deliverables, including directing and/or conducting research on legislation and best practices; overseeing general plan, zoning, regulatory, and site analysis; preparing graphically-rich reports, presentations, policy documents, zoning, design/development standards, specific plans, and other tools. 
• Manage scope, schedule, budget, and staffing to keep projects on track, and support business development activities, including proposal and interview preparation.
• Collaborate with planners, urban designers, architects, engineers, climate specialists, and environmental planners to deliver high-quality, integrated, and bold planning and design solutions.
• Lead culturally inclusive engagement in diverse communities, including pop-ups, public workshops, online engagement, and other techniques.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

• 10-15 years of consulting experience in urban design and planning, with advanced knowledge of the profession as practiced in the state of California, including housing policy and implementation, planning for urban housing and mixed-use infill, transit-oriented development, and complete streets implementation.
• An advanced degree in urban planning or design is desired; with an undergraduate degree in urban planning, urban studies, or architecture, or similar. 
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, including strong QA/QC abilities, and the ability to present planning and design concepts to the client, community, and others through compelling presentations and storytelling. 
• Fluency in Excel, GIS, and InDesign is desired.
• Experience successfully managing complex planning projects, including managing sub-consultant teams, supervising planning work by other staff, providing technical feedback, and maintaining project plans, schedules, and budgets, in conjunction with workload planning. 
• Experience leading business development efforts, including proposal writing and strategy, developing budgets, and leading interviews.

Work environment 

• Typical office environment 

Physical Demands 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time. 

Travel  

• Limited travel may be required. 

Diversity Statement

Ascent is committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging throughout all facets of the organization. We value and will strive to ascend by welcoming and uplifting all voices, ideas, achievements, and contributions, including those from marginalized communities and identities. We believe that recognizing and embracing our differences makes us a stronger organization. We commit to proactively nurturing environments of mutual support, respect, and caring for all through our words and actions. Join us on our journey.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement 

Ascent provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions.