JOB DESCRIPTION

What You'll Do

As a senior-level planner you will lead and manage project teams in research, analysis, community engagement, and the development of plans and recommendations. Depending on the project, your responsibilities may include:

• Project management: Lead projects, manage budgets and schedules, coordinate staff and subconsultants, and serve as a primary point of contact for clients. Set clear expectations and ensure deliverables meet project goals and Mend’s standards for quality.

• Planning and strategy development: Lead small area plans, public realm plans, neighborhood and downtown plans, active transportation, and other planning efforts. Develop actionable projects, programs, and policies supported by realistic implementation steps, partnerships, and funding strategies.

• Writing and visual communication: Shape compelling narratives and oversee the preparation of reports, presentations, maps, and graphics. Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to community members, clients, elected officials, and other audiences.

• Research and analysis: Guide and conduct demographic, housing, health, economic, land use, and spatial analysis. Connect findings to community experiences and translate complex information into clear implications for planning and policy.

• Public engagement: Develop and lead accessible, creative, and culturally responsive engagement processes. Facilitate community meetings, workshops, and stakeholder discussions, navigate differing perspectives, and ensure community priorities meaningfully shape recommendations.

• Marketing and business development: Build relationships with clients and collaborators, identify opportunities aligned with Mend’s mission, and contribute to proposals, scopes of work, fee estimates, and interviews.

• Internal leadership: Mentor planners and emerging project managers, provide constructive feedback, and support staff development. Help improve internal processes and foster a collaborative, inclusive working environment.

• Thought leadership: Bring new ideas, emerging practices, and lessons from project work into Mend’s planning approach. Share expertise through presentations, writing, professional networks, and team learning.

• Project collaboration: Integrate the expertise of planners, landscape architects, and other disciplines. Build productive partnerships with community organizations, public agencies, and collaborators to move shared priorities toward implementation.

Please read the full job description at the link below for more information and how to apply.