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Associate Planning Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This associate will lead complex planning and development advisory engagements for higher education ... You will manage projects from analysis through implementation strategy, directing internal teams ...

Media Planning and Buying As a Senior Associate, you will provide the client with the most ... days are directed by their agency or manager. Our objective is to increase this requirement ...

Media Planning and Buying TBD $40,000 - $75,000 Omnicom's policy requires employees to work in the office for a minimum of three days a week, unless additional in-office days are directed by their ...

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Associate Planning Director information

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$30.5K

$102.7K

$173K

How much do associate planning director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate planning director in the United States is $102,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate planning director?

An Associate Planning Director is a mid-to-senior level professional typically found in advertising, marketing, or media agencies. They are responsible for developing strategic plans to guide campaigns and initiatives, ensuring alignment with client objectives and market trends. This role involves overseeing a team of planners, collaborating with creative and account teams, and presenting insights to clients. They play a crucial part in shaping brand strategies and optimizing campaign effectiveness.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate planning director?

To thrive as an Associate Planning Director, you need strong strategic thinking, data analysis, and communication skills, typically backed by a degree in marketing, business, or a related field. Proficiency with media planning tools (such as Comscore, Nielsen, or Google Analytics), presentation software, and often experience with project management platforms is essential. Leadership, collaboration, and creative problem-solving are standout soft skills for guiding teams and building client relationships. These capabilities are crucial for developing effective marketing strategies, ensuring campaign success, and fostering productive teamwork in a competitive environment.

What are some common challenges faced by an associate planning director and how can they be addressed?

As an Associate Planning Director, one of the main challenges is balancing strategic vision with day-to-day project management, ensuring that campaigns meet both client goals and internal timelines. Navigating complex stakeholder relationships and integrating feedback from multiple teams—such as creative, media, and account management—can also be demanding. To address these challenges, it's important to maintain clear communication, prioritize tasks effectively, and foster a collaborative team culture. Regular check-ins and leveraging project management tools can help keep projects on track and stakeholders aligned.

What is the difference between Associate Planning Director vs Planning Manager?

AspectAssociate Planning DirectorPlanning Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, or related field; often advanced certificationsBachelor's degree; relevant certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, project oversight, collaboration with senior leadershipProject management, team coordination, client interaction
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large firms, government agencies, and consulting firmsCommon in architecture, urban planning, and development companies
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles with similar seniority and responsibilitiesRoles focused on project execution and team management

The Associate Planning Director typically holds a higher strategic role with more leadership responsibilities compared to a Planning Manager, who focuses more on project execution and team coordination. Both roles require relevant education and certifications, but the Associate Planning Director often engages in broader planning initiatives and interacts more with executive teams.

What cities are hiring for Associate Planning Director jobs?

Cities with the most Associate Planning Director job openings:

What states have the most Associate Planning Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Associate Planning Director jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Planning Director jobs?

For Associate Planning Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Associate Planning Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,728 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Associate (Planning & Development Advisory)

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

If you're ready to manage complex planning engagements, guide clients through structured decision-making, and confidently manage processes, projects, and people, this role offers that opportunity.
Named the #17 fastest-growing AEC firm in the U.S. and Canada by Zweig Group's Hot Firm Awards, B&D is entering an exciting period of growth�creating new opportunities for ambitious professionals to take on meaningful work and accelerate their careers.
The Opportunity
At Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D), we lead the planning, development, and management of the places that shape and strengthen communities�where people live, learn, work, and play. B&D partners with institutions, municipalities, and organizations to shape and deliver complex real estate and capital projects, providing strategic insight and end-to-end advisory services across the full project lifecycle.
B&D recently joined forces with Project Management Advisors, bringing together two nationally recognized leaders in program management and real estate advisory services. Together, the combined firm offers expanded capabilities across industries and throughout the full project lifecycle�from early-stage strategy and planning through execution and beyond.
This associate will lead complex planning and development advisory engagements for higher education and mission-driven institutions. This is a client-facing leadership role responsible for guiding institutions through strategic decisions that shape campus housing, recreation facilities, student unions, mixed-use developments, and other transformative assets.
You will manage projects from analysis through implementation strategy, directing internal teams, advising institutional leaders, and ensuring deliverables reflect both analytical rigor and practical execution.
Located in Atlanta, GA on a hybrid basis, 2-3 days in office per week
How You'll Contribute
  • Lead multiple comprehensive planning and development advisory projects
  • Serve as the primary client contact and trusted advisor
  • Oversee research, market analysis, financial modeling, space planning, and stakeholder engagement efforts
  • Synthesize analytics into clear, implementable recommendations
  • Direct and mentor analysts, elevating the quality of their thinking and deliverables
  • Manage scope, pricing, invoicing, and overall project financial performance
  • Ensure quality control, documentation integrity, and client satisfaction
  • Contribute to business development efforts, including relationship cultivation and new opportunity identification
  • Strengthen internal analytical tools, models, and methodologies

Leadership Expectations
  • Operate with ownership and accountability across engagements
  • Guide clients through ambiguity with clarity and structure
  • Develop analysts into thoughtful advisors, not task executors
  • Maintain disciplined project management while encouraging strong analytical exploration
What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree in real estate, urban planning, architecture, finance, economics, construction management, or related field (Master's preferred)
  • 5+ years of experience managing complex projects in planning, development, consulting, or real estate advisory
  • Strong understanding of development economics, financial modeling, and capital planning
  • Proven ability to manage multiple engagements simultaneously
  • Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Project
  • Strong written, presentation, and facilitation skills
  • Demonstrated leadership and mentoring ability
  • Commitment to ethical practice and client service excellence
  • Willingness to travel as required
What Sets You Apart
  • You balance analytical depth with practical implementation.
  • You bring intellectual rigor to real estate and institutional strategy.
  • You are comfortable advising senior stakeholders.
  • You take pride in developing others while continuing to elevate your own professional maturity.

You exercise sound judgment, financial fluency, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable direction.
Ultimately, if you are looking for a leadership role where strategy, development economics, and institutional mission intersect, we welcome the conversation!
Why People Chooose B&D
Impactful Mission
Be part of meaningful work that helps shape the places where people live, learn, work, and connect.
Learning & Growth
We invest in mentorship, leadership development, and continuous learning at every stage of your career.
Strong Culture
Entrepreneurial thinking, collaboration, intellectual curiosity, integrity, and excellence drive how we work together.
Robust Benefits
Comprehensive benefits include 100% company-paid medical, dental, and prescription coverage, a targeted 7% employer-contribution 401(k), generous PTO, and more.
Apply Today!
To get started, our application process includes a resume, an optional (recommended) cover letter, and a short set of essential questions. We look forward to getting to know you!
This role's target base annual salary range is currently $100,000-125,000. Pay scales are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, relevant education, experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate, and pay relative to other team members.
The company benefits listed above are a summary of the benefits. Specific details, availability, and eligibility requirements apply in accordance with company policies.
Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an 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, or veteran status.
Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. participates in E-Verify.