ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Urban Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gensler

Design Director - Urban Planning

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

... urban planning, urban design, and architecture * Proven experience successfully responding to public RFPs and winning projects * Proven performance in directing design and delivery process on ...

PPL Corporation

Long Range Planner

Hazleton, PA · Hybrid

Overview Position is responsible for the long-range planning and scheduling of T-6 work week through budget year and future years for all planned direct work. Responsible for scheduling all USF and ...

John Wallis Academy

Associate Planner

Chestertown, MD · On-site

$61K - $97K/yr

Serves as a Planning Director's designee as Hearing Examiner for Special Exceptions or Variances ... Master's Degree in planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, public administration, or a ...

MDLE LLC

Urban / Federal Planner

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Direct and assist military planners and staff in the preparation of site and facility development ... Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture or Geography * 5 years of relevant experience

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDirector Urban Planner Jobs

Director Urban Planner information

See salary details

$53.5K

$122.2K

$189K

How much do director urban planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for director urban planner in the United States is $122,204.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Director Urban Planner vs Urban Planner?

AspectDirector Urban PlannerUrban Planner
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Architecture, or related field; often with leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning or related field
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in government agencies, consulting firms, or private sector; overseeing projects and teamsPlanning projects, research, community engagement, often under supervision
ResponsibilitiesStrategic planning, project management, team leadership, policy developmentData analysis, site assessments, community input, drafting plans

The main difference is that a Director Urban Planner holds a leadership position with strategic and managerial responsibilities, overseeing teams and projects, while an Urban Planner focuses on executing planning tasks, research, and community engagement. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in scope and seniority.

What cities are hiring for Director Urban Planner jobs? Cities with the most Director Urban Planner job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Urban Planner jobs? The most popular types of Urban Planner jobs are:
What states have the most Director Urban Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Urban Planner jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Urban Planner jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Urban Planner jobs are:
Director Urban Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Urban Planner job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,204 per year, or $58.8 per hour.
Design Director - Urban Planning

Design Director - Urban Planning

Gensler

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Gensler rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Your Role
Gensler is seeking an experienced Design Director to join our Cities + Urban Design / Mobility + Transportation Los Angeles studio to lead a range of high-profile public and private sector projects including urban design, streetscape, public realm, master plans, design guidelines, and other planning and design projects. Ideal candidates will possess a background in architecture, landscape architecture and/or urban design and planning and have demonstrated experience leading projects and teams. Strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills are critical. Ideal candidates will have experience working with and strong relationships with cities, public agencies, transit agencies, and developers throughout California. Candidates should be collaborative and excited to mentor and grow the next generation of design professionals. This candidate will be responsible for identifying business development opportunities, leading proposal responses, and delivering project work.
What You Will Do
  • Lead business development through building client relationships, identifying opportunities, and leading proposal responses to RFPs
  • Lead project teams in generating and delivering creative planning and design solutions
  • Primary client contact on design issues accountable for design excellence
  • Mentor for next generation design talent in the studio
  • Engage in office and regional design initiatives, including leadership within the design community

Your Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, City/Regional Planning, Urban Design, or other closely related fields
  • Licensed in Architecture and/or Landscape Architecture
  • AICP certified or eligible and willing to become AICP certified
  • 15 or more years of experience related to urban planning, urban design, and architecture
  • Proven experience successfully responding to public RFPs and winning projects
  • Proven performance in directing design and delivery process on multiple projects
  • Proven ability to create compelling design solutions
  • Experience leading collaborative project teams and mentoring staff
  • Experience developing and leading client relationships with private and public sector clients
  • Experience leading community workshops and public presentations
  • Excellent written, verbal and graphic communication skills and organizational skills
  • Thought leadership on urban design and planning (published blogs, papers, panels, teaching experience)
  • Leadership in design industry professional organizations (AIA, APA, ASLA, ULI)
  • Proficiency in GIS and Mapping tools
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Sketch-Up, Rhino and/or other 3D modeling software
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint) and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
  • Familiarity working with AI design and visualization tools
  • Certification in sustainable design (LEED, Envision, or other)

**The base salary will be estimated between $125,000-$170,000 annually, plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience. To learn more about our compensation philosophy and full benefits offerings, please visit Great People, Great Rewards | Gensler
Life at Gensler
At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to "Well-being Awareness Week," our offices reflect our people's diverse interests.
We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.
As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.

What Gensler employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply