Remote Research Operations Director Jobs in Virginia

At Toole Design, we're leading the way in creating safer, more connected communities through sustainable multimodal transportation design. We're looking for an experienced Planning Director to join our growing Mid-Atlantic* team. If you enjoy big-picture strategy, leading teams, advancing project management and business development, and delivering innovative mobility solutions, while working at a firm committed to employee well-being, we'd love to hear from you.

*This position can be located in: Silver Spring, MD (full office); Richmond, VA (remote to start); or Northern Virginia (remote to start).

Why You'll Love Working Here

We're not just another firm, we're a purpose-driven team of engineers, planners, landscape architects, and urban designers who believe streets should work for everyone. At Toole Design, you'll work alongside thought leaders and industry experts who are committed to mentoring and helping you grow your expertise. We offer:

• A collaborative, inclusive culture that supports your growth and advancement
• A hybrid schedule with shared team days on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
• 8 paid holidays; and 20 days of PTO accrued annually
• Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and transportation perks: Benefits and Support
• Projects that truly improve lives through safe, inclusive design rooted in ethics, empathy, and equity

What You'll Do

As Regional Planning Director for the Mid-Atlantic, you will help lead and grow our planning practice, working closely with Office Directors, the Regional Operations Director, and national leadership. A key focus of this role is identifying and pursuing new market opportunities - including emerging project types, geographic expansion, and pre-teaming relationships with key partners. You will serve as Principal-in-Charge, Project Manager, or Quality Control lead on complex multimodal transportation projects, providing strategic oversight and ensuring high-quality, equity-centered work. You'll support and mentor our 13 planners across the region, balance workloads and utilization, and help recruit and retain a talented, inclusive team.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, urban design, or a related field; AICP preferred
• A minimum of 12 years of planning experience, 15+ years preferred, in transportation and with at least 5 years of professional services consulting
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a consulting firm or similar, managing and delivering projects for public sector clients and pursuing and winning work
• Experience managing and mentoring a team, including workloads, coaching, and recruiting
• Demonstrated success managing complex transportation projects, consultants and subconsultants, and managing schedules and budgets
• Experience building and nurturing genuine relationships with other transportation professionals within and outside your organization
• A strong interest in multimodal and active transportation planning and design

You'll be great here if you:

• Are entrepreneurial, enjoy building teams, and think strategically about growth and opportunity
• Can develop new techniques, explore emerging practice areas, and lead projects using innovative tools
• Communicate clearly, solve problems thoughtfully, and deliver high-quality work on time and on budget-while inspiring others to do the same

Join Us. Make an Impact. We're proud to be an ENR Top 500 design firm with one of the lowest turnover rates in the industry. If you're ready to do meaningful work with a supportive, talented team-apply today. Please submit a cover letter.

We are targeting a salary of $140,000 to $170,000 for this position. Candidates with more years of experience or exceptional qualifications may fall into a different pay range.

Questions, assistance or accommodations? Contact HR@tooledesign.com or call 301-927-1900, press 5.

At Toole Design, we foster a collaborative culture and welcome people of all backgrounds to help build more inclusive communities. We strongly encourage women and applicants from underrepresented communities – people of color, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, first-generation college students/graduates, those with disabilities and people at all the intersections in between – to apply. We're proud that about half our managers are women and we are committed to diverse leadership that reflects the communities we serve. Toole Design is a woman-owned, equal opportunity employer (EO/AA/VEV/Disabled employer).

For more information about Toole Design, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.