Urban Planning Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview

The Senior Project Manager for Urban Design and Community Planning is a senior-level professional responsible for leading complex planning and urban design initiatives from visioning through implementation. This role requires a strategic thinker and skilled practitioner who can manage multidisciplinary teams, engage diverse stakeholders, and translate community input into actionable, high-quality plans and projects.

The ideal candidate combines design excellence, technical planning expertise, and strong leadership capabilities with a deep commitment to community-centered outcomes. This individual operates with a high degree of autonomy, demonstrating sound judgment, initiative, and accountability in delivering impactful, implementable solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead and manage comprehensive planning, urban design, and placemaking projects, including comprehensive plans, small area plans, corridor studies, and redevelopment strategies
• Oversee all phases of project delivery: scoping, budgeting, scheduling, technical execution, and quality control
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with client objectives and regulatory frameworks
• Provide strategic direction and problem-solving on complex planning and design challenges

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead multidisciplinary teams, including planners, urban designers, engineers, and subconsultants
• Delegate effectively while maintaining accountability for overall project outcomes
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level staff, fostering a culture of design excellence and innovation
• Coordinate with public agencies, elected officials, and partner organizations

Community Engagement & Stakeholder Coordination

• Design and lead inclusive, meaningful community engagement processes
• Facilitate public meetings, workshops, charrettes, and stakeholder interviews
• Integrate community input into planning and design solutions in a thoughtful and transparent manner
• Navigate complex political and community dynamics with professionalism and sensitivity

Urban Design & Planning Expertise

• Develop and oversee the creation of plans, frameworks, and design concepts that reflect best practices in urban design, land use planning, and placemaking
• Ensure solutions are context-sensitive, market-informed, and implementable
• Apply innovative approaches to mixed-use development, mobility, public realm design, and economic activation
• Maintain awareness of emerging trends, policies, and tools in planning and urban design

Client Management & Business Development

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, maintaining strong, trusted relationships
• Identify opportunities for additional services and support proposal development and presentations
• Contribute to the firm’s growth through thought leadership and strategic positioning

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in urban design, planning, or related disciplines
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects and leading multidisciplinary teams
• Strong portfolio of completed planning and/or urban design projects
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certification such as AICP Certification or licensure in Architecture or Landscape Architecture
• Experience working with public-sector clients and navigating regulatory processes
• Familiarity with GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, and visualization tools
• Experience in the Southeast U.S. or similar growth contexts

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Accountability – Operates independently with minimal supervision while driving results
• Strategic Thinking – Connects vision to implementation with clear, actionable pathways
• Creativity & Innovation – Brings forward-thinking ideas grounded in real-world feasibility
• Community Sensitivity – Demonstrates respect for diverse perspectives and inclusive engagement
• Communication Excellence – Effectively conveys complex ideas to varied audiences
• Collaboration – Builds strong internal and external partnerships

Work Environment & Expectations

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel for client meetings, workshops, and public engagement
• Hybrid or in-office work environment depending on organizational needs

Position Impact

This role is critical to shaping communities through thoughtful planning and design. The Senior Project Manager directly influences how cities grow, how people experience place, and how community visions are translated into tangible outcomes.