Senior Project Manager - Urban & Community Planning

Pond and Company is seeking a Senior Project Manager for Urban & Community Planning in Atlanta, GA. This role involves leading complex urban design projects, managing multidisciplinary teams, and engaging stakeholders to create community-centered plans. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in project delivery, community engagement, and urban planning expertise. A relevant degree and over 10 years of experience are required.
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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.



All Pond & Company positions require participation in at least one in-person interview as part of our hiring process, and most roles also require in-person onboarding at a Pond office location; candidates should expect to meet directly with our team and should be cautious of any communication suggesting otherwise.



About Pond


Pond is an award-winning, full-service architecture, engineering, planning, construction management, and environmental services firm providing professional solutions to clients throughout the U.S. and globally for nearly 60 years. Pond's staff of 800+ professionals provide a deep bench strength of experience and capabilities to offer customized solutions that help clients manage projects from concept to completion - and everything in between - with confidence and clarity. Pond is currently ranked as the 80th largest engineering and design firm by ENR, Atlanta's #1 engineering firm by Atlanta Business Chronicle, and has been recognized as an Employer of the Year by Georgia ACEC and a Best Place to Work for Working Parents.



Additional Information


Many factors are considered when determining compensation at Pond, including scope and level of position, geographic location, candidate skill, knowledge and experience. Starting base pay may vary depending on these factors. Please see the hiring range associated with this posting for more information.




Additional cash incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial and/or other benefits dependent on position offered. Learn more about Pond's comprehensive benefits offerings here.




All offers of employment made by Pond & Company are contingent upon satisfactory background check results. Pre-employment background checks will be conducted on all candidates that are offered a position at Pond in compliance with program policy as well as state and federal regulations. Additionally, offers may be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.



Equal Opportunity Employer


We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer that recognizes the value of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Employment decisions at Pond are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state and local laws in jurisdictions where we operate. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hrdepartment@pondco.com.




Apply for this position at https://www.pondco.com/careers.We are always looking for driven professionals of all disciplines to join our fast-growing company. For more information on our services, clientele, or employment opportunities, visit our website at www.pondco.com.




Should you run into any issues in completing the application, please reach out to recruiters@pondco.com for assistance.