MRB Group is a nationwide multi-disciplined, high-energy local government services firm where creativity and innovation are valued. We are recruiting a seasoned planning professional to lead our growing long-range planning practice.

As the National Director, you will lead and build the firm's long-range (LR) planning practice across all of our geographies. You will ensure that our LR planning team is on the cutting edge of community planning, engaging in innovative, collaborative, sustainable, and community-driven approaches. You will be responsible for overseeing LR planning staff, all LR planning projects and continuing to build our LR planning portfolio. You will work most closely with our Economic Development Services unit but will be a part of a larger interdisciplinary team that includes planners, architects, economic developers, policy advisors, grant writers, and engineers, all working to build healthy communities for our clients.

The position could be based out of any of our existing offices with the opportunity to negotiate a hybrid work model. You will primarily work with communities in NY, TX and SC, but will expand to other states as our firm continues to grow. Your LR planning team will work seamlessly with our economic development team, such that you will help with economic development strategic planning and they will help you with LR planning projects.

The ideal candidate will be driven to excellence, comfortable with managing and leading, and ready to undertake business development efforts to continue to grow the practice. The ideal candidate would be a passionate advocate for sustainable and community-driven planning, with extensive experience managing complex projects. As practice lead, you will supervise staff, direct research, formulate and execute on public engagement, and ensure the highest level of excellence in deliverables for a range of planning projects such as:

• Comprehensive and Long-Range Plans
• Zoning and Development Code Updates
• Waterfront, Neighborhood, and Downtown Revitalization Plans
• Housing Strategies
• Active Transportation Plans
• Community Development and Placemaking Strategies

As a firm with clients ranging from small rural villages to large metropolitan areas, we seek a versatile candidate that can incorporate best practices into projects for communities of all sizes.

The ideal candidate will have extensive consulting and/or municipal planning experience and a proven track record of managing projects on time and within budget. You will be an integral part of developing the firm's community planning practice, developing client relationships, and mentoring junior planning staff. You will need to demonstrate exceptional project management, problem solving, written and oral communication, public engagement, and teambuilding skills.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree (Masters preferred) in Urban and Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, or a related field
• 12+ years of local government planning or consulting experience
• AICP or RLA Certification
• Management experience leading long-range planning projects and supervising staff
• Working knowledge of software programs such as Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and ArcGIS
• Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, regulations, and techniques in the following planning areas:
  • Land Use
  • Housing
  • Transportation
  • Neighborhood Revitalization
  • Urban Design
  • Sustainable Development
• Passion for continuous learning and innovation
• Team-oriented and desire to engage in interdisciplinary projects
• Confident public speaker and engaging facilitator

LOCATION: Rochester, Texas or South Carolina offices (hybrid options considered)