Design Director – Urban Planning

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
• Serve as the primary client contact on design issues, accountable for design excellence
• Mentor 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 processes 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)

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary is estimated between $125,000 and $195,000 annually, plus bonuses and benefits, and is contingent on relevant experience.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k) with employer match, profit sharing, employee stock ownership and twice‑annual bonus opportunities. Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals, exam fees, and tuition for eligible programs or classes.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Gensler is an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.

Gensler endeavors to make its careers page accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us.