What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Planning position at DesignForce?
Job Description
Now Hiring!
Are you a design professional passionate about shaping communities that are as functional as they are inspiring? Our client is seeking aSenior Director of Strategic Design and Planningto lead a talented team of planners and landscape architectural professionals in developing visionary yet buildable plans for communities across Maryland. This role blends creativity, leadership, and strategy, perfect for a design-driven professional who thrives on complexity, enjoys mentoring others, and is eager to influence high-impact, private-sector projects.
With nearly seventy years of history, our client is recognized for strengthening communities in Maryland through thoughtful design, creative entitlement, and disciplined execution. They think differently, challenge assumptions, and partner with clients to deliver transformative outcomes. Based in Germantown, this position offers the opportunity to influence the future of the firm’s planning practice and to leave a tangible mark on the built environment.
Key Responsibilities
Our client’s benefits reflect their inclusive, people-first values and are designed to ensure that all of their people lead happy, healthy, and balanced lives. They offer a robust benefits package including but not limited to:
Our client is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. They don’t just accept difference, they celebrate it.
Now Hiring!
Are you a design professional passionate about shaping communities that are as functional as they are inspiring? Our client is seeking aSenior Director of Strategic Design and Planningto lead a talented team of planners and landscape architectural professionals in developing visionary yet buildable plans for communities across Maryland. This role blends creativity, leadership, and strategy, perfect for a design-driven professional who thrives on complexity, enjoys mentoring others, and is eager to influence high-impact, private-sector projects.
With nearly seventy years of history, our client is recognized for strengthening communities in Maryland through thoughtful design, creative entitlement, and disciplined execution. They think differently, challenge assumptions, and partner with clients to deliver transformative outcomes. Based in Germantown, this position offers the opportunity to influence the future of the firm’s planning practice and to leave a tangible mark on the built environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and collaborate on entitlement strategies across projects, developing conceptual designs that communicate a clear and compelling vision.
- Produce visuals, design documents, and graphics that bridge the gap between creative vision and practical implementation.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, helping them navigate local standards while advocating for innovative land use strategies that challenge convention and elevate outcomes.
- Directly lead, coach, and mentor a talented team of planners and landscape architects.
- Contribute to thought leadership efforts through research, writing, presentations, and other initiatives that strengthen our market position and perspective.
- Stay actively engaged in the industry and local communities to build meaningful relationships and identify opportunities for the firm to stand out.
- Engage in organization-wide leadership activities, including strategic planning, to help support the strategic advancement of their firm.
- Bachelors Degree in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Urban Planning, or related field
- 12 years of relevant land planning, landscape architecture, and/or urban design experience
- Deep expertise in community planning, site design, entitlement strategy, and regulatory navigation
- Passion for collaboration throughout the development and execution of projects.
- In possession or pursuit of AICP credentials
Our client’s benefits reflect their inclusive, people-first values and are designed to ensure that all of their people lead happy, healthy, and balanced lives. They offer a robust benefits package including but not limited to:
- Unlimited Paid time Off
- Competitive Paid Holidays
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Coverage
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Retirement Plan and Profit Sharing
- Paid Parental Leave
- Housing Support
- Paid Cell Phone
- Life & Disability Insurance
- Competitive Performance & Retention Bonus Program
- Paid Mini Sabbatical Program
- Flexible Hybrid Work Options with Dual Workspace Setup
- Robust Professional Development Support
- Close Knit Culture with Weekly Catered Team Lunches
- On-Demand External Career Coach
Our client is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. They don’t just accept difference, they celebrate it.