Senior Manager, Planning and Design

About the Waterfront Alliance  
The Waterfront Alliance is a U.S.-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, mission driven organization with a growing alliance of more than 1,100 partners who have a shared goal: to bring about real change to shorelines, waterfronts, and coastlines in the New York-New Jersey region and across the nation. We advocate for resilience (environmental and economic), increased waterfront access, and water and science-based education for everyone. With our partners, we build, transform, revitalize, and protect accessible waterfronts by providing tools and resources to all communities so that they can shape their future. 

The Waterfront Alliance is a regional leader in climate policy and waterfront revitalization with a focus on waterfront resilience. While the Waterfront Alliance is best known regionally, it is increasingly being recognized for its leadership nationally. 


About the Position   
The Senior Manager, Planning and Design will support the national growth of the WEDG® (Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines) program and manage Waterfront Alliance’s New York City design projects. The role will serve as a subject matter expert on resilient design within the organization, oversee communications and strategic initiatives for WEDG, and serve as project manager for upcoming resilience and waterfront access studies.  

The ideal candidate is an experienced professional in landscape architecture, architecture, engineering, or urban design. 
 

Reports to: Chief Waterfront Design Officer 

Classification: Fulltime, Exempt 

Salary and Benefits: The salary is $70,000-$80,000. Waterfront Alliance offers a comprehensive benefits package, including employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurances; life insurance; 401K retirement plan with employer match; commuter and FSA benefits, paid time off, paid sabbatical after five years, professional development opportunities, and more.  

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)  

Required Travel: Up to 20% 
 

Responsibilities  

WEDG Program (70%)

• Lead communications for all aspects of WEDG including engagement of the WEDG Professionals Network through a quarterly newsletter and social media, written WaterWire articles, outreach to new prospects nationally, and announcements of WEDG Verifications. 

• Lead the planning, marketing, and execution of the WEDG Professionals Course, a twice annual livestream event and an ongoing on-demand course. 

• Represent WEDG and Waterfront Alliance at conferences, seminars, and meetings. 

• Support WEDG business development efforts, including but not limited to, lead identification, resource creation to support program growth, relationship building with potential clients, and policy efforts.  

• Manage program administration, data tracking, and coordination with other Waterfront Alliance staff.  

Design Programs (25%)

• Support project progress, timelines, and milestones to ensure effective project delivery.   

• Manage relationships with key partners including city agencies, partner organizations, the consultant teams, and project stakeholders.  

• Support reviews of consultant deliverables (including, but not limited to, concept-level design drawings, technical analysis, and stakeholder engagement materials).  

• Represent Waterfront Alliance in stakeholder engagement with support from other staff.   

• Manage communications with community members and other stakeholders. 

• Support reporting to granting agencies.   

Other Duties as Assigned (5%) 

• As needed, the role will support other team members on projects that contribute to the overall mission of the organization including events, educational programming, and operations. 

Required Skills and Attributes  

• Five years of experience in architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, urban design, construction, or real estate development.  

• Experience in design projects in a project management role. Consulting experience on design projects is a plus.   

• Familiarity with and a passion for climate change, waterfront planning, community engagement, land use regulations, and design.   

• Excellent oral and written communications, presentation, and public speaking skills.  

• Ability to manage multiple projects at once, as well as internal teams for marketing and program development, and external consultants.  

• Strong organizational skills and ability to work with a high degree of independence and entrepreneurialism.  

• Licensure in landscape architecture, engineering, or architecture is a plus, as are sustainability certifications including WEDG, Envision, or LEED.   

If they have not done so previously, the Senior Manager, Planning and Design will be expected to complete and pass the WEDG Professionals Course in their first two weeks.  
 

How to Apply  
Submit your resume and the answers to the prompted questions.  Applicants must be legally authorized to work fulltime in the U.S. and should not require employment sponsorship now or in the future. Only complete applications will be considered. Position open until filled. No phone calls please.  

As an equal opportunity employer, Waterfront Alliance encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status, physical ability or any other legally protected basis.