Planning Studio - Studio Leader

The Planning Studio Leader demonstrates the leadership, technical expertise, and business acumen necessary to lead and grow NELSON’s Planning Studio while delivering exceptional client service and successful project outcomes. This individual is responsible for the overall performance of the studio, including teammate development, resource management, project delivery, quality, and financial performance.

The Planning Studio Leader provides strategic direction and oversight for a range of urban planning and development initiatives, including land use planning, master planning, zoning and entitlements, community development, and sustainable design. Working collaboratively with Practice Leadership, project leads, and clients, this individual ensures projects are executed successfully while identifying opportunities to strengthen existing client relationships, pursue new business, and expand the studio’s capabilities and market presence.

A key responsibility of this role is building a collaborative and engaging studio environment where teammates are supported, developed, and empowered to excel. The Planning Studio Leader mentors and grows NELSON talent, establishes a vision for the studio, and ensures the team has the resources, guidance, and technical expertise necessary to deliver high-quality work and achieve business objectives.

Attributes to support the NELSON culture:

• Go All In. Own the Outcome.We go all in—with urgency, follow-through, and pride in the result.
• Be Direct. Be Respectful. Be Authentic.We keep it real—with clarity, candor, and care.
• Grow with Purpose.We embrace growth—through learning, coaching, and continuous improvement.
• Think Bold. Execute Smart.We think boldly—and pair ambition with discipline.
• Make Space for Everyone.We value you—and build a culture where people can thrive and do their best work.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Critical features of this job are described under the headings below. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

Leadership & Team Development:

• Provide strategic direction and establish a vision for the Planning Studio, aligning team goals and priorities with broader firm and practice objectives.

• Lead, mentor, and develop project leads and teammates, fostering an environment of accountability, collaboration, professional growth, and continuous improvement.

• Manage and support project leads and assigned teams, ensuring teammates are engaged, appropriately supported, and positioned for success.

• Establish performance goals, conduct performance evaluations, provide regular feedback, and identify opportunities for professional development and advancement.

• Develop project leads in core responsibilities, including communication, presentation skills, time management, workload prioritization, and team leadership.

• Evaluate team capabilities and identify opportunities to strengthen technical expertise and expand studio capabilities.

• Promote a diverse and inclusive workplace that encourages collaboration, innovation, and engagement.

• Develop professional and industry relationships that support talent acquisition and the continued growth of the studio.

• Address team challenges, resolve conflicts, and maintain a positive and productive studio environment.

• Serve as a resource and mentor to teammates across the studio and broader firm.

Resource Management & Operations:

• Oversee resource planning and allocation to ensure appropriate staffing, balanced workloads, and effective utilization across projects and teams.

• Meet regularly with project leads to review project progress, staffing needs, schedules, and resource requirements.

• Provide direction and support to project leads in resolving project-related issues and balancing workloads across teams.

• Evaluate team skills and capabilities and make staffing recommendations to Practice Leadership.

• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding efforts to support the continued growth of the studio.

• Coordinate with Practice Leadership and other Studio Leaders on staffing decisions, resource sharing, and business priorities.

• Monitor studio utilization and staffing levels to support established performance targets.

• Ensure timely completion of internal reporting, project planning, pipeline projections, timesheet approvals, and other operational requirements.

Technical Leadership & Planning Expertise:

• Provide technical guidance and oversight across urban planning projects, ensuring quality, consistency, and adherence to applicable standards and regulations.

• Oversee the development of comprehensive land use plans, master plans, conceptual designs, and planning studies that address community needs, environmental considerations, and long-term development objectives.

• Guide teams in zoning analysis, entitlement processes, land use regulations, building codes, accessibility requirements, and applicable federal and local government programs.

• Ensure teams understand and incorporate relevant regulatory, environmental, social, economic, and infrastructure considerations into planning recommendations and deliverables.

• Provide direction on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping, spatial analysis, and data-driven planning decisions.

• Promote sustainable planning practices, including an understanding of LEED, WELL, energy efficiency, environmental impact, and responsible land development.

• Ensure project teams follow NELSON standards and established quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures.

• Review project work and deliverables, providing technical direction and recommendations to maintain quality and consistency.

• Support the development of best practices, tools, and resources that strengthen the studio's technical capabilities.

• Stay informed of industry trends, emerging planning practices, regulatory changes, and advancements in technology relevant to urban planning and community development.

Project Delivery:

• Oversee project execution across the studio, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with established scope and quality expectations.

• Provide guidance to project leads in developing project work plans, schedules, budgets, and resource requirements.

• Oversee the preparation and execution of master plans, conceptual and schematic designs, zoning analyses, planning studies, reports, and related project deliverables.

• Support the preparation of proposals, contracts, scopes of work, and fee estimates.

• Lead or participate in complex projects and provide additional project leadership when necessary to support studio performance and client needs.

• Guide teams through zoning reviews, entitlement processes, permitting requirements, and coordination with applicable authorities having jurisdiction.

• Oversee coordination of internal teams, external consultants, and project stakeholders to ensure comprehensive and consistent project execution.

• Lead or facilitate client workshops and design charrettes, communicating planning concepts and recommendations through presentations, discussions, and visual communication.

• Ensure project deliverables meet NELSON standards and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Monitor project progress, identify potential scope or schedule issues, and work with project leads to implement corrective actions.

• Support project leads in identifying additional services, managing scope changes, and maintaining accurate project documentation.

• Encourage knowledge-sharing and collaboration across project teams to improve project delivery and overall studio performance.

Financial Management:

• Maintain accountability for the overall financial performance of the Planning Studio, including revenue, profitability, utilization, and project performance.

• Review financial reports and use performance data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas requiring improvement.

• Oversee project budgeting, fee development, resource planning, and financial forecasting.

• Ensure project leads and project managers effectively manage project budgets, schedules, and financial performance.

• Monitor project plans, fee expenditures, staffing projections, and profitability to ensure projects remain on track.

• Partner with Practice Leadership to develop annual revenue forecasts and establish strategies to achieve financial objectives.

• Monitor client and account revenue, identify potential risks, and proactively address issues that may impact studio performance.

• Ensure timely project invoicing and support accounts receivable collections, escalating client payment concerns as needed.

• Mentor teammates on financial management fundamentals, including project budgets, timesheets, utilization, and invoicing.

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, maximize profitability, and support sustainable studio growth.

Client Relationships & Business Development:

• Build, strengthen, and maintain relationships with existing clients while identifying opportunities to develop new client relationships and expand the studio's market presence.

• Maintain awareness of client satisfaction and proactively address concerns related to project performance, service delivery, or client relationships.

• Serve as a senior point of contact for key clients and support project leads in managing client expectations and relationships.

• Participate in client meetings, presentations, interviews, and project reviews with Practice Leadership and Account Leaders.

• Support business development initiatives by identifying new opportunities, participating in pursuits, responding to RFPs, developing proposals, and interviewing for new business.

• Identify opportunities to expand NELSON's planning services through relationships with developers, public officials, government entities, community organizations, and industry partners.

• Represent NELSON in professional organizations, industry events, and community initiatives to strengthen the firm's visibility and reputation.

• Develop and maintain relationships with industry professionals and organizations to support business development, recruiting, and the continued growth of the Planning Studio.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directly supervises assigned teammates and project leads within the Planning Studio.
• Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of assigned teams.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with NELSON policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training teammates; planning, assigning, and directing work; conducting performance evaluations; providing feedback; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of urban planning, land use, community development, zoning, and entitlement processes.

• Strong understanding of design, urban development trends, construction methodologies, materials, and sustainable planning practices.

• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local government programs, regulations, zoning codes, and applicable building and accessibility requirements.

• Demonstrated experience with master planning, land use planning, conceptual design, and development strategies.

• Experience utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software for mapping, analysis, and planning applications.

• Strong understanding of project management, including budgeting, scheduling, resource planning, and project delivery.

• Proficiency in financial management concepts, including project profitability, revenue forecasting, utilization, and financial reporting.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop teams while managing multiple projects and competing priorities.

• Strong business development, client relationship management, and presentation skills.

• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills, including the ability to lead client presentations and design charrettes.

• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with clients, public officials, developers, consultants, and industry partners.

• Proficiency in Deltek Vision/Vantagepoint and Microsoft Office applications.

• Working knowledge of AutoCAD or Revit, Adobe Photoshop, Bluebeam Revu, and other relevant planning and design software.

• Knowledge of LEED, WELL, and other sustainability guidelines.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Policy, or a related field from an accredited university required.

• 12+ years of relevant professional experience in urban planning, regional planning, architecture, or a related field preferred.

• Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing complex projects, and overseeing studio or practice performance.

• Experience with business development, client relationship management, and financial management within a professional services or AEC environment.

• Master's degree in Urban Planning or Regional Planning preferred.

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.

• Architectural license in at least one state preferred.

Continuing Education & Professional Development:

• Maintain applicable professional certifications and fulfill continuing education requirements.

• Stay current on industry trends, regulatory developments, planning methodologies, and emerging technologies.

• Continuously develop leadership, business management, and communication skills.

• Participate in professional organizations and industry events to support continued learning and professional growth.