Chief Planner

Overview:

We are seeking a highly experienced and skilled Chief Planner to join our team in Leesburg, VA. As a Chief Planner, you will lead advanced planning activities for residential, commercial, and public land development projects, applying your expertise in land use planning, zoning, entitlement processes, and site feasibility to guide project vision, ensure regulatory compliance, and support high-quality, sustainable design outcomes.

Responsibilities:

• *Leadership and Direction:** • Receive broad guidance on objectives, critical issues, and policy matters while operating with significant independence in planning decision-making.

• Apply extensive and diversified knowledge of planning principles, practices, and related fields across complex assignments.
• Review deliverables produced by planning staff for quality assurance, accuracy, and compliance with project standards.
• Provide mentorship, direction, and technical guidance to junior and mid-level planners.

At the Operational and Company Level:

• Collaborate with senior leaders to support planning initiatives and ensure alignment with organizational goals.

• Assist in marketing the firm's planning capabilities to secure new opportunities and enhance client relationships.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams-including engineering, landscape architecture, environmental, and surveying-to support integrated project delivery.
• Interact with local agencies, stakeholders, and the public to support entitlements and community engagement.

Do the Work:

• Prepare conceptual land use plans and land planning solutions for a variety of development projects.

• Conduct site feasibility studies, due diligence assessments, and technical reports.
• Prepare and oversee submittal documents for permits and approvals, including formal site plans and plans of development.
• Research, analyze, and compile planning data to support regulatory compliance, design decisions, and problem-solving.
• Interpret zoning codes, ordinances, and agency requirements to inform project design.
• Compile and maintain documentation such as impact studies, demographic data, maps, reports, and diagrams.
• Develop planning exhibits, graphic presentations, and materials for public meetings or hearings.
• Create constraints maps and other analytical tools for project assessment.
• Conduct site plan reviews to ensure compliance with state and local criteria, including setbacks, easements, rights-of-way, and surveys.
• Research landowner data, third-party agreements, tenant planning requirements, and development restrictions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering or related field required.

• 10+ years of planning or similarly relevant experience in the land development industry.
• Certification in AICP or ALA and a licensed registered professional or equivalent experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Proficiency in industry-standard planning and/or engineering design software such as AutoCAD or 3D modeling programs, graphic design applications such as Adobe suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Sketchup, or ArcGIS is strongly preferred.
• Experience reading construction plans.
• Must hold a valid state driver's license and successfully pass a motor vehicle check.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
• Discretionary bonuses and other performance-based incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness initiatives, and employee discounts
• Eligibility for certain benefits may vary based on position, location, and employment status.

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