Central Region Director, Urban Design

Central Region Director, Urban Design Responsibilities

• Develop innovative, creative, integrated and effective design solutions
• Have an established design reputation evident through design and planning awards, publications, community and industry engagement, and positive client references
• Lead in the development of an urban design and community planning practice in the central region of the United States, in collaboration with other disciplines and geographies
• Bring vision, a positive attitude, and team-building skills in spearheading urban design at HDR, and effectively partnering with other marketing and operations leaders
• Provide design and thought leadership for public realm design in urban environments, including those related to urban revitalization, infrastructure, industrial, health, mobility or other community-specific challenges
• Be involved in local, regional and national professional design-related organizations. Seek leadership opportunities that position HDR as a thought leader within the urban design profession and within our broader AE industry.
• Develop new business opportunity with new and existing clients, helping them to conceive ideas and establish a vision for future projects
• Provide input and leadership in business development and marketing efforts for HDR's services
• Lead interdisciplinary teams for various project types, including civic, campus, transit‑oriented development and communities, urban and industrial redevelopment of various scales and complexity.
• Work as an integral part of design teams; guiding concepts and ideas from pursuit and selection, through successful project completion; demonstrating initiative and excellent design skills.
• Develop innovative, creative, integrated and effective design solutions that apply sustainability and resiliency principles with an intent to create equitable community development
• Perform site analysis and design concept development including digital and/or hand–illustrated deliverables suitable to communicate design intent to clients and staff
• Mentor and develop other urban designers, challenging, inspiring and/or motivating them (and others) to join HDR. Identify, attract and retain staff
• Mentor junior, mid‑level and senior staff to enable an engaged and collaborative team environment

• 20+ years of professional experience working as an urban designer or urban planner in the central region of the United States
• Proven track record of pursuing and winning large‑scale planning and urban design projects, including cross‑selling of architecture, engineering and planning services
• AICP Certified
• Strong design skills on urban and institutionally‑scaled projects
• Collaborative experience working within a multi‑disciplinary design studio on a full range of planning and design project phases

• Bachelors in Architecture or closely related field
• A minimum of 15 years experience functioning as a lead designer on a variety of project scales and complexities
• Proven track record of winning project pursuits and maintaining strong client relationships
• Experience in leading a collaborative, iterative design process with clients and colleagues
• Experience and/or interest in integrating sustainable building design
• Excellent leadership and mentoring skills
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Must be capable of leading a team and making client presentations
• Ability to collaborate and integrate with existing team
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

Primary location:
Omaha, Nebraska, United States. Other locations:
Kansas‑City, Missouri;
Dallas, Texas;
Denver, Colorado;
Houston, Texas;
Minneapolis, Minnesota;
Chicago, Illinois.

Salary ranges:
Denver $162,008 – 231,440;
Chicago $162,008 – 231,440;
Minneapolis $154,644 – 220,920.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.