Director or Principal of Urban Planning and Design

Director or Principal of Urban Planning and Design

We are excited to be growing our Northern California planning team and are seeking an experienced Director or Principal of Urban Planning and Design to join our team of planners, urban designers, landscape architects, and civil engineers in our Berkeley, CA office.

MIG supports a hybrid work-from-home/remote and in-office schedule, but encourages in‑person work for learning and team‑building opportunities. Leaders at MIG must work in person at least three times per week for office operations, supervision, mentoring, and attending meetings.

• Collaborative teammate and supervisor:
  Work as part of a cross‑office, cross‑discipline team that creates plans for neighborhoods, districts, campuses and communities of all sizes around California and across the United States; coordinate with other Directors and Principals on the future of planning in Northern California and firmwide.
• Project types:
  Lead projects including citywide comprehensive plans, small area plans, neighborhood plans, downtown plans, housing strategies, parks and recreation system plans, and inclusive community engagement; influence the types of planning work pursued and grow into new marketplaces and geographies.
• Managing projects:
  Provide overarching project direction and oversight of work products; work with project managers to engage internal and external sub‑consultants and client teams; develop, review and oversee scopes of work, budgets, and schedules; contribute to high‑quality planning documents and other deliverables; maintain client relationships; represent clients at public hearings and meetings; set standards for excellence, responsiveness, and accountability; provide thought leadership and mentor junior staff.
• Client development:
  Lead and implement marketing and business development strategies to grow our urban design and planning practice; identify leads, prepare proposals, define market gaps and new opportunities, attend conferences, and maintain client relationships.
• Leadership role:
  Serve as a firm and group leader, working with staff to ensure effective project management; mentor, supervise and train staff; conduct business development; and keep an eye on MIG’s vision, purpose, and reputation in the professional and regulatory community.

MIG works on projects nationwide; some travel, evening, and weekend work will be required. MIG encourages a work‑life balance and these excess hours can be offset during the week when possible.

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, community development, public policy, public administration, geography or a related field (Master’s degree is a plus).
• Local or willing to relocate to the Berkeley area.
• Ten or more years of professional experience in planning, community development, public policy, or a related field.
• Relevant consulting experience working directly with clients or public agencies in planning or a related field, overseeing project teams and producing plan documents; experience supervising staff is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience managing and overseeing private‑sector projects, including maintaining compliance with project contracts, drafting and managing scopes, budgets, and schedules, and working with clients and partners to execute project work.
• Ability to prepare and deliver effective public presentations, lead working meetings, and speak easily and clearly in front of groups and facilitate client and stakeholder meetings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; experience developing and/or directing the development of graphics and documents is desirable.
• Software proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe InDesign; experience in Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS/Arc Pro, AutoCAD, and/or Sketch Up is a plus.
• Ability to participate in or lead marketing and business development opportunities, develop proposals, participate in interviews, and develop and maintain potential client and partner relationships.
• Ability to develop collaborative, productive, and respectful relationships with community members, organizations, and partners.
• As a plus, bilingual in Spanish or other non‑English language skills.

This is a full‑time, hourly position with eligibility for overtime pay. The pay range is $55–$70 per hour ($115,000–$150,000 per year salary equivalent), commensurate with location, skills, and experience.

Benefits include paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, FSA, HRA with employer contributions, and 401k matching.

MIG values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer; we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Please email your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter to , and include “Berkeley PADS Director” in the subject line.