Planning & Urban Design Project Manager

DAHLIN is an award-winning architecture, planning, and interiors design firm with 200+ multi-cultural professionals located throughout the Western United States. We offer more than 45 years of experience building communities where we live and work, driven by the vision of creating places that promote human fulfillment and well-being. This same Passion for Place®  starts with our own working environment—a positive community where people thrive. Please visit our website (www.dahlingroup.com) to learn more.

We are currently seeking a Planning & Urban Design Project Manager who will lead and deliver a variety of project types and sizes, primarily from planning & front-end design, through schematic design & entitlement. This individual will act as the primary coordinator of all communications between the client, jurisdictions, and subconsultants, understanding the importance of listening to the client, while collaborating and influencing all internal staff with a broad focus to ensure successful execution of project deliverables. The Planning & Urban Design Project Manager will draw on their extensive knowledge of the planning, design and delivery process to ensure the highest level of design and client satisfaction.  

This position is based at our Pleasanton, CA office.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Organize and author policy planning documents, such as specific plans and objective design standards.
• Define, monitor, and maintain control of the scope of work and services for the project including project schedule, team staffing, and work plan.
• Prepare and negotiate client and consultant proposals, fees, schedules, and contracts, including consultant agreements.
• Serve as the primary coordinator of all communication between the client and the firm (including Principal-in-Charge and design staff) ensuring timely resolution of client concerns and management of business issues including contracts and additional services.
• Develop and nurture positive relationships with existing client contacts, optimizing all potential opportunities. 
• Maintain an awareness of existing clients’ business objectives, plans, target audience and market trends.
• Establish, maintain, and document regular project related meetings including client, internal team and consultant meetings.
• Lead and facilitate the day-to-day performance of the cross-functional project team, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in alignment with the firm’s quality standards and design goals. 
• Focus on the smooth management of the project process, ensuring clarity of requirements, deliverables, timelines, and visibility against fees throughout the project life cycle. 
• Prepare, communicate, and monitor project work plans, budgets, and deliverables.
• Manage multiple aspects of client, team, and project coordination, including full documentation and coordination with consultants. 
• Actively take ownership of problems and successful resolution planning in consultation with Principal-in-Charge and design staff.
• Support and contribute to new business development with both current and potential clients. 
• Contribute positively to project reports and staffing meetings with concise and accurate information to continually improve the team’s delivery and financial objectives. 
• Establish, maintain, and document regular project related meetings including client, internal team and consultant meetings.
• Assure a positive teamwork atmosphere, supporting the development and retention of quality staff including training/development/mentoring.
• Initiate, document, and maintain project set-up, including contract review, project process and filing procedures, and work authorizations; review internal project accounting documents and collaborate with accounting in timely distribution of invoices.
• Ensure the orderly transition of projects to the Design Development and Construction Documents team, remaining available to assist with design intent and deliverables.
• Follow through with post contract administration requirements, such as follow-up phone calls to ensure client satisfaction and source additional project opportunities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Understand all aspects and phases of the planning, design, production, and deliverable process.
• Understand and r