Cities & Urban Design Strategy Leader

Your Role

Gensler is seeking a Cities & Urban Design Strategy Leader to join our Lifestyle Studio focused on Cities + Urban Design practice areas working on a range of high-profile public and private sector projects including large-scale master plans, neighborhood master plans, specific plans, vision studies, and concept-driven design efforts. Successful candidates will possess a background in architecture and/or urban design and have a demonstrated ability to communicate design ideas visually using well developed interpersonal, analytical, graphical and communication skills. Comfort in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously is a must. Candidates should be self-starters, quick-learners, and exude an entrepreneurial spirit. This role is to work with Cities + Urban Design leadership to lead the team through the delivery of a variety of project types and sizes, across all phases.

Design Management at Gensler is characterized by the five (5) essentials of the role: Client Engagement, Contract Compliance, Business of Design, Process Definition, and Team Integration. This includes but not limited to serving as the main point of contact for the client through the project design and delivery phases; managing the internal and external processes; and building efficient project teams while mentoring junior staff to encourage the highest level of design and client satisfaction.

What You Will Do

Project Leadership

• Lead, contribute and support teams in developing creative and innovative design concepts on a broad range of urban design, transportation and master planning projects including: large-scale urban development, mixed-use and infill development, community and neighborhood-scale planning, specific plans, site planning and feasibility studies, transit oriented development, & campus planning
• Develop and advance conceptual and schematic designs on architecture, urban design, and master planning projects
• Prepare compelling and immersive 3D and 2D diagrams that communicate strategy and design
• Analyze/synthesize and document project influences of urban design and master planning projects
• Assist with site planning and programming, footprint layouts, development calculations, massing and architectural design

Project Management

• Serve as project manager (design manager) for urban design and master planning efforts
• Responsible for the day-to-day delivery of projects ensuring they are delivered on time and on budget
• Lead and facilitate the overall cross-functional project team
• 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 for client and internal teams
• Manage multiple aspects of client, team and project coordination
• Actively take ownership of problems and successful resolution planning in consultation with the Urban Design leadership and Studio leader
• Contribute positively to Project reports and staffing meetings with concise and accurate information to continually improve the studio's delivery and financial objectives
• Review internal project accounting documents and process draft project billing

Client Development

• Support and contribute to business development efforts by cultivating relationships with current and prospective clients.
• Develop and nurture positive relationships with existing client contacts, optimizing all potential opportunities
• Work directly with the Urban Design Leadership across the North Central Region (Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, Columbus, & La Cross, WI)
• Maintain a strategic awareness of client goals, market trends, and target audiences to identify opportunities that align with Gensler's services and expand into new lines of work.
• Prepare and review project proposals, negotiate contracts and fees, and manage consultant agreements; participate in interviews and introductory meetings as needed.
• Work with the Design Director and the marketing team to ensure that the project story is documented and that photography/videography is arranged, as needed. Be in the market, actively engaged with current and potential clients and industry partners
• Be active in thought leadership, writing, speaking and leading or participating in research
• Manage client expectations, team communication, and consultant coordination
• Build relationships and collaborate with our colleagues across the globe to advance client interests and practice area objectives

Your Qualifications

• 15 years+ of experience of related urban design, urban planning or architecture practice
• Bachelor degree in architecture, urban design/urban planning or landscape architecture.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Experience managing consultant teams and resolving complex technical and design issues
• Proven ability to provide excellent client service and account leadership
• Demonstrated experience in business development, including cultivating client relationships, identifying new opportunities, and contributing to proposal development
• Be proactive and adaptable with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of physical design practices including site planning and programming, building layout, development yields, massing and architectural design
• Strong design skills and the ability to communicate ideas via graphic design, diagramming and 3D building massing and conceptualization
• Required: Proficiency in AutoCAD or Rhino3D, MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and Sketch Up
• Preferred: Grasshopper, Revit, ArcGIS or other mapping software, Enscape and/or other rendering software

**The estimated base salary range for this position is $130,000-154,000, plus eligibility for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package, with final compensation contingent on relevant experience. To learn more about our compensation philosophy and full benefits offerings, please visitGreat People, Great Rewards | Gensler.

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to "Well-being Week," our offices reflect our people's diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities.Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.