Deputy Director or Director of Urban Planning and Design

MIG, Inc. is a national firm specializing in planning, design, communications, management, science, and technology. We believe that the environment around us has a profound impact on our lives and our shared vision is of a world where all people, communities, and ecosystems thrive. For over 40 years, MIG has engaged the talents and vitality of top professionals who plan, design, and sustain the social and physical environments that support human development. Our team members are passionate about changing the world for the better and share a common desire to engage closely with our clients and the communities impacted by our work.

We are excited to be growing our Northern California planning team and are seeking an experienced Deputy Director or Director 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.

Responsibilities – What You’ll Accomplish
•       Collaborative Teammate and Supervisor: You will 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. You will also be a member of the office management team and the firmwide Planning and Design leadership team where you will coordinate with other Directors and Principals on the future of planning in Northern California and firmwide.

•       Project Types: The projects you will typically work on may include citywide comprehensive plans, small area plans, neighborhood plans, downtown plans, housing strategies, parks and recreation system plans, and inclusive community engagement. As a Deputy Director/Director, there are also ample opportunities to help influence the types of planning work the team pursues and grow into new marketplaces and geographies.

•       Managing Projects: As a Deputy Director/Director, you will be leading teams as well as working hands-on creating bold, innovative, and equitable planning and design solutions. You will provide overarching project direction and oversight of work products; work with project managers to engage internal and external subconsultant and client teams; and develop, review and oversee scopes of work, budgets, and schedules. In addition, Deputy Director/Directors at MIG contribute to high-quality planning documents and other deliverables; maintain client relationships; identify the correct course of action to the client; represent clients at public hearings and meetings; and set the standards for excellence, responsiveness, and accountability. This role is expected to provide thought leadership, ensure quality control, and mentor more junior staff in planning methods and best practices.

•       Client Development: You will lead and implement marketing and business development strategies to grow our urban design and planning practice, such as identifying leads, preparing proposals, defining market gaps and new opportunities, strategic planning, attending conferences, and developing and maintaining client relationships. 

•       Leadership Role: Directors at MIG serve as leaders for the firm and group, working together 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 for community engagement, site evaluations, or to meet deadlines. MIG encourages a work-life balance, and these excess hours can be offset during the week when possible.

Experience and Qualifications for Success – What We’d Like to See
To accomplish the responsibilities outlined above, you will be able to manage competing priorities, think critically and creatively, work as part of a collaborative team in an open work environment, and maintain a sense of humor and camaraderie. In addition, you have some combination of the following qualifications:

·       A Bachelor’s degree in planning, community development, public policy, public administration, geography or a related field. (A Master’s degree in these or a complementary field is a plus.)

·       You are local or willing to relocate to the Berkeley area to participate in work directly with our teams and clients.

·       You have ten (10) 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 closely 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 maintaining schedules, as well as working with clients and partners to execute project work.

·       The 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 skills and written and verbal communication. Experience developing and/or directing the development of graphics and documents is desirable.

·       Software proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe InDesign. Experience in the rest of the Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS/ArcPro, AutoCAD, and/or SketchUp is a plus.

·       Ability to actively participate in or lead marketing and business development opportunities, develop proposals for prospective projects, participate in interviews, and develop and maintain potential client and partner relationships.

·       An ability to develop collaborative, productive, and respectful relationships with community members, organizations, and partners.

·       As a plus, you are bilingual with Spanish or other non-English language skills.

How to Apply
If this position sounds like a fit for your skillsets and you are passionate about creating and improving communities to be more equitable and inclusive, we would love to hear from you! Please email your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter to careers@migcom.com, and include “Berkeley PADS Director” in the subject line.

MIG values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer; we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Our teams enjoy a flexible work schedule, a rewarding work environment, and a creative atmosphere that allows for professional development and career advancement opportunities while promoting team spirit and genuine camaraderie. We offer a comprehensive benefits program including paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, FSA, and HRA with employer contributions and 401K matching. Compensation is commensurate with skills and experience. This is a full-time, hourly position with eligibility for overtime pay. The pay range for this position is $55-65/hour ($115,000-135,000/year salary equivalent), commensurate with location, skills, experience, and the individual’s ability to bring projects in the door.