Project Manager - Housing Element Services

Lead project delivery and business development for Housing Element work within the Community Planning practice. Serve as Project Manager on Housing Element update and implementation projects, including background reports, site inventories, program development, rezoning, and public engagement through HCD certification. Manage project scope, schedule, budget, and subconsultant coordination to ensure quality delivery and client satisfaction. Guide clients through HCD review cycles and evolving state housing law requirements. Coordinate with multidisciplinary internal teams across planning, environmental, and engineering disciplines. Lead the strategy for identifying and pursuing 7th cycle Housing Element opportunities, particularly in the Bay Area and LA metro markets. Track upcoming Housing Element RFP releases and position the firm ahead of key pursuits. Lead proposal development and RFP responses with the Practice Lead and Business Development team. Build and maintain relationships with city and county planning staff, HCD, and housing stakeholders. Contribute to Planning sector sales and booking goals. Lead public outreach and engagement, including community workshops, stakeholder meetings, and public hearings. Develop accessible outreach materials for diverse communities. Apply an equity lens to engagement strategy consistent with AFFH requirements. Serve as a key client contact and proactively address client needs. Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and public agency meetings. Collaborate with Community Planning and other service lines, including Resiliency, Environmental Compliance, and Housing. Support mentorship and professional development of junior staff, with a path toward supervising direct reports. Requirements Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in community planning, with a focus on Housing Element preparation and implementation. Demonstrated experience serving as Project Manager or a lead team member on at least one 6th cycle (2021–2029) Housing Element update. Working knowledge of RHNA methodology, site inventory requirements, rezoning programs, and AFFH analysis. Demonstrated experience contributing to business development, including proposals, RFP responses, and client presentations; prior seller-doer experience preferred. Strong community engagement skills, with experience facilitating public meetings and developing outreach materials. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to present complex housing policy topics clearly to technical and non-technical audiences. Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced consulting environment. Remote/hybrid position; candidates established in the Bay Area or LA metro area are preferred. Willingness to travel as needed to support project sites, client meetings, and regional offices. Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, or a closely related field is required. AICP certification is preferred. Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations. Willingness to work in a high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required. Core Competencies Demonstrates expertise in Housing Element preparation and implementation, project management, and community engagement, with a strong focus on business development and client relationship management. Proficient in navigating HCD review cycles and applying equity principles in outreach strategies. Highest-signal resume keywords Project Management Housing Element Preparation Community Engagement Business Development AICP Certification Soft Skills Excellent Communication Skills Highly Organized Client Relationship Management Facilitation Skills Certifications & Qualifications AICP Certification Industry Keywords Community Planning Public Engagement HCD Certification Equity Lens Stakeholder Meetings Public Hearings Fast-Paced Consulting Environment #J-18808-Ljbffr Jobtailor