Associate (Planning & Development Advisory)

Associate Planning And Development Advisor

If you're ready to manage complex planning engagements, guide clients through structured decision-making, and confidently manage processes, projects, and people, this role offers that opportunity.

Named the #17 fastest-growing AEC firm in the U.S. and Canada by Zweig Group's Hot Firm Awards, B&D is entering an exciting period of growthcreating new opportunities for ambitious professionals to take on meaningful work and accelerate their careers.

The Opportunity

At Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D), we lead the planning, development, and management of the places that shape and strengthen communitieswhere people live, learn, work, and play. B&D partners with institutions, municipalities, and organizations to shape and deliver complex real estate and capital projects, providing strategic insight and end-to-end advisory services across the full project lifecycle.

B&D recently joined forces with Project Management Advisors, bringing together two nationally recognized leaders in program management and real estate advisory services. Together, the combined firm offers expanded capabilities across industries and throughout the full project lifecyclefrom early-stage strategy and planning through execution and beyond.

This associate will lead complex planning and development advisory engagements for higher education and mission-driven institutions. This is a client-facing leadership role responsible for guiding institutions through strategic decisions that shape campus housing, recreation facilities, student unions, mixed-use developments, and other transformative assets.

You will manage projects from analysis through implementation strategy, directing internal teams, advising institutional leaders, and ensuring deliverables reflect both analytical rigor and practical execution.

Located in Atlanta, GA on a hybrid basis, 2-3 days in office per week

How You'll Contribute

• Lead multiple comprehensive planning and development advisory projects
• Serve as the primary client contact and trusted advisor
• Oversee research, market analysis, financial modeling, space planning, and stakeholder engagement efforts
• Synthesize analytics into clear, implementable recommendations
• Direct and mentor analysts, elevating the quality of their thinking and deliverables
• Manage scope, pricing, invoicing, and overall project financial performance
• Ensure quality control, documentation integrity, and client satisfaction
• Contribute to business development efforts, including relationship cultivation and new opportunity identification
• Strengthen internal analytical tools, models, and methodologies

Leadership Expectations

• Operate with ownership and accountability across engagements
• Guide clients through ambiguity with clarity and structure
• Develop analysts into thoughtful advisors, not task executors
• Maintain disciplined project management while encouraging strong analytical exploration

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in real estate, urban planning, architecture, finance, economics, construction management, or related field (Master's preferred)
• 5+ years of experience managing complex projects in planning, development, consulting, or real estate advisory
• Strong understanding of development economics, financial modeling, and capital planning
• Proven ability to manage multiple engagements simultaneously
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Project
• Strong written, presentation, and facilitation skills
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring ability
• Commitment to ethical practice and client service excellence
• Willingness to travel as required

What Sets You Apart

• You balance analytical depth with practical implementation.
• You bring intellectual rigor to real estate and institutional strategy.
• You are comfortable advising senior stakeholders.
• You take pride in developing others while continuing to elevate your own professional maturity.

You exercise sound judgment, financial fluency, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable direction.

Ultimately, if you are looking for a leadership role where strategy, development economics, and institutional mission intersect, we welcome the conversation!

Impactful Mission Be part of meaningful work that helps shape the places where people live, learn, work, and connect.

Learning & Growth We invest in mentorship, leadership development, and continuous learning at every stage of your career.

Strong Culture Entrepreneurial thinking, collaboration, intellectual curiosity, integrity, and excellence drive how we work together.

Robust Benefits Comprehensive benefits include 100% company-paid medical, dental, and prescription coverage, a targeted 7% employer-contribution 401(k), generous PTO, and more.

To get started, our application process includes a resume, an optional (recommended) cover letter, and a short set of essential questions. We look forward to getting to know you!

This role's target base annual salary range is currently $100,000-125,000. Pay scales are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, relevant education, experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate, and pay relative to other team members.

The company benefits listed above are a summary of the benefits. Specific details, availability, and eligibility requirements apply in accordance with company policies.

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. participates in E-Verify.