Senior Planner (Private Land Development)

At Core States Group, the work you do matters to the clients we serve, the communities we support, and the teams who rely on one another to deliver with excellence. Our Cause is powerful: to create a world where all environments improve everyday life.

Why Professionals Choose Core States Group

Here’s what you can expect:

• VALUES-DRIVEN CULTURE – A workplace rooted in Integrity, Service, Inclusion, Excellence, and Innovation. Our Core Values guide how we work, how we treat each other, and how we show up for our clients every day.
• COMPENSATION – Competitive wages and bonus programs, including professional licensure bonuses.
• RETIREMENT – A strong 401(k) match, with immediate vesting, to help you invest in your future and build your retirement savings with confidence.
• HEALTHCARE – Competitive health benefits including HSA with employer contribution, life insurance options, and supplemental coverage options, giving you the flexibility to select the coverage that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
• VACATION – Generous PTO to help you recharge, relax, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• PERKS – Team wellness challenges, free virtual gym app, wholesale club membership reimbursement, employee recognition programs, paid parental leave and much more!
• FLEXIBLE WORK ENVIRONMENT – A flexible work environment that empowers you to do your best work, whether you’re in the office, working remotely, or blending both to support your responsibilities.
• TUITION REIMBURSEMENT – support your growth with tuition reimbursement to help advance your education and professional development.

Summary of the Role

We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Senior Planner (Land Development) to become an integral part of our private-sector team. In this pivotal role, the Senior Planner will spearhead the strategy, planning, and execution of private land development projects while also managing a team. This is a great opportunity to have a hand in the growth and success of our operation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee corporate programs, including contract preparation, setting schedules, assigning projects, tracking performance, providing mentorship, setting standards, and acting as primary liaison to the client.
• Oversee complex projects that require senior level experience. Provide expertise in site planning, due diligence, land use entitlements, and construction permitting.
• Thoroughly research and analyze regulatory standards and procedures applicable to project proposals. Collaborate with clients to resolve key issues.
• Collaborate with the project team to develop site plans that meet the client’s objectives.
• Prepare accurate and concise due diligence reports, environmental checklists, and project narratives with findings.
• Oversee subconsultant contracts and deliverables, such as land survey, traffic, geotechnical, environmental, etc. Oversee the timely preparation of complete, high-quality applications for land use entitlements.
• Advocate for prompt review of application materials and coordinate responses to comments.
• Represent the client at meetings and public hearings to advocate for project approval.
• Oversee staff on the processing of ministerial construction permit applications.
• Collaborate with team members using standard tracking tools, checklists, file management systems, etc. Collaborate with team members to continually refine & improve materials and procedures.
• Review, process, and track invoicing for client accounts in collaboration with the company’s accounting department.
• Coordinate with the Director of Planning Services on staffing needs and assist with interviews upon request.

Qualifications

We’re looking for talented professionals who are eager to help lead and grow a team, while contributing to high-quality, meaningful work. If you’re driven, collaborative, and ready to take the next step in your career, we want to hear from you. The following qualifications will help you succeed in this role:

• Bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, geography, urban design, or a closely related field.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in land development supporting retail clients.
• Proficient knowledge of project management processes and the principles and practices associated with land development.
• Proven track record of effectively leading and managing high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, and achieving successful project outcomes.
• Ability to prioritize a diverse workload, resolve complex issues, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
• Ability to communicate well with clients and team members, strong technical writing skills, and public speaking proficiency.
• Experience in multiple sectors is preferred (commercial, industrial, residential, energy, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to identify practical uses for company-approved AI tools to improve team processes, support better decisions, and increase efficiency
• Demonstrated ability to review AI-generated content for accuracy, protect confidential information, and remain responsible for the final work product

Work Location

This is a remote position that needs to be in driving distance of Sterling, VA. Ideal candidates will be in VA or MD. Some travel will be required to support a client.

Company Overview

Core States Group is an industry-leading architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) firm trusted by many of the world’s most notable brands. With 26 offices across the United States and Canada, the firm delivers speed to market, cost certainty, and compelling design for national multisite programs and projects.

Established in 1999, Core States Group drives innovation and improves everyday life for countless people across several markets, including Convenience, Distributed Generation, Financial, Grocery, Housing, Industrial, Restaurants, Retail, Semiconductor, Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Infrastructure, and more.

A Note to Candidates

Please do not be concerned if you do not meet every requirement. At Core States Group, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

This position will remain open until it is filled.