Planning Director - PLA

Company: LJA
Location: Orlando
Posted on: June 1, 2025

Job Description:

McIntosh Associates, an LJA Company, is seeking a Planning Director for the Planning and Landscape Architecture (PLA) division. This role is designed to help you achieve your full career potential by enhancing your professional development, excelling in your strengths, and fostering growth in new areas. You'll have the opportunity to lead projects that align with your interests, drive, and skills. Our team is highly motivated, enthusiastic about learning, and ready to take responsibility for projects. At McIntosh/LJA, you'll experience a culture of camaraderie, teamwork, and inclusivity, where you'll be part of something bigger. We maintain a supportive and encouraging environment, promoting mutual support and growth.OPPORTUNITY AWAITSAt McIntosh/LJA, you will find the best of both worlds. McIntosh brings over 60 years of experience in engineering, planning, and surveying in Central Florida, offering opportunities to work on exciting projects for renowned regional brands. LJA complements this with its expertise across eight major market sectors, with over 60 office locations in nine states, providing numerous opportunities for professional development and growth. Our organizational structure is designed to empower you and facilitate a smoother path to successful project completion.SUMMARYThe Planning and Landscape Architecture (PLA) Group is growing rapidly, and we're looking for a Director of Planning to help create and grow a team in our Orlando office. PLA team members are prepared for the challenge of implementing big ideas. From leveraging internal departments like surveying, GIS, and environmental services to working with various specialists to implement new technologies and software, the PLA teams are building the foundations for a future that integrates data, research, and the latest innovations in our planning and design processes.Directors show a high level of enthusiasm for and commitment to the firm, its mission, and its professionals, and demonstrate expertise in the foundational principles in our industries. Directors also serve as active leaders in their projects and teams and have the respect of their peers & managers.A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE

• Provide overall strategic leadership within the Southeast to enhance client relationships, work products, and team skills.
• Create and lead a team of planning professionals responsible for community planning, comprehensive planning, and graphic & technical production.
• Advise various councils, boards, commissions, and elected/appointed officials on planning, zoning, and design-related issues.
• Serve as liaison to Clients and jurisdictions to champion project success. Work with planning, engineering, and public works departments, as well as governing bodies, to bring development projects to life.
• Evaluate and prepare reports on operations & activities, recommend improvements and modifications.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration.
• Create, administer, and supervise public outreach campaigns for planning and design efforts.
• Develop and assist in preparation of scope, budget, and schedule.
• Build relationships and grow business in land development including residential, site, industrial, and institutional.
• Lead business development activities by marketing to existing clients as well as identifying, and marketing to new clients.
• Support land development entitlement activities. Strategize, problem-solve, and serve as a trusted advisor to the client.
• Support technical efforts for business development such as the preparation of qualification statements and presentations.
• Responsible for the quality assurance program for project deliverables within the business line.
• Develop intermediate and long-range strategic planning for the business line.
• Prepare reports for and advise senior management regularly regarding the activities of the division.
• Participate in monthly Operations Meetings with Business Sector Leaders, the President, and the Business Solutions team.
• Actively participate in professional associations and civic organizations within the community.
• Set the vision for the business line and drive the culture.MUST HAVE QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's or Advanced degree in Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, or related field.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• 10+ years of professional experience.
• Portfolio of successfully completed Florida projects showing experience in projects at a variety of scales and types.
• Ability to consistently perform in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong Business Development and Marketing Skills.
• Proficient in Graphic Communication.
• Proficient in or overseeing the production of AutoCAD, Photoshop, InDesign, Sketch-up, Acrobat Pro, and Microsoft Office.BONUS POINTS IF YOU HAVE
• Proficiencies in one or more of the following: Rhino, Lumion, Twinmotion, UnReal, BIM, etc.
• Experience with MicroStation ORD.
• Previous work experience in an AEC related firm.OWN YOUR FUTURE AT LJAAs a 100% employee-owned company, LJA Engineering, Inc. promotes an entrepreneurial spirit that helps drive the bottom line and the long-term professional and financial success of our employees. With more than 60 office locations, and over 2,000 employee-owners, LJA is growing and looking for talented people to join our team and grow their futures with us.LJA is consistently ranked as a #1 Top Workplace and recognized as one of the Top Firms in the industry. We offer exceptional benefits that promote the health and financial security of our employee-owners and their families. A few of our benefits include:
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Optional Flexible Work Schedule
• Paid time off and holidays (including an office closure between Christmas and New Year's Day)
• Health, dental and vision plans with options
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Education and tuition reimbursement programs
• Referral bonus programLearn more at www.lja.comEqual Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThe contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
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