Director of Planning and Design

Summary / objective

The Philadelphia Housing Authority, Americas fourth largest public housing authority and leader in real estate development and property management is seeking a Director - Planning and Design.

The position will be responsible for all of PHA’S planning and design including; land assessments to develop plan that plot out the best use of land and geographic resources in the Philadelphia area in the Planning and Development Division of the Philadelphia Housing Authority. This will role will be responsible to oversee all PHA design and Planning from concept to final construction documents and management of the design process through construction. Ultimately, you will ensure the design team promotes our brand through delivering high quality pieces on tight deadlines.

Salary : $92,300 - $119,900 annually. Placement at any specific point within the stated range is not guaranteed for any candidate. Final compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, and skills, as well as internal equity and organizational considerations.

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Performs advanced professional work related to variety of planning assignments

Manages complex planning studies, development applications and reviews consultant proposals

Reviews and processes complex comprehensive plan amendments, rezoning, annexations, site plans, plats

Develops project budgets, administers bidding process, verifies contract expenditures and compliance

Conducts research and prepares statistical reports on land use, physical, social & economic issues

Provides professional planning assistance to member communities on varied land use projects

Develops transportation plans, studies and analyses on regional basis

Works in regional program areas relating to natural / water resources planning, community development, hazard mitigation, coastal zone management and others

Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and / or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans

Schedules and conducts meetings with advisory boards and elected officials

Presents reports and other findings to staff, planning and zoning boards and commissions, and elected officials and serves as liaison

Supervises planners and architects within organization

Oversee all design projects, from conception to delivery

Design original pieces, including illustrations and info graphics

Review designers’ work to ensure high quality

Refine images, fonts and layouts using graphic design software

Apply typography techniques

Generate ideas to portray concepts and advertise products / services

Increase user friendliness in digital products

Maintain brand consistency throughout all our projects

Liaise with planning and design teams to ensure deadlines are met

Stay up-to-date with industry developments and tools

Other duties as assigned

Competencies (Skills, knowledge, abilities)

Advanced knowledge of the philosophies, principals, practices & techniques of planning

Well-developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as land use planning / zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation or economic development

Knowledge and experience in construction processes

Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection

Knowledge of effective writing techniques

Knowledge of computer programs and applications, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications econometric or transportation modeling, and database management

GIS programs and applications

Excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects

Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with elected / appointed officials or other decision-makers

Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined planning problems

Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops

Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously

Ability to provide effective supervision and staff management

Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines

Ability to facilitate in-person and virtual public participation activities

Proven work experience as a Urban / City Planner Supervisor, Graphic Designer or similar role

Portfolio of completed design projects

Hands-on experience with image editing software, like Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator

Proficient in design software (e.g. InDesign and Balsamiq)

Strong aesthetic skills with the ability to combine various colors, fonts and layouts

Attention to visual details

Ability to meet deadlines and collaborate with a team

Certifications, Licenses required

AICP Certification Preferred

Minimum education and experience

Master’s Degree in urban planning, design, architecture or related field; AND 5-8 years of related experience of professional planning experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred education and experience

Graphic Design experience is preferred

How to Apply :

All applications will be accepted via PHAs Jobs Board at pha.phila.gov / jobs.

About the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA)

Established in 1937, and with an employment workforce of over 1,100, the Philadelphia Housing Authority is a municipal agency providing public housing services to over 76,000 residents in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Financial support for Authority operations and capital needs comes primarily from rent payments and subsidies provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). PHA is one of a very select group of housing authorities across the nation that has attained Moving to Work (MTW) status. This designation allows housing agencies the opportunity and flexibility, on a local level, to develop and implement innovative housing and self-sufficiency strategies to benefit public housing residents and Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) participants.

PHA is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of individual qualifications without regard to race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, pregnancy, national origin, ethnicity or ancestry, religion, age, disability, citizenship, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.