Urban Designer and Planner-Seattle, WA.

General Job Description:

To support Futurewise’s community planning work, the Urban Designer and Planner will work with local governments, non-profit organizations, stakeholders, and residents through collaborative planning projects which will include (1) establishing an in-depth understanding of community conditions, (2) conducting community engagement and visioning, (3) developing innovative and effective planning policies and projects, and (4) implementing plans through organization and advocacy. The Urban Designer and Planner will also help ensure that existing conditions, community visions, policies, and projects are understood and supported by a wide range of stakeholders through the development of maps, models, graphics and visual simulations using a suite of design and mapping software, such as GIS, Adobe (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) Google SketchUp, AutoCad, and other 3/D programs.

This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, inter-disciplinary, and innovative environment to build a more sustainable and equitable future for communities in Washington State.

Detailed Job Description:

Futurewise seeks an urban designer/planner with 3-5 years of work experience and technical design skills to support community planning projects that proactively critique and shape community development based on “smart growth” and sound sustainable design principles.

A Master’s Degree in urban design, architecture, planning, or related field is required; AICP is preferred. The qualified applicant must be creative, possess vision, and demonstrate outstanding outreach and communication skills (written, visual and verbal). Experience using graphic programs (GIS, Adobe Suite, and 3/D programs) is essential. Qualified applicants must be able to communicate effectively to diverse groups and have a commitment to both social equity and environmental stewardship. Additionally, qualified applicants must have the ability to be flexible, handle multiple assignments, work well with people, and be available for night and weekend meetings. Experience working with developers is a plus.

Position Responsibilities:

Program Management

Under the direction of the Sustainable Communities Director, manage community planning projects that advance Futurewise’s overall strategic objectives.

Mapping and Visualization:

Produce maps, models, graphics and other materials which communicate current community conditions clearly and concisely;

Use maps and graphics to increase stakeholder understanding of complex urban planning issues, including zoning, land use policy, urban design, placemaking, transportation and green infrastructure;

Work collaboratively with stakeholders to create compelling visual representations of community visions, proposed plans and projects.

Community Engagement and Outreach:

Perform outreach intended to help stakeholders identify community vision and goals, develop policies and plans, and implement projects to achieve more sustainable, equitable communities;

Utilize a full range of innovative engagement and outreach tools to expand community planning participation, particularly in traditionally underrepresented populations; and

Facilitate meetings, organize workshops and conduct design charrettes which inform and build consensus around land use, urban design, active transportation and other planning issues.

Policy Development:

Establish local planning and policy priorities based on community conditions, visions and goals; Identify, evaluate and develop strategies to overcome local policy and regulatory obstacles to sustainable, equitable communities; and

Evaluate and analyze plans, policies, and projects that threaten to degrade natural resources, promote sprawl and consume open space, or endanger the equity and livability of communities.

Advocacy and Organization

Advocate for policies and projects by educating the public and local decision makers using comment letters, public testimony, white papers, op-ed pieces, newsletter articles, forums, etc;

Work with and assist a diverse group of partners and stakeholders in reaching consensus on plans, policies and project strategies;

Build local and state support for implementing policies to promote smart growth principles and prevent sprawl from consuming open space, degrading air and water quality, and endangering the equity and livability of communities.

Assist with program evaluation, including evaluating metrics, benchmarks, and impact for continuous program improvement;

Complete other assignments as deemed necessary.

Leadership, Communication and Organizational Support

Cultivate relationships to ensure partner and funder satisfaction and continued investments in program;

Work with development team to integrate and promote Futurewise initiatives and communications messages;

Secure grant and contract funding opportunities;

Manage relationships with key stakeholders, local governments, and partners;

Plan and help coordinate events that increase Futurewise’s visibility and influence as a thought leader on smart growth planning and policies; and

Maintain ongoing dialogue with Sustainable Communities Director, Executive Director and other stakeholders to assess strategic and operational needs.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

A Master’s Degree in urban design, architecture, planning, or related field;

Three or more years of professional work experience working on issues of urban design, community planning, public policy and community development, natural resources policy, regional or urban planning, or related disciplines;

Experience using graphic programs (GIS, Adobe Suite, and 3/D programs);

Experience leading or co-leading a major initiative, program or division to completion in a fast-paced environment;

Experience working on a small team or independently as well as managing external partners;

Demonstrated history of entrepreneurial work ethic;

Knowledge of levers for improving community livability, including health, equity and sustainability; and

Familiarity with donor management and event coordination (preferred).

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

Ability to facilitate information and participatory meetings and strategy sessions with a range of stakeholders;

Ability to balance day-to-day tasks with mid- to long-range strategic objectives; and

Ability to grow program.

The ideal candidate will possess the following attributes:

Flexibility; must be able to respond and react to changing situations, shifting priorities, and new opportunities;

Continuous improvement orientation; must be constantly thinking about how to evaluate the program’s effectiveness and make marked improvements to it;

Must be able to take and react to critical feedback about ideas; and

Desire to have fun while working with a highly motivated, high performing team that is committed to creating healthy, equitable and sustainable communities.

Posting Expiration Date: Position is open until filled; first consideration will be given to applications received by March 31, 2014.

Resource Relationship: The Sustainable Communities Director will serve as lead resource for the Urban Designer and Planner

Position open immediately; for full consideration, please provide materials as soon as possible. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, a design work sample, and at least three references in PDF format to[email protected]. Please place “Urban Designer and Planner” in the subject line of the email and address the cover letter to Amy Gore. Please label any submitted materials, including the cover letter, resume, work sample, and references with your last name. In the body of the email, please let us know how you found out about the position.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Due to the large number of applicants, only successful candidates will be contacted.