Senior Urban Planner & Project Manager

Senior Urban Planner & Project Manager

Lead the Future of Communities as a Senior Planner & Project Manager – Join Fisher’s Vision in the Southeast

Are you passionate about shaping vibrant, sustainable communities? Do you thrive at the intersection of planning, urban design, and leadership? Fisher is seeking an experienced and driven Senior Planner & Project Manager to help grow an interdisciplinary group of planners, landscape architects, engineers, transportation experts, and architects across the Carolinas and the Southeast.

In this high-impact role, you’ll be at the forefront of transformative projects—from transportation and land use planning to urban design and economic development. You'll lead cross-functional teams, manage client relationships, and deliver standout results that align with Fisher’s mission to create great community places.

As a senior leader, you’ll help grow our regional presence while advancing projects that matter. If you’re a strategic thinker with strong communication skills and a passion for placemaking, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact and build the Fisher brand.

About Fisher Associates:

Fisher Associates is a multidisciplinary design services firm headquartered in Rochester, NY, with eight locations nationwide. The firm provides planning, landscape architecture, architecture, civil/site engineering, transportation, energy, environmental, survey, GIS, and construction phase services to public and private sector clients across numerous markets.

Why You’ll Love Working at Fisher

• You will make a difference on our planet by designing great livable places while protecting valuable resources.
• You are empowered to achieve exceptional results through collaboration and ownership. 
• Your voice matters in our inclusive and transparent culture, where accessible leadership genuinely welcomes ideas and feedback. 
• Your growth is our priority. We offer clear career paths, tuition assistance, and ongoing learning opportunities to support your development.
• You thrive in a culture that celebrates fun and fosters a relaxed, easy-going atmosphere, so you can bring the best of yourself to work every day.
• Your journey is shaped by a culture of mentorship, where experienced colleagues guide your growth and you, in turn, inspire others.
• Your success is supported by our flexible work environment empowering you to thrive both professionally and personally. 

What You’ll Do

• Proactively pursue new business with existing and prospective clients by delivering exceptional service, promoting Fisher’s capabilities, and building lasting relationships.
• Successfully lead mid-to-large-scale Planning projects from initial setup through planning and project kick-off.
• Maintain up-to-date project budgets/metrics in company software while monitoring scope, schedule, and staffing to ensure adherence to project plans.
• Oversee project billing, client updates, QA/QC of deliverables, and project closeout.
• Represent Fisher Associate’s in professional organizations, business boards, and community activities.
• Lead design strategy and collaborate with teams, clients, partners, and stakeholders to align with client goals and ensure seamless project delivery. 
• Independently prepare winning project proposals 
• Successfully navigate and implement complex public processes and municipal approvals.
• Implement land use strategies, design standards, and plans that foster vibrant, sustainable communities. 
• Prepare planning reports, proposals, grants, publications, and community communications.
• Drive urban design concepts through visual storytelling with compelling maps, graphics, and presentations. 
• Manage entitlement and environmental reviews, including NEPA, zoning variances, historic preservation, and site plan approvals.
• Engage stakeholders and communities by presenting ideas, supporting meetings, and translating feedback into actionable plans.
• Provide clear direction, motivation, and mentorship to team members.

What We Offer

Your Impact Matters, Your Career Thrives. Work on engaging projects and experience first-hand the positive changes you create in your own community. Engage in diverse and challenging project opportunities that will help you grow and advance your career. We offer competitive salaries and benefits, including:

• Health insurance-Medical, Dental & Vision
• 401k plan
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• Generous PTO
• Hybrid work schedule
• Strong work-life balance
• Shareholders program
• A comprehensive range of benefit options to support your well-being, financial security, and peace of mind.
• Get involved in dynamic committees and groups such as the Community Impact and Fun Committees, Fisher Minds (ERG), the Employee Advisory Group, and many others.

Salary Range $120,000-$150,000

Actual compensation may vary based on relevant experience, qualifications/education, and other factors. The salary range is not necessarily reflective of the actual total compensation that may be earned nor promises any specific pay for any specific employee. Salary range excludes monetary value of benefits.

#LI-CA1

What You Bring, Your Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban, Community or Regional Planning or a related field (Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Transportation Planning, Public Policy) from an accredited university 
• 8+ years minimum of professional technical experience, project management experience preferred 
• AICP preferred.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Sketchup and ArcGIS preferred.
• Strong understanding of (and passion for) “Smart Growth” principals and good community design practices
• Familiarity and experience with land use and environmental regulations
• Strong ability to create maps, graphic designs, and publications
• Excellent analytical, research and creative skills
• Ability to write, review and interpret zoning codes and environmental laws, regulations, and policies
• Proven client relationship and business development experience.
• Professional performance standards aligned with Fisher’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
• Proven ability to deliver quality work through critical thinking, problem-solving, and sound judgment 
• Driven to own projects, prioritize effectively, and thrive in a fast-paced, growth-focused environment
• Highly adaptable and proactive in meeting deliverables and deadlines
• Foster trust and collaboration through integrity, respect, and active listening
• Curious, improvement-minded, and always seeking better solutions
• Embrace feedback constructively and use it as an opportunity for growth.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Fisher Associates is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin (including ancestry), religion, gender or sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), disability, reproductive health decision making (including, but not limited to, the decision to use or access a particular drug, device, or medical service), marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, military status, unemployment status, genetic information (including genetic characteristics), citizenship or immigration status, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local laws.