Placemaking & Community Design Group Manager

Description:

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for shaping communities through planning, landscape architecture, and urban design? Fisher Associates is seeking a Placemaking + Community Design Group Manager to establish and grow our practice in the Carolinas. This role is ideal for a professional with a background in either planning or landscape architecture who is excited about building and leading a multidisciplinary community design practice.

In this leadership role, you will drive strategic growth, business development, and project delivery across North Carolina. You’ll recruit and mentor a local team, strengthen client relationships, and oversee projects for public sector, municipal, higher education, and private sector clients.

With the support of a well-established, multi-disciplinary firm and a dedicated client services team, you’ll have the opportunity to build a regional practice while helping shape meaningful places and communities. If you’re motivated by the opportunity to grow a practice, lead impactful work, and influence how communities evolve, we encourage you to apply and start the conversation with Fisher Associates.

About Fisher Associates

At Fisher Associates, we are a multidisciplinary design services firm with nine locations nationwide. Our services span civil/site engineering, transportation engineering, electrical engineering, landscape architecture, architecture, planning, environmental services, land surveying, GIS, construction inspection, precast, and construction engineering, each offering opportunities to shape communities and improve lives.

What You’ll Do as a Placemaking + Community Design Group Manager

• Proactively pursue new business with existing and prospective clients by delivering exceptional service. promoting Fisher’s capabilities and building lasting relationships.
• Support the development and execution of business plans.
• Oversee and coordinate multiple projects, ensuring work is prioritized and deadlines are met.
• Manage project budgets, scope, schedule, and staffing to ensure successful and timely project delivery.
• Lead and prepare winning project proposals and serve as primary client contact throughout the process.
• Proactively identify, monitor, and resolve technical, schedule, or financial issues.
• Successfully lead and manage a team across the southeast.
• Build and maintain a high-performing, motivated team with strong morale.
• Mentor staff in technical development, leadership, and client engagement.
• Set clear expectations, provide constructive feedback, and coach employees to support career growth.
• Navigate and support complex public processes and municipal approvals.
• Represent Fisher Associates in professional organizations, business boards, and community activities.

Requirements:

What You Bring, Your Expertise as a Placemaking + Community Design Group Manager

• B.S. degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• 15+ years experience in urban planning and design or landscape architecture
• AICP or licensed Landscape Architect
• 10 years minimum of project management experience
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to use metrics and data to drive performance and results.
• Prior experience successfully managing and leading a team
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Proven client relationship and business development success
• Proficiency in MS Office; experience with Adobe, GIS, SketchUp, CAD, and graphic software a plus.
• Understanding of all phases of planning project development and delivery, including master plans, comprehensive planning, zoning, permitting and site entitlements.
• Strong understanding and experience in planning, design and place-making principles, including higher education, parks and open space, smart growth, resiliency, and mobility.
• Dedicated to fostering trusting relationships through collaboration, integrity and respect.
• Deliver high-quality work using critical thinking, sound judgment, and exceptional organizational skills.
• Proactively own projects, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, growth environment.
• Curious and improvement-minded, embracing feedback and continuously seeking better solutions

Salary Range $135,000-$175,000

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.

Why You’ll Love Working at Fisher

• You are empowered to deliver results through collaboration, trust, and ownership.
• Your voice matters shaping decisions in an inclusive and transparent culture.
• Your growth as a leader is a priority, supported by clear career paths and continuous learning.
• You thrive in a positive culture that celebrates wins and keeps work fun and enjoyable.
• Your leadership journey focuses on developing, coaching, and empowering high-performing teams.
• Your success is supported by a flexible work environment so you can thrive professionally and personally.

What We Offer

Lead and grow impactful planning projects across North Carolina, gaining firsthand insight into how your leadership drives community change while expanding your team, client base, and career. We offer competitive salaries and benefits, including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Company-paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Hybrid Work Schedule
• Generous PTO and Paid Holidays
• Strong Work-life Balance
• Shareholders Program
• Professional Development Opportunities and Reimbursement
• Supplemental Benefits Designed for Total Well-being and Financial Security
• Engage with a variety of employee groups focused on community, inclusion, and employee voice.

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 on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.

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