Director for Planning & Real Estate

ABOUT YOU

You are a strategic thinker with a passion for equitable urban development, housing affordability, and inclusive communities. You bring hands‑on experience in land use planning, real estate, economic development, or public policy, and are excited to lead complex projects that shape the future of cities. You are a collaborative leader who thrives in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment and is eager to mentor junior staff and contribute to the growth of the firm.

HR&A is seeking to hire a Director for Planning and Real Estate in our New York office. Directors are experienced professionals who lead project teams, manage client relationships, and contribute to business development.

Day‑to‑day tasks vary by project and may include:

• Managing internal and external teams to deliver complex public investment, real estate, and economic development strategies
• Advising on land use principles and processes, zoning, and other regulatory considerations
• Leading market feasibility research, business planning, and fiscal and economic impact studies
• Designing public‑private partnership strategies and public policy frameworks
• Conducting and reviewing pro forma analysis for a range of uses
• Reviewing and presenting client deliverables, including memos, reports, and presentations
• Supporting and leading business development efforts, including proposal writing and client outreach
• Mentoring junior staff and contributing to internal equity and inclusion initiatives

This position offers significant leadership opportunities and the chance to shape the future of cities through innovative, equity‑centered solutions.

Successful candidates will bring strong quantitative and qualitative skills, a demonstrated capacity for leadership, and a deep curiosity about the challenges and opportunities facing cities today.

Qualifications include:

• 8‑12 years of experience in land use planning, economic development, real estate, housing, public policy, or related consulting fields, preferably with at least 3 years in the public sector
• Substantial project management experience in developing and steering land use, economic development, real estate, or affordable housing projects and proposals
• Knowledge of New York City land use and economic development context, stakeholders, regulations, and approval processes, with interest to work beyond New York City and State
• Excellent writing and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and mentor junior staff
• Strong client management and communication skills
• Proficiency in common AI tools and understanding of limitations of AI tools
• Demonstrated interest in using emerging AI tools to accelerate data analysis, deliverable production, and other specialized methodologies
• Master’s degree in city planning, economic development, real estate, public policy, business, or a related field preferred (additional experience may substitute for a graduate degree)
• A passion for community development, and inclusive urban growth

HR&A fosters a collaborative and flexible work environment through our hybrid work policy. Employees work from the office at least two days a week, which allows individuals the freedom to balance their professional and personal lives while maintaining a strong connection to their teams.

The base salary range for this position is $131,600 – $153,779, plus the opportunity for a discretionary year‑end bonus. Where an offer falls within this pay range is dependent on experience. We offer competitive compensation packages, based on qualifications and experience. We are an employee‑owned company, meaning you will have the opportunity to benefit from the firm’s growth over time through participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Each year, the firm will contribute funds to this long‑term wealth‑building account and may make contributions to other retirement accounts. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package that goes well beyond coverage of 90‑95% of healthcare premiums, including dental and vision coverage.

HR&A is committed to attracting and retaining a talented, diverse, competitive team of professionals…