Planning Leader, Cultural + Performing Arts

Planning Leader, Cultural + Performing Arts

DLR Group is an integrated design firm dedicated to elevating the human experience through design. We serve clients worldwide and strive to improve lives in communities and across the planet. If this mission resonates with you, you’re in the right place.

We’re looking for a Senior Planner/Urban Designer to lead and grow our Cultural and Performing Arts practice regionally and nationally. The role is hybrid, offering flexibility between office and remote work. Possible locations include Dallas, Houston, New York, Los Angeles, Orlando, and other DLR Group offices.

As a key member of the planning team, you will integrate planning and design across projects, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and drive high‑impact arts and entertainment initiatives. Your work will focus on equity, community engagement, sustainability, resiliency, and innovative learning environments.

• Serve as a growth agent for DLR Group within the arts and entertainment, museums, planning, and urban design community through speaking events, writing, and other outreach.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new projects by building a client network and engaging with municipal, organizational, and institutional stakeholders.
• Attend industry and business development events, client meetings, and interviews.
• Provide technical support and presentations for planning and urban design pursuits.
• Lead project teams for planning, design, and/or technical development of planning and urban design projects.
• Write narratives and develop deliverables that explain recommendations and capital planning for facilities, open space, and infrastructure to diverse audiences.
• Apply strong conceptual design and professional planning acumen to complex sites across varied scales and contexts.
• Champion equity for a wide spectrum of individuals within the region and across the planning and design practice.
• Coordinate with project teams and align with QA/QC, Practice Standards, and DLR Group protocols.

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or a related construction industry degree.
• 10+ years of professional experience in planning and/or urban design.
• Experience leading arts and entertainment‑related planning projects, client communications, and community engagement.
• Excellent written, verbal, and graphic communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex tasks and competing priorities.

• Professional licensure and/or AICP, LEED AP, and other sustainability‑related certification.
• Graduate degree in urban planning and/or urban design.

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and wellness programs.
• Flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off.
• 401(k) plan, employee stock ownership, and bonus opportunities.

Pay Range: $120,000 – $150,000 USD (location, experience, and skills considered).

Hourly Rate: $120,000 – $150,000 USD (location, experience, and skills considered).

DLR Group follows a four‑day in‑office work model, with employees having flexibility to work from alternate locations on Fridays. We are 100% employee‑owned, champion collaboration, and are committed to environmental stewardship, design that benefits communities, and ambitious sustainability goals.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/M/F/Veteran/Disabled employer.