Project Manager - Housing Element Services

Posted yesterday

bkf engineersLos Angeles (CA)

Project Management Specialists Administration of Housing Programs

SENIORITY

Lead

SALARY

$139,745 - $170,799 per year

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About the role

BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering, construction management, environmental, planning, and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years. At BKF, you'll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row. The Project Manager - Housing Element Services leads project delivery and business development for Housing Element work within the Community Planning practice. This role reports to the Community Planning Practice Lead and is responsible for driving the firm's growth in 7th cycle Housing Element updates and implementation, building on a track record of 6th cycle delivery. The Project Manager should have hands‐on experience managing Housing Element updates from background analysis through HCD certification, along with a working knowledge of RHNA methodology, site inventory requirements, rezoning programs, and affirmatively furthering fair housing (AFFH) analysis. This is a seller‐doer role. The Project Manager will manage a portfolio of Housing Element projects while also leading the identification, pursuit, and capture of new 7th cycle opportunities, working closely with the Practice Lead on pipeline strategy and proposal development.

Responsibilities:

Project Management & Delivery
Serve as Project Manager on Housing Element update and implementation projects, including background reports, site inventories, program development, rezoning, and public engagement through HCD certification
Manage project scope, schedule, budget, and subconsultant coordination to ensure quality delivery and client satisfaction
Guide clients through HCD review cycles and evolving state housing law requirements
Coordinate with multidisciplinary internal teams across planning, environmental, and engineering disciplines
Business Development & Pursuit Leadership
Lead the firm's strategy for identifying and pursuing 7th cycle Housing Element opportunities, with a focus on the Bay Area and LA metro markets
Track upcoming Housing Element RFP releases and position the firm ahead of key pursuits
Lead proposal development and RFP responses, partnering with the Practice Lead and Business Development team on go‐to‐market strategy
Build and maintain relationships with city and county planning staff, HCD, and housing stakeholders
Contribute to the achievement of overall Planning sector sales and booking goals
Community Engagement
Lead public outreach and engagement efforts for Housing Element updates, including community workshops, stakeholder meetings, and public hearings
Develop accessible outreach materials that clearly communicate housing policy and program concepts to diverse communities
Apply an equity lens to engagement strategy, consistent with AFFH requirements
Client Engagement
Serve as a key point of contact for project clients, maintaining strong relationships and proactively addressing client needs
Represent the firm at local industry events, conferences, and public agency meetings
Collaboration & Team Development
Work collaboratively with the broader Community Planning team and other service lines, including Resiliency, Environmental Compliance, and Housing
Support mentorship and professional development of junior staff, with a path toward supervising direct reports as the Housing Element portfolio grows
Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement

Requirements:

Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in community planning, with a focus on Housing Element preparation and implementation
Demonstrated experience serving as Project Manager or a lead team member on at least one 6th cycle (2021-2029) Housing Element update
Working knowledge of RHNA methodology, site inventory requirements, rezoning programs, and AFFH analysis
Demonstrated experience contributing to business development, including proposals, RFP responses, and client presentations; prior seller‐doer experience preferred
Strong community engagement skills, with experience facilitating public meetings and developing outreach materials
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to present complex housing policy topics clearly to technical and non‐technical audiences
Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast‐paced consulting environment
Remote/hybrid position; candidates established in the Bay Area or LA metro area are preferred
Willingness to travel as needed to support project sites, client meetings, and regional offices
Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, or a closely related field is requiredAICP certification is preferred

Benefits:

The typical base salary range for this position is $139,744.8 - $170,799.2 annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salary position paid biweekly
Competitive salaries, profit sharing, and 401kGenerous paid time off packages9 Paid Holidays
Flexible schedules

Education reimbursement, paid annual dues for professional and societal organizationsBKF offers competitive and award-winning benefits and perks.

Physical Demands: Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations. Work Conditions: Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high-stress, fast‐paced, deadline‐oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required. BKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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