Director of Long Range Planning (Finance)

DESCRIPTION

Michael Baker International is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Long Range Planning to lead strategic planning initiatives for cities, counties, and other clients, such as general plans/general plan elements, specific plans, community plans, zoning ordinances, and other advance planning initiatives. This role is pivotal in shaping sustainable, resilient, and community-aligned environments across a variety of local government contexts. You will bring deep expertise in urban planning, local regulations, and interdisciplinary collaboration to deliver innovative, client-focused solutions.

RESPONSIBILITES

Strategic Business Development

• Lead the identification and pursuit of new long-range planning opportunities with cities, counties, and other clients aligned with Michael Baker's strategic goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local government clients, understanding their community goals and delivering tailored planning solutions.
• Collaborate with other planning sub-practices (e.g. environmental, resiliency, housing, etc.) and geographies to pursue and capture long range planning projects.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to craft and implement growth strategies that expand our municipal planning portfolio.

Client-Focused Project Leadership

• Serve as the primary liaison for local government clients, ensuring exceptional service and long-term partnership development.
• Anticipate client needs and proactively address challenges, fostering trust and satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
• Promote a culture of excellence in client engagement and service delivery across the planning team.

Project Execution

• Apply advanced knowledge of urban planning principles and local government standards to develop innovative, community-driven solutions.
• Lead the development of general plans/general plan elements, comprehensive plans, specific plans, community plans, zoning updates, and site planning efforts for cities and counties.
• Evaluate planning proposals for feasibility, compliance, and alignment with municipal objectives and community visions.

Technical Expertise and Regulatory Compliance

• Provide expert guidance on planning for local jurisdictions, including compliance with CEQA, local zoning codes, and other municipal mandates.
• Ensure all planning activities adhere to applicable local and state regulations and best practices.
• Offer technical leadership in areas such as sustainability, smart growth, housing policy, and climate-resilient design.
• Be a long range planning subject matter expert by having a deep base of knowledge of California planning regulations and best practices, and by actively tracking state legislation related to planning matters.

Collaborative Leadership and Operational Excellence

• Partner with internal planning leaders to drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
• Build a long range planning team in southern California, capable of executing several large projects concurrently.
• Assess and refine planning processes to enhance quality, innovation, and client outcomes.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to a culture of learning and professional development.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience preparing general plans, specific plans, zoning codes, or other long range policy documents in California.
• AICP certification is preferred but not required.
• Deep understanding of local government operations, community engagement, and planning frameworks.
• Proficiency in GIS, CAD, and planning technologies.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and project management skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally.
• Familiarity with sustainable design, smart growth, and climate-resilient planning strategies.

COMPENSATION

The approximate compensation range for this position $136,427.20 - $236,371.20 per year. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.

BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
• Professional and personal development
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter and wellness benefits

MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL EEO STATEMENT

Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified, and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.

EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.

About us

Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 80 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.

Based in Pittsburgh and with nearly 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.

We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.

We Make a Difference.

Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.

EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.

*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Michael Baker International is seeking an experienced and visionaryDirector of Long Range Planningto lead strategic planning initiatives for cities, counties, and other clients, such as general plans/general plan elements, specific plans, community plans, zoning ordinances, and other advance planning initiatives. This role is pivotal in shaping sustainable, resilient, and community-aligned environments across a variety of local government contexts. You will bring deep expertise in urban planning, local regulations, and interdisciplinary collaboration to deliver innovative, client-focused solutions.