Director, Housing and Urban Policy

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a highly motivated Director of Housing and Urban Policy with a proven track record of work winning and project leadership. The selected candidate will join our growing Advisory practice which brings together people with backgrounds in economics, planning, sustainability and resilience, engineering, and public policy. We integrate strategic consulting with policy and technical expertise to help cities, regional, and other public agencies tackle challenges and better serve their constituents.

The Advisory practice helps clients understand the economic and fiscal impacts of infrastructure investments, develop tailored funding and economic development strategies, and address economic and demographic disparities. Our work focuses on advancing transformative initiatives in the sustainability/decarbonization, resilience, buildings, and infrastructure sectors, while also assessing strategies for effective governance, industry, workforce, funding and financing, housing and real estate.

A successful candidate will engage with our public and private sector clients and support a variety of multidisciplinary projects including specific plans, community plans, housing policy studies, reinvestment strategies, and master plans. The successful candidate must have a strong interest in developing high quality regulatory and policy planning documents with experience working across multiple metros and markets; experience engaging with public clients including municipal leadership, regulatory authorities, and other agencies; excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong project management capabilities; and the desire to work in a fast-paced and collaborative multidisciplinary team environment.

The Director would develop relationships and lead projects across the US with a core focus on the Midwest and Texas.

Job Summary/Responsibilities

• Prepare materials in support of comprehensive plans, master plans, specific plans, community plans, zoning updates, housing studies, grant applications, corridor plans, and other regulatory and policy planning projects
• Manage planning projects other studies, including budgeting, staffing, and timelines
• Oversee the development of high-quality, user-friendly documents, exhibit boards, and engagement materials
• Perform demographic, economic, environmental, and other planning research, including spatial research using GIS, and coordinates interdisciplinary work that supports informed decision making
• Coordinate public engagement, decision maker workshops and hearings, staff reports, noticing, and other elements of the public process for planning documents and project approvals
• Work efficiently on multiple projects at a time and prioritizes multiple tasks needed to meet deadlines
• Provide support, as needed, to our broader planning, design, economics, and outreach team to ensure smooth execution of projects and continuity of excellent client relationships
• Interpret and apply applicable government policies, codes, ordinances, and regulations
• Act as a liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers, and elected and appointed officials in developing neighborhood, area, community, and potentially, regional plans
• Write and present formal and technical reports, working papers and correspondence
• Identify community opportunities, issues, and important trends that can be addressed through the development and implementation of strategic policies
• Collaborate with other leaders to proactively engage clients and develop new opportunities

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, City Planning, or related degree program plus minimum 8 (eight) years of related experience; or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, City Planning, or related degree program
• 10 years of related experience
• Experience working closely and collaboratively with many disciplines including infrastructure experts in transportation, ports, water, environment, and/or energy
• Experience presenting and developing content for proposals, interacting with clients, having leadership on multiple parallel projects, managing project teams, presenting professional work at meetings, workshops, and industry conferences

Additional Information

This position does not allow for US work authorization sponsorship.

About Aecom

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.