Director of Planning Services (FT - Hybrid)
CSG Consultants - Private Link · Foster City, CA
Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.
We only consider candidates living locally or within the State of CA. We do not pay any relocation expenses.
Employees may be required to visit client locations, job sites, or other business-related locations in the course of their duties. In addition, employees may be assigned to clients whose business needs require driving as part of the employee's job responsibilities. Accordingly, employees assigned to positions requiring business-related driving must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Planning leads Planning Services operations within an assigned region, with responsibility for staff leadership, resource planning, financial performance, service quality, project delivery, client relationships, and business development. Reporting to the Vice President of Planning Services, the Director manages planners and project managers delivering development services, staff augmentation, and planning assignments for public-sector clients. The role combines regional leadership with direct billable client work focused on assignments that benefit from senior-level expertise.
The position serves at the regional Director level, with responsibilities and accountability comparable to CSG’s other regional Directors of Planning. The Director translates department objectives into regional operating plans, coordinates resources across regions, and models ethical, professional, and service-oriented leadership consistent with the company’s Code of Ethics and Values.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Regional operations and financial performance
- Lead day-to-day regional planning operations and implement operating plans aligned with client needs and Planning Services objectives.
- Prepare and manage regional operating and project budgets with the Vice President of Planning Services; monitor revenue, labor costs, utilization, project profitability, and budget variances, and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain workload, backlog, and resource forecasts that account for contracted work, anticipated assignments, business development opportunities, and staff availability.
- Review operating results and performance measures; report progress, risks, and recommended improvements to the Vice President of Planning Services. Coordinate timely billing information and resolution of project financial issues with project managers and finance staff.
Staffing and staff development
- Plan staffing levels and skill needs; lead recruitment, selection, onboarding, training, performance evaluations, and staff development in coordination with the Vice President of Planning Services and Human Resources.
- Assign staff to projects and client placements, balance workloads, and monitor billable utilization against established targets while supporting quality, deadlines, and sustainable workloads.
- Coordinate shared resources with other regional Directors and service leaders; identify staffing gaps early and recommend hiring, reassignment, or other resource solutions.
- Coach and mentor planners and project managers, establish clear expectations, address performance and sensitive personnel matters, and maintain a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Project delivery and quality
- Oversee staff augmentation, development services, and project management assignments to achieve agreed scopes, schedules, budgets, and client expectations.
- Establish and enforce quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures, including appropriate technical review of planning analyses, entitlement applications, staff reports, environmental documents, and other deliverables before release.
- Perform billable client work, primarily through senior-level project management, technical oversight, and QA/QC on complex or sensitive assignments where the Director’s expertise adds value. Balance direct client work with regional leadership responsibilities, including oversight of land use entitlement applications for California public agencies.
- Monitor project milestones, contract requirements, scope changes, and delivery risks; resolve issues promptly and elevate significant concerns to the Vice President of Planning Services.
- Evaluate service delivery and regional work practices, apply lessons learned, and recommend improvements that strengthen consistency, efficiency, and client service.
Client relationships and business development
- Serve as a senior regional contact for clients, build long-term relationships, assess client needs, and develop practical service solutions.
- Lead regional business development and marketing activities in coordination with the Vice President of Planning Services and business development staff; identify opportunities, develop pursuit strategies, and support proposals, scopes, fees, interviews, and contract discussions within delegated authority.
- Expand existing client relationships and build the company’s client base through responsive service, professional engagement, and coordination with other CSG service areas.
- Represent CSG before municipal executives, decision-making bodies, agencies, community groups, and professional organizations; address sensitive client issues with sound judgment and discretion.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Environmental Science, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
- 15 years of relevant project management, development services, or city service experience, including at least 5 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
- Experience working with public-sector clients is highly desirable, along with comprehensive experience preparing and reviewing land use entitlement applications for a California public agency.
- Demonstrated leadership, project management, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to motivate staff, manage competing priorities, work under pressure, and meet firm deadlines.
- Proactive participation in business development and demonstrated ability to build client relationships and support growth of the company’s client base.
- A related professional license, registration, or certification, such as American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification, is highly desirable.
- Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record are required. Assignments may require business-related driving to client locations, job sites, and other business locations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Advanced knowledge of planning and zoning administration, applicable legal requirements, and the principles and practices needed to direct and evaluate a planning division.
- Knowledge of environmental protection requirements, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and Endangered Species Act; state and local land use requirements, including the Williamson Act and historic preservation programs.
- Knowledge of planning and development design, including architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, site design, traffic engineering, land use compatibility, and economic development; ability to coordinate with reviewing agencies and departments.
- Knowledge of governmental operations, public administration, organization, management analysis, supervision, budgeting, personnel management, and effective customer service.
- Ability to prepare and interpret budgets, staffing plans, utilization reports, resource forecasts, and financial and operational performance information.
- Ability to review project descriptions, plans, and field conditions; interpret zoning ordinances and policy documents; and administer planning policies, ordinances, and permit processes.
- Ability to organize and supervise plannin