Director of Planning - East / Southeast

Department: PlanningLocation: Atlanta, GA Compensation: $130,000 - $160,000 / yearDescriptionAlta is seeking a dynamic Director of Planning – East to join our team in Atlanta and lead our growing planning practice in the East and Southeast. This is a fantastic opportunity for a planning leader who is passionate about creating sustainable, people-centered communities while driving business excellence and operational performance.In this role, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for our East region planning teams, driving innovation in community planning and active transportation while fostering a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and excellence. You will be responsible for setting technical and strategic direction for planning initiatives across our East region offices, which include Atlanta, Huntsville, Nashville, Durham, and Baltimore; ensuring our projects create positive impacts on communities nationwide while meeting financial and operational performance standards.If you are passionate about leading transformational change in community planning while developing talent and advancing organizational excellence, apply with Alta today!About AltaAlta is a mission driven company working to mitigate climate change and advance safety and social justice by shaping sustainable, people centered communities. We bring together expertise across planning, design, engineering, education and encouragement programs, and community engagement to help communities thrive. Our work is grounded in the belief that how places are designed and experienced has a profound impact on equity, health, and opportunity—and that people should always be at the heart of those decisions.Founded in 1996, Alta was at the forefront of the active transportation movement and has spent nearly 30 years partnering with communities to imagine a more connected, resilient, and inclusive future. Today, with more than 225 staff across the United States and beyond, we are a global leader in creating environments that support everyday life, strengthen human connection, and respond to the challenges of a changing world. Alta offers the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, contribute to meaningful work at every scale, and be part of a team committed to making lasting, positive change for people and the places they call home.Day to DayStrategic Leadership & Financial PerformanceDevelop and execute strategic plans for the East/Southeast region planning practice aligned with company objectivesEnsure the region meets or exceeds annual financial targets for revenue and EBITDA growthDrive fiscal and operational excellence through effective budgeting, resource allocation, and performance managementChampion innovation in community planning and active transportation practicesPeople Leadership & Team DevelopmentLead, mentor, and develop a Group of planning professionals, Team Leads, and project managers across multiple office locationsBuild a high-performance culture focused on professional growth, collaboration, and technical excellenceRecruit, hire, and retain top planning talent to support regional growthMaintain staff utilization at or above goals while ensuring sustainable workload managementBusiness Development & Client RelationsLead business development efforts and identify new market opportunities, in close coordination with the East Director of Business DevelopmentDevelop proposals and deliver client presentations for major regional projectsMaintain and expand relationships with key public sector clientsProject & Operational OversightOversee project delivery to ensure on-time, on-budget performance across the regional portfolioMonitor financial and operational performance using key metrics (utilization, net labor multiplier, days sales outstanding)Implement process improvements to enhance delivery efficiency and client satisfactionEnsure compliance with quality assurance protocols and professional standardsQualificationsRequiredThis position requires a combination of skills, experience and education including, but not limited to15+ years of progressive urban planning experience in consulting or public sector5+ years managing planning teamsBachelor's degree in Planning or related fieldExperience in active, non-motorized transportation planningProven business development and client relationship management successStrong financial acumen with ability to analyze business performance and drive growthDemonstrated project management expertise across general plans, specific plans, or comprehensive planning effortsExcellent communication, presentation, and leadership skillsExperience writing white papers and presenting at industry conferencesProficient in MS Office, ArcGIS, and enterprise project management toolsAbility and willingness to travel regionally, with occasional trips to Alta HQ in Portland, ORPreferredThere are a number of additional skills, experience, and education that would be beneficial to this position including, but not limited to:Master's degree in Urban Planning or related fieldAICP certificationExperience with Deltek VantagePointActive involvement in professional associations and committeesExperience with Vision Zero, Complete Streets, or equity-focused planning initiativesExperience managing P&LWhat We OfferFlexible ScheduleAlta offers a flexible, hybrid work schedule where most employees work from home three days per week. In-office days support our collaborative culture, one of our core values. CompensationThe pay range for this job in Atlanta is $130,000-$160,000 annually. Placement within the range is based upon experience, skill-sets, and qualifications.BenefitsAlta offers comprehensive benefits to all full-time employees:Medical: PPO or HSA medical plans, Alta pays 75% of the costDental/Vision: PPO, Alta pays 90% of the costLife Insurance: Alta pays 100% of the premium for life and AD&D, equal to your base compensation401(k): Alta provides a match up to 3%PTO: 21 days accrued annually to startHolidays: 11 total company paid holidaysPaid Parental Leave/Short-Term DisabilityAdditional Benefits: Wellness reimbursement up to $800 annually, Alta Gets Around benefit of up to $900 annually, 5-year travel award, and professional development opportunities