Associate (Planning & Development Advisory)

Bdconnect; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust benefits package

Learning and development opportunities

Strong culture and values

Job summary

A leading planning and development advisory firm in Atlanta is seeking a Project Manager to lead complex engagements in higher education and mission-driven institutions. This role requires a strong background in project management, financial modeling, and client relationship management. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of experience and is comfortable advising senior stakeholders. This position offers competitive compensation and a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of experience managing complex projects.
• Strong understanding of development economics and capital planning.
• Ability to manage multiple engagements simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple planning and development advisory projects.
• Serve as primary client contact and advisor.
• Manage project financial performance and client satisfaction.

Skills

Project management

Financial modeling

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Client relationship management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in real estate or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Project Management Software

Job description

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If you’re ready to manage complex planning engagements, guide clients through structured decision-making, and confidently manage processes, projects and people- this role offers that opportunity.

The Opportunity

Since 1993, Brailsford & Dunlavey has empowered hundreds of colleges and universities, PK–12 schools, municipalities, and professional sports organizations to achieve their bold visions through the built environment.

This associate will lead complex planning and development advisory engagements for higher education and mission-driven institutions. This is a client-facing leadership role responsible for guiding institutions through strategic decisions that shape campus housing, recreation facilities, student unions, mixed-use developments, and other transformative assets.

You will manage projects from analysis through implementation strategy, directing internal teams, advising institutional leaders, and ensuring deliverables reflect both analytical rigor and practical execution.

This role requires sound judgment, financial fluency, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable direction. Located in Atlanta, GA on a hybrid basis, 2-3 days in office per week

What You’ll Do

• Lead multiple comprehensive planning and development advisory projects
• Serve as the primary client contact and trusted advisor
• Oversee research, market analysis, financial modeling, space planning, and stakeholder engagement efforts
• Synthesize analytics into clear, implementable recommendations
• Direct and mentor analysts, elevating the quality of their thinking and deliverables
• Manage scope, pricing, invoicing, and overall project financial performance
• Ensure quality control, documentation integrity, and client satisfaction
• Contribute to business development efforts, including relationship cultivation and new opportunity identification
• Strengthen internal analytical tools, models, and methodologies
• Operate with ownership and accountability across engagements
• Guide clients through ambiguity with clarity and structure
• Develop analysts into thoughtful advisors, not task executors
• Maintain disciplined project management while encouraging strong analytical exploration

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in real estate, urban planning, architecture, finance, economics, construction management, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 5+ years of experience managing complex projects in planning, development, consulting, or real estate advisory
• Strong understanding of development economics, financial modeling, and capital planning
• Proven ability to manage multiple engagements simultaneously
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Project
• Strong written, presentation, and facilitation skills
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring ability
• Commitment to ethical practice and client service excellence
• Willingness to travel as required

What Sets You Apart

• You balance analytical depth with practical implementation.
• You bring intellectual rigor to real estate and institutional strategy.
• You are comfortable advising senior stakeholders.
• You take pride in developing others while continuing to elevate your own professional maturity.
• Ultimately, if you are looking for a leadership role where strategy, development economics, and institutional mission intersect, we welcome the conversation!

Apply Today!

Why Apply with B&D? Impactful Mission, Learning and Development Opportunities , Robust Benefits Package and Strong Culture and Values.

Our quick application process requires a resume, a cover letter (optional), and a few values-based questions. We’re excited to learn more about you, beyond just your resume!

This role's target base annual salary range is currently $100,000-124,000. Pay scales are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, relevant education, experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate, and pay relative to other team members.

The company benefits listed above are a summary of the benefits. Specific details, availability, and eligibility requirements apply in accordance with company policies.

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. participates in E-Verify.