Director, Planning & Environmental Review, Real Estate

Empire State Development, NYS; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Empire State Development seeks a Director of Planning and Environmental Review to oversee planning and environmental compliance for real estate projects. You will guide documentation, lead assessments, and ensure NEPA/CEQR/SEQR adherence.

In this role you will manage consultants, coordinate with agencies, and support master planning and community engagement initiatives, bringing strong leadership and clear communication to complex regulatory processes.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in urban planning, environmental science, or equivalent.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in planning and environmental analysis.
• Strong background conducting environmental review under CEQR, SEQR, and NEPA.
• Strong written and spoken communication and project coordination skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project planning tools.

Responsibilities

• Direct planning and environmental review activities for projects.
• Manage environmental documentation and compliance, incl. assessments and EIS under SEQR, CEQR, SHPA, NEPA.
• Oversee consultants and coordinate with agencies.
• Support broader planning initiatives including master planning and community engagement.

Skills

Environmental review experience

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in urban planning or environmental science

Tools

MS Office

Project planning tools

Job description

This position directs planning and environmental review activities for Empire State Development's real estate and funding projects. The director manages environmental documentation and compliance including preparation of environmental assessments and impact statements under SEQR, CEQR, SHPA, and NEPA. The role includes overseeing consultants, coordinating with agencies, and supporting broader planning initiatives including master planning and community engagement.

Key qualifications:

• Master's degree in urban planning, environmental science, or equivalent
• Minimum 7 years of experience in planning and environmental analysis
• Strong background conducting environmental review under CEQR, SEQR, and NEPA
• Strong written and spoken communication and project coordination skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project planning tools