Remote Housing Element PM: Planning & Engagement

Jobtailor; Redwood City (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

BKF is seeking a senior-level Community Planning professional in California to lead Housing Element delivery while guiding public engagement and stakeholder outreach. The role combines project management with business development to pursue 7th cycle opportunities in the Bay Area and LA metro.

Ideal candidates have 5–7 years in community planning, a strong track record on 6th cycle Housing Element updates, and familiarity with RHNA, AFFH, and HCD processes.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in community planning, focused on Housing Element prep.
• Experience as Project Manager on 6th cycle Housing Element updates (2021–2029).
• Knowledge of RHNA, site inventories, rezoning, AFFH analysis.
• Business development experience including proposals, RFPs, and client presentations.
• Strong public engagement and outreach materials development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to present to diverse audiences.
• Highly organized; able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Remote/hybrid; Bay Area or LA metro preferred.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and offices.
• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, or a closely related field; AICP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead project delivery and business development for Housing Element work within the Community Planning practice.
• Serve as Project Manager on Housing Element updates, including background reports, site inventories, and public engagement through HCD certification.
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, and subconsultant coordination for quality delivery.
• Guide clients through HCD review cycles and evolving state housing law requirements.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary internal teams across planning, environmental, and engineering disciplines.
• Lead strategy for 7th cycle Housing Element opportunities in Bay Area and LA metro markets.
• Track upcoming Housing Element RFP releases and position the firm ahead of key pursuits.
• Lead proposal development and RFP responses with Practice Lead and Business Development team.
• Build and maintain relationships with city/county planning staff, HCD, and housing stakeholders.
• Contribute to Planning sector sales and booking goals.
• Lead public outreach and engagement, including community workshops, stakeholder meetings, and public hearings.
• Develop accessible outreach materials for diverse communities.
• Apply an equity lens to engagement strategy consistent with AFFH requirements.
• Serve as a key client contact and proactively address client needs.
• Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and public agency meetings.
• Collaborate with Community Planning and other service lines, including Resiliency, Environmental Compliance, and Housing.
• Support mentorship and professional development of junior staff, with a path toward supervising direct reports.

Skills

Project Management

Housing Element Preparation

Community Engagement

Business Development

AICP Certification

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Urban Planning / Public Policy)

AICP Certification

Job description

BKF is seeking a senior-level Community Planning professional in California to lead Housing Element delivery while guiding public engagement and stakeholder outreach. The role combines project management with business development to pursue 7th cycle opportunities in the Bay Area and LA metro.

Ideal candidates have 5–7 years in community planning, a strong track record on 6th cycle Housing Element updates, and familiarity with RHNA, AFFH, and HCD processes.