Remote Housing Element Project Manager & Business Development Lead

BKF Engineers; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9 Paid Holidays

Education reimbursement

Profit sharing

401k

Job summary

BKF Engineers is seeking a Project Manager for Housing Element services within the Community Planning practice in California. You will lead project delivery from background analysis through HCD certification, while supporting business development for 7th cycle opportunities in the Bay Area and Los Angeles Metro.

This seller‑doer role requires coordinating with planning, environmental, and engineering teams and engaging with city staff and housing stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in community planning, with a focus on Housing Element preparation and implementation.
• Experience serving as Project Manager or lead team member on at least one 6th cycle Housing Element update (2021-2029).
• Working knowledge of RHNA methodology, site inventory requirements, rezoning programs, and AFFH analysis.
• Experience contributing to business development, including proposals, RFP responses, and client presentations; seller‑doer experience preferred.
• Strong community engagement skills, with experience facilitating public meetings and developing outreach materials.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to present complex housing policy clearly.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced consulting environment.
• Remote/hybrid position; candidates established in the Bay Area or LA metro area preferred.
• Willingness to travel as needed to project sites and client meetings.
• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, or a closely related field is required.
• AICP certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Project Manager on Housing Element update and implementation projects, including background reports, site inventories, program development, rezoning, and public engagement through HCD certification.
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, and subconsultant coordination to ensure quality delivery and client satisfaction.
• Guide clients through HCD review cycles and evolving state housing law requirements.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary internal teams across planning, environmental, and engineering disciplines.
• Lead the firm's strategy for identifying and pursuing 7th cycle Housing Element opportunities, with focus on the 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, partnering with the Practice Lead and Business Development team on go‑to‑market strategy.
• Build and maintain relationships with city and county planning staff, HCD, and housing stakeholders.
• Contribute to achievement of overall Planning sector sales and booking goals.
• Lead public outreach and engagement efforts for Housing Element updates, including community workshops, stakeholder meetings, and public hearings.
• Develop accessible outreach materials that clearly communicate housing policy and program concepts to diverse communities.
• Apply an equity lens to engagement strategy, consistent with AFFH requirements.
• Serve as a key point of contact for project clients, maintaining strong relationships and proactively addressing client needs.
• Represent the firm at local industry events, conferences, and public agency meetings.
• Work collaboratively with the broader Community Planning team 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 as the Housing Element portfolio grows.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Project management

Business development

Public engagement

Proposal development

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning

AICP certification preferred

Job description

BKF Engineers is seeking a Project Manager for Housing Element services within the Community Planning practice in California. You will lead project delivery from background analysis through HCD certification, while supporting business development for 7th cycle opportunities in the Bay Area and Los Angeles Metro.

This seller‑doer role requires coordinating with planning, environmental, and engineering teams and engaging with city staff and housing stakeholders.