Senior Campus Planner - Lead Campus Design & Strategy

SmithGroup; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 159,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

3 weeks PTO first year

8 federal holidays

Wellbeing resources

401(k) matching

Job summary

SmithGroup’s Los Angeles office seeks a Senior Campus Planner to lead high‑level campus planning projects for higher education clients. You will steer interdisciplinary teams, manage client relationships, and guide project deliverables through all phases, balancing design excellence with strategic goals.

The role emphasizes leadership in business development, client satisfaction, and collaborative problem solving within a hybrid work environment, with regional/national travel as needed.

Qualifications

• A professional degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Urban Planning or equivalent.
• 15+ years related experience preferred and/or training in AE Industry.
• Registration or licensure in relevant field.
• Successful track record of winning campus planning work with higher education clients.
• Experience with higher education clients through all phases of campus planning projects.
• Sustainability credentials and/or commitment to achieve certification within six months of hire.
• Demonstrated effectiveness and a strong commitment to teamwork and client satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Provide team leadership, management, and strategy for the Campus Planning Studio.
• Lead interdisciplinary campus planning teams as Team Lead or Project Manager.
• Present findings and recommendations in meetings with stakeholders.
• Communicate planning issues to campus and community stakeholders at public meetings.
• Lead production of project presentations, plan reports, and deliverables.
• Support business development with Campus Planning Studio Leader and Market Leader.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Client management

Project management

Team leadership

Communication

Travel coordination

2D/3D software proficiency

Education

Architecture degree

Landscape Architecture or Urban Design (optional)

Tools

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

ArcGIS

SketchUp

Microsoft Office

Job description

SmithGroup’s Los Angeles office seeks a Senior Campus Planner to lead high‑level campus planning projects for higher education clients. You will steer interdisciplinary teams, manage client relationships, and guide project deliverables through all phases, balancing design excellence with strategic goals.

The role emphasizes leadership in business development, client satisfaction, and collaborative problem solving within a hybrid work environment, with regional/national travel as needed.