Senior Planner & Policy Lead – Housing, CEQA (Hybrid)

Urban Planning Partners, Inc.; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation & sick pay

Insurance plans

Transit reimbursement

Wellness stipend

401k match

Profit sharing

Donation matching

Referral bonus

Job summary

Urban Planning Partners (UPP) in Oakland is seeking a full-time Senior Planner/Associate Principal to lead complex housing policy, CEQA work, and planning entitlements for projects across the Bay Area and beyond. The role focuses on client management, multi-project supervision, and mentoring junior staff.

Ideal candidates bring 7+ years (Senior) or 10+ years (Associate Principal) of experience, strong communication, and a track record in development review, entitlement processing, and

Qualifications

• Minimum years of experience: Senior Planner 7+ years with 3–4 years in project management; Associate Principal 10+ years with 5 years in project management.
• Experience in housing policy, CEQA, development/land use entitlement, community engagement, contract planning, and planning policy.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, communicate with clients, control contracts and budgets, ensure quality and deadlines.
• Understanding of zoning and planning policies, standard city processes, and CEQA procedures.
• Experience as main client contact, leading meetings, and presenting to councils or commissions.
• Demonstrated people management experience and strong writing/editing, research, and analytical skills.
• Ability to collaborate in a small, hands-on boutique firm where team members wear multiple hats.

Responsibilities

• Lead selected projects and provide support on others, with opportunities for advancement.
• Mentor junior staff and participate in management discussions.
• Engage with clients and subconsultants, lead meetings, and present to City Council or Planning Commission sessions.
• Prepare CEQA documents for mixed-use, infill, and transit projects; advocate streamline provisions where appropriate.
• Oversee proposal development and participate in interview processes.

Skills

Housing policy

CEQA

Land use entitlement

Community engagement

Contract planning

Planning policy

Project management

Client communication

Team leadership

Urban planning

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in urban planning or related field

Tools

GIS

Adobe Creative Suite

MS Office

Job description

Urban Planning Partners (UPP) in Oakland is seeking a full-time Senior Planner/Associate Principal to lead complex housing policy, CEQA work, and planning entitlements for projects across the Bay Area and beyond. The role focuses on client management, multi-project supervision, and mentoring junior staff.

Ideal candidates bring 7+ years (Senior) or 10+ years (Associate Principal) of experience, strong communication, and a track record in development review, entitlement processing, and