The Director of Planning will oversee the strategic direction, management, and execution of planning services in the Southwest Florida market from our Bonita Springs office. This leader will guide the planning team, cultivate strong client relationships, and drive business development efforts to expand RVi’s presence across the region. The ideal candidate is an experienced planner with a strong understanding of entitlement processes, client management, community engagement, land development trends, and design-driven problem solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor the planning team in the Bonita Springs office.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of planning projects—from concept to entitlement to implementation.
• Develop and maintain trusted client relationships across private developers, municipalities, and regional agencies.
• Guide the creation of master plans, land use plans, zoning/rezoning applications, and development strategies.
• Collaborate across internal studios including landscape architecture and urban design.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to clients, stakeholders, and public boards.
• Support regional business development efforts through networking, proposal development, and partnership cultivation.
• Ensure projects meet quality, budget, and schedule expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, or related field.
• 10+ years of professional planning experience; prior leadership or management experience strongly preferred.
• AICP certification.
• Deep knowledge of Southwest Florida planning, entitlement, and development processes.
• Proven ability to lead teams and foster a collaborative, supportive environment.
• Strong communication, presentation, and client management skills.
• Experience preparing planning documents, conceptual designs, and regulatory applications.

Business development experience and a strong professional network in the region a plus.

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As a Planning Project Manager, you will be involved in all aspects of the Land Planning Process. Skillsets related to design, land entitlement, client management and project management; including the preparation and processing of complex land use petitions for private sector clientele, the preparation and processing of a variety of planning studies, due diligence analysis; building and maintaining client and local municipal agency relationships; participating in or leading a variety of presentations required for successful client and project approvals.  RVi is a highly collaborative and supportive environment.  As such you will also be involved in maintaining and promoting the office culture, developing, and maintaining inter-studio collaboration with the landscape architecture team, and mentoring planning staff.  

Requirements:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in urban and regional planning, landscape architecture, or a closely related field.
• 5-8 years of experience in residential master planning and community design.  With a preference for experience in the central Texas market.
• A well-developed understanding of placemaking, community design, residential lotting and the entitlement process. Understanding of site grading and sustainable practices is a plus.
• The ability to: prepare planning documents and submittals, conduct independent research, and support of multiple projects.
• Successful project management skills including: project work planning and scheduling; managing budgets, staff and sub-consultants.
• Command of technology including: AutoCAD, Adobe Suites, and digital rendering programs.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, including writing and presentations.

Preferred Skills:

• GIS/ESRI capabilities
• Understanding of Civil 3D or other site development programs
• LEED or SITES certification
• Landscape Architecture experience or interest
• Drone pilot/ability to prepare drone footage 

JOB SUMMARY 

The Planning Associate will support the Project Manager/Director and the project team by assisting with the coordination of public-sector consulting and privately initiated development applications in multiple jurisdictions throughout Florida – including Rezonings, Annexations, Comprehensive Plan Amendments, Special Exceptions, Variances, and Due Diligence reports; performing administrative duties including coordinating submittals, ensuring the delivery of submittals to various jurisdictions, requesting information and files from local governments, and scheduling meetings; project-related research and other written materials to support various projects; assisting with monthly updates to Project Schedules and in the tracking and management of project deadlines/milestones; assisting other departments through coordination of permit submittal packages, zoning research, and other administrative tasks.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• Planning Associates require zero-three (0-3) years of practical experience as a planner or in related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work within a fast-paced team environment.
• Strong problem solving, analytical, and creative skills.
• Aptitude for independent research and problem-solving.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Adobe Photoshop, and InDesign is preferred, but not required.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university in Urban & Regional Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Landscape Architecture or a closely-related field of study is required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Understand project scope:
  • Coordinate with other team members and provide regular updates.
• Conduct due diligence for project:
  • Gather current and historical data from multiple reference sources (e.g., zoning ordinances, master plans, existing drawings).
  • Review with the Project Manager/Director and project team members.
• Use and understand land and site planning procedures and regulations:
  • Apply appropriate RVi standard guidelines as well as local and state guidelines.
• Ensure Product Quality and RVi Reputation
  • Follow RVi QA/QC Manual, protocols, and established standards.
• Achieve Performance Objectives
  • Meet or exceed designated chargeability, hours worked.
• Contribute to team effort.
  • Accomplish team-driven results as needed.
• Good communication skills, both oral and written.

SCOPE OF AUTHORITY

• Has relatively little authority to act independently but has considerable authority to work with project teams.
• Works closely with Directors and Project Managers.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, printers, etc., as well as on job sites.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with other office staff.
• Occasionally needs to attend in person meeting offsite.

CULTURAL FIT

• Independent yet collaborative
• Dependable and flexible
• Creative problem solver
• Natural communicator
• Results oriented and enthusiastic
• Client focused

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT:

• Exempt – Overtime Pay is not required.

DISCLAIMER

The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job.

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