Project Manager - Housing and Equity

Community Planning Collaborative is a mission-driven practice that partners with local governments, regional agencies, nonprofits and foundations to help create more equitable, inclusive and resilient communities. Common projects include developing housing plans, strategies and technical assistance, leading the coordination and product development for a variety of projects, from anti-displacement to multi-jurisdictional housing collaboratives, promoting Accessory Dwelling Units, and facilitating the creation of affordable housing through land use policies and programs.

You are a skilled project manager who shares our passion for social justice and sustainability. You are well-organized, detail-oriented, unflappable, good humored and enjoy being part of a high performing team. You listen, because you are an excellent communicator. You are self-directed and proactive, able to manage several complex projects simultaneously while taking pride in your work and remaining responsive to feedback. You are a skilled researcher and writer experienced at translating technical information into easy-to-read narrative summaries and graphics, and know how to guide members of your project team to do the same. You are committed to maintaining excellent client relations and high-quality outcomes. 

As a project manager you enjoy having a high degree of responsibility and autonomy, covering everything from the signing of the contract to the delivery of final products. You thrive in a team environment and enjoy supporting other members of your project team to consistently be at their best, delegating tasks and reviewing their work to ensure outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. You are comfortable and personable in giving direction and feedback.

You also have a demonstrated commitment to equity and to ensuring that the voices and perspectives of those who will be affected by decisions are involved in shaping them. You enjoy working with diverse communities and stakeholders and go above and beyond to ensure culturally appropriate and inclusive engagement. 

About the Position and Its Requirements 

CPC Project Managers lead complex planning and policy projects, interfacing with principals, other CPC team members, clients, subconsultants and the public on a regular basis. Responsibilities include everything from project proposal and budget development to contract and subconsultant management to the development of high quality deliverables. Project managers regularly organize and facilitate meetings; present in public fora; and serve as key points of contact for clients. This position will initially focus on projects related to housing, equity and anti-displacement.

This is a flexible, hybrid position but you need to be in the San Francisco Bay Area or willing to relocate. You will work in our Berkeley office at least two days a week after being onboarded, plus attend in-person client meetings and public meetings when needed (occasional but can include some evenings). You have the option to work remotely the rest of the week. 

Full-time availability is required. Generally, we maintain a healthy work/life balance and do not work more than 40 hours per week, but occasionally there are deadlines that require pushes. 

Required skills and experience: 

• Clear and concise writing about policy or laws that is easy to understand for the general public
• Ability to manage complex, multi-month projects and meet internal and external deadlines, including budget and timeline management
• Comfort with managing blended teams of collaborators, sub-consultants, and colleagues
• Ability to communicate with clients clearly, with kindness and empathy
• Excellent listening and verbal communication skills with colleagues, clients and the public
• Experience in organizing and leading effective meetings, internal and external
• Demonstrated ability to present complex information in an easy-to-understand way
• Attention to detail, with strong organizational and project planning skills
• Experience collecting, analyzing and writing about data (demographics, housing statistics, etc.)
• Knowledge of housing policy and planning
• Skilled in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and ability to learn new software like Asana and Salesforce
• Excellent time management skills and ability to manage, track, and prioritize tasks across projects
• Entrepreneurial attitude and strong independent problem-solving abilities
• Bachelor’s degree required

Desired skills/experience:

• Master’s Degree in City Planning, Public Policy or related field, or equivalent work experience
• Spanish speaker with cultural competencies (ability to facilitate, capture notes during in-language small group discussions, and/or draft and proofread outreach collateral highly desired, however, all levels are encouraged to apply)
• Experience facilitating public meetings (both virtual and in-person)
• Experience with housing planning and policy in California
• Graphic design sense, proficient in Adobe Design Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) and/or GIS

About Community Planning Collaborative: We are a small consulting practice specializing in housing policy, public participation, multi-jurisdictional collaboration, strategic planning, and sustainability planning. We combine strong technical skills with a long-standing commitment to inclusive engagement, helping our clients develop responsive and responsible solutions to complex challenges. Our team is kind, supportive, and mission-driven, and deeply values collaboration. Learn more at www.planningcollaborative.com. 

Compensation: The hourly compensation for this full-time position will be $55 to $68 per hour, depending on knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Benefits include health, dental and vision; a 401k retirement program; paid time off; professional development support; and more.

Expected Schedule: 

• Wed, Oct 23rd, 5:00 pm Soft deadline to apply (accepting until position filled) 
• Week of Nov 4th Phone Screening / Initial Interviews 
• Week of Nov 18th Call references and decision (start within 2 weeks or as soon as possible) 

How to Apply: Email the following materials to [email protected]: 

1. Cover letter (explain why you are interested in the role and the strengths you can bring to the team) 
2. Resume 
3. Professional writing sample (not academic) demonstrating ability to translate technical information to easy-to-understand language