Planning Project Manager / Urban Designer

About the Company and Role - Our Orlando, FL-based landscape architecture and planning firm is seeking an exceptional Planning Project Manager / Urban Designer with 4-7 years of experience to lead projects, navigate entitlements, and communicate ideas through strong visuals and storytelling. The ideal candidate seamlessly blends creativity with technical expertise and is driven by a passion for shaping exceptional places through both design and planning. The ideal candidate also has the project management skills to effectively coordinate and collaborate with project team members to complete project assignments and drive projects forward to a successful completion.  

Dix.Hite’s Planning and Urban Design Studio helps clients shape communities with clarity and purpose. Grounded in collaboration and community engagement, we create plans that balance growth, sustainability, and authentic placemaking – bridging the gap between big-picture vision and real-world results.   

We Design for Life. When we design, we are driven by how our ability to tell the stories of the land will impact the lives of a space’s end users. It means that we design for life experiences. It means that we keep native ecosystems top of mind in our design work. It means that our employees pour their all into their work, thus enhancing their own lives and the lives of those who interact with the spaces they design. 

Responsibilities: 

• Lead and support urban design + planning projects from concept through approvals 
• With limited guidance, translate and apply codes and regulations into smart, buildable design solutions 
• Produce high-quality graphics, site plans, and visual materials (maps, diagrams, renderings, presentations) that clearly communicate planning concepts to technical and non-technical audiences, combined with good storytelling 
• Conduct GIS mapping, spatial analysis, and data-driven research to inform land use decisions, market positioning, and policy recommendations 
• Develop and implement entitlement strategies and coordinate with local jurisdictions 
• Present to clients, boards, and community stakeholders 
• Know and follow our standards and participate in the quality review process 
• Collaborate with a design-driven, multidisciplinary team, including communicating with project and studio team members to manage workload  
• Foster strong client relationships and satisfaction through active engagement, responsive communication, and collaboration with clients and allied professionals throughout the project lifecycle. 
• Develop and implement project plans, manage risks, establish project parameters, and oversee financial performance to ensure successful and profitable project delivery. 
• Delegate work effectively while guiding and mentoring team members on projects, fostering collaboration and maintaining a positive team morale. 
• Assist with contract and additional services proposal writing. 

Why Dix.Hite:   

We care deeply about our people, our environment, and the communities in which we work. We strive for cohesion between our work and our team member's lives beyond the practice, as we know it’s our people that bring this ethos to life.? 

Benefits: 

• Competitive Salary – Dix.Hite is committed to market-leading pay 
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, vision, dental, Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance, Life Insurance and Flexible Benefit Account 
• 401(k) company contribution of 3% regardless of the employee’s contribution 
• Opportunity to participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) 
• Dix.Hite will reimburse for professional licensure-related fees, and continuing education courses to meet CEU requirements 
• Dix.Hite provides additional opportunities for professional and personal growth and learning including annual personalized individual development plans.  
• In addition to our competitive PTO policy, Dix.Hite provides 10 paid holidays (including one floating holiday), and an end-of-year office closure that provides up to 4 additional paid days. 

Equal Opportunity Statement - Dix.Hite is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. 

Experience Required:  

• 4-7 years in urban planning, urban design, or land development 
• Strong experience with code research, entitlement, and zoning 
• Proficiency in GIS (ArcGIS or similar) and Adobe Creative Suite 
• Confidence in public speaking and client presentations 
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment 
• Emerging leadership abilities including coaching, guiding, and motivating project team members 
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management skills 
• Aligned with our core values of Empowerment, Passion, Integrity, Creativity, and Collaboration (EPICC!) 

Experience Preferred:  

• AutoCAD, SketchUp, and/or Revit 
• Central Florida experience + local jurisdiction knowledge 
• AICP (or pursuing) 

 Education Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Design, Urban/City Planning, or Community and Regional Planning; Master’s degree preferred.