Director of Planning and Design, Waterfront Alliance

Position Overview

Salary: $90,000 to $110,000 annually

Description

Waterfront Alliance is hiring a Director of Planning and Design based in New York, New York, paying $90,000 to $110,000 annually with a hybrid schedule, up to 25 percent travel, and the position open until filled.

Waterfront Alliance is a civic organization founded in 2007 that brings together more than 1,100 partners with ties to the New York and New Jersey waterways. Its mission is to lead the way for thriving and resilient waterfronts, shorelines, and coastlines, with key program areas spanning climate resilience, public access to the waterfront, the working waterfront, and climate education.

The Director of Planning and Design leads and grows the WEDG (Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines) program, an award-winning rating system and platform for resilient, sustainable, and accessible waterfront development. WEDG has trained more than 1,500 WEDG Professionals and built a network of verified sites across eleven states. The Director is a member of the leadership team, reports to the President and CEO, and works closely with the directors of communications, events, programs, and policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead growth and execution of the WEDG program, including WEDG Verification, WEDG Professionals, WEDG Policy and Finance, and WEDG Community Action.
• Manage staff (mix of part-time, temporary, and full-time), program budget, and strategic planning.
• Build relationships with municipal agencies, design firms, environmental partners, philanthropic funders, and private developers nationally to secure project verifications and expand philanthropic investment in community-driven and resilience-focused waterfront initiatives.
• Lead the WEDG Professionals Network, creating opportunities for engagement and expansion.
• Pursue strategic project, leadership, and partnership opportunities that advance WEDG and strengthen Waterfront Alliance’s local, regional, and national profile.
• Promote WEDG through thought leadership and develop strategies to embed WEDG in RFPs, the insurance community, policy, and other systems-level levers.
• Periodically revise WEDG standards, course, and materials to reflect advances in the field.
• Manage resilience and design projects across the portfolio, including ongoing work in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Coney Island Creek, maritime infrastructure, Blue Highways, and equitable public access.
• Develop RFPs and proposals; manage consultants, contracts, and stakeholder relationships; oversee technical reports and advocacy communications.
• Support the President and CEO with organization-wide initiatives, fundraising, and policy work.
• Serve as primary contact for WEDG Associates nationwide and key agency, municipal, and corporate partners.

Requirements

• Eight or more years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, environmental studies, engineering, real estate, public administration, or a related field.
• Business development experience with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Experience in design and capital projects, with a strong preference for project consulting teams or project developer/agency owner experience.
• Experience in community engagement and inclusive practice with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience reviewing technical design materials including site plans, CAD files, environmental impact statements, engineering reports, and stormwater calculations.
• Experience managing, executing, and developing complex programs with a passion for strategy implementation, project management, and marketing.
• Familiarity with and passion for climate change and sustainability; command of New York City and New Jersey waterfront and maritime urban planning, design, and land use regulations, policy, and programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and public speaking skills, including pitching WEDG to high-level executives, clients, and community audiences.
• Familiarity with professional education best practices in resilience, environmental, and sustainable design.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, internal teams, and external consultants concurrently.
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach with the ability to build trust across disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with design rating systems such as WEDG, Green Globes, LEED, Envision, SITES, or WELL.
• Nonprofit fundraising experience.

Additional Notes

• Full-time, exempt; reports to the President and CEO.
• New York, New York with a hybrid schedule; required travel up to 25 percent.
• Position open until filled.
• Comprehensive benefits package including employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; 401(k) with employer match; commuter and FSA benefits; paid time off; paid sabbatical after five years; professional development opportunities.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work full-time in the U.S. and should not require employment sponsorship.
• Equal opportunity employer; encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status, physical ability, or any other legally protected basis.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and the answers to the prompted questions through the Waterfront Alliance careers portal. Only complete applications will be considered. No phone calls.