The role
AECOM’s Urbanism + Planning practice is a continuum of design vision and strategic advisory that transforms communities. We lead through integration, shaping the social infrastructure that connects us all. U+P incudes: urban planning, urban design, landscape architecture, workplace strategy, business transformation, asset advisory, economics and development planning,
With a range of expertise from strategy and design through project realization, we create better outcomes to grow economies, protect natural systems, conserve natural resources, make societies more equitable and connect and engage people through innovative, sustainable design solutions.
Our teams have worked on transformative TOD and urban design projects for high profile clients throughout the United States, including for major transit, transportation, economic development, and planning agencies including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and NJ TRANSIT in the NYC Metropolitan area, NYC Economic Development Corporation, State of Connecticut, City of Boston, WMATA in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area, and Miami-Dade County Metrorail in Miami.
Job Summary
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. AECOM’s Urbanism + Planning team is seeking a creative and experienced urban design manager to join its growing Urban Design Studio. The role will lead transformative, large-scale urban design and master planning projects across the East Coast, with a focus on TOD, mixed-use development, placemaking, downtown revitalization, and public realm design. Working collaboratively with urban designers, planners, landscape architects, engineers, and economists, the urban design manager will provide design leadership, project management, client engagement, and business development for municipal, state, and private-sector clients.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management & Leadership:
- With limited supervision and in partnership with studio leadership, lead complex, multidisciplinary urban design projects from concept through implementation, including master plans, land use and built form studies, public realm strategies, and urban design guidelines.
- Manage project scope, schedule, budget, work plans, and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects, project phases, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Establish and maintain design direction, quality, and consistency throughout project delivery while balancing innovation, feasibility, budget, and schedule.
- Mentor and guide urban design staff members.
- Identify project risks and opportunities and proactively resolve design, coordination, and delivery challenges.
Urban Design & Production:
- Prepare design drawings, diagrams, maps, renderings, presentations, and project documentation that clearly communicate planning concepts and urban design vision for TOD, residential, office, retail, mixed-use, and public realm projects, while applying knowledge of building systems, planning regulations, and urban design principles in accordance with project specifications, established design standards, and verbal and written direction using industry-standard digital and traditional design tools.
- Provide design leadership across both the horizontal realm – public spaces, streets, infrastructure, and landscape, and the vertical realm – building massing, built form, building interfaces, and façade articulation.
- Lead and coordinate interdisciplinary teams, integrating civil, structural, transportation, environmental, landscape, and other technical disciplines into cohesive and viable design solutions.
- Translate complex planning and urban design concepts into clear, compelling diagrams, visualizations, reports, and presentations for a range of audiences.
Client Relationships & Business Development:
- Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, building trusted relationships with public- and private-sector stakeholders.
- Lead client presentations, workshops, stakeholder meetings, and public engagement sessions with enthusiasm and clarity.
- Lead and support proposal development, design approaches, scopes of work, fee and budget development, work plans, and project interviews.
- Lead client relationship-building efforts, identifying opportunities to expand existing relationships and develop new business.
- Represent AECOM in client listening meetings, presentations, and other business development activities including industry conferences and organizations.
**Design Portfolio must be submitted for application to be considered.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Urban Design, Planning, Architecture, or Landscape Architecture with minimum of 8 years of professional experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Urban Design, Planning, Architecture, or Landscape Architecture with 10+ years of professional experience.
- Proven leadership and project management experience on complex, multidisciplinary, large-scale urban design and TOD projects and pursuits, especially in public-sector, urban and mixed-use contexts.
- Business development experience, including supporting and leading urban design and planning proposals for public sector and private sector clients.
- Well-developed urban design and digital graphic skills, including authorship and production of 2D and 3D site plans, sections, elevations, building massing studies, diagrams, renderings, maps, and presentation graphics, with advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, Rhino, GIS, Enscape, Lumion or comparable rendering software, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign), and Microsoft Office.
- Significant experience producing high-quality written narrative and graphics for reports and presentations, with the ability to present ideas with enthusiasm and clarity to internal and external audiences.
- Positive, proactive approach to teamwork and problem-solving.
- Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Excellent time management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- AICP certification or active pursuit of certification preferred.
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This position does not offer relocation assistance.
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Sponsorship for US Employment Authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.
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THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY, AND AECOM INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION BY NOVEMBER 30, 2026.
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.