AECOM

Urban Design Manager

AECOM • $110K — $130K *
Real Estate & Construction
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Urban Design, Planning, Architecture, or Landscape Architecture with a minimum of 8 years of professional experience.
  • Master’s degree in a relevant field with 10+ years of experience preferred.
  • Proven leadership experience in managing complex urban design projects, particularly in public and mixed-use sectors.
  • Experience in business development related to urban design and planning.
  • Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, Rhino, GIS, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Responsibilities

  • Lead large-scale urban design projects from concept through implementation with minimal supervision.
  • Manage project scope, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams across concurrent projects.
  • Establish design quality and consistency throughout project delivery.
  • Mentor junior staff and guide their development in urban design practices.
  • Prepare and present design documentation to clearly communicate project visions.
  • Integrate various technical disciplines into cohesive urban design solutions.
  • Engage with clients and stakeholders to build relationships and support business development efforts.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on transformative urban design projects across the East Coast.
  • Collaborative environment with a diverse team of professionals in urban design.
  • Focus on integrating innovative and sustainable design solutions.
  • Potential for professional development and mentorship from experienced leaders.
  • Access to industry conferences and business development activities.
Full Job Description
Job Description

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.

Qualifications

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.


Additional Information
  • This position does not offer relocation assistance.
  • Sponsorship for US Employment Authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.
  • 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 a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government. With approximately 45,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation and technical excellence in delivering solutions that create, enhance and sustain the world's built, natural, and social environments. A Fortune 500 company, AECOM serves clients in more than 150 countries and had revenue of $8.0 billion during the 12 months ended March 31, 2014.

AECOM Careers

Join AECOM, a premier global team of professionals dedicated to delivering infrastructure and environmental solutions. At AECOM, we are committed to fostering a culture of innovation, leadership, and diversity, making it an ideal place for ambitious individuals looking to advance their careers.

Work You’ll Do

At AECOM, you will be part of a dynamic team that thrives on challenges and is passionate about making a positive impact on the world. Our projects range from building sustainable cities to creating efficient transportation systems, offering a variety of job opportunities to apply your skills and grow professionally.

Explore AECOM’s Diverse Opportunities

Whether you are seeking an internship, a full-time position, or a leadership role, AECOM offers a spectrum of career paths across multiple disciplines. Our global presence provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and networking, allowing you to shape your career path in ways only limited by your imagination.

Innovate and Lead

Join a company where innovation and leadership go hand in hand. AECOM is a place where you can lead critical projects, influence strategies, and deliver solutions that contribute to our clients' success. Our leadership and diversity training ensure that you have the tools to lead effectively and inclusively, fostering an environment where all ideas are welcomed and explored.

Be Part of a Great Team

AECOM’s culture is centered on collaboration and excellence. Work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry, benefiting from a wealth of knowledge and experience that will enhance your professional development. Our team’s diversity fuels creativity and drives innovation, making AECOM a breeding ground for new ideas.

Future-Proof Your Career

AECOM is dedicated to your long-term career development. With access to cutting-edge projects and leading-edge technology, your skills will stay relevant in an ever-evolving industry. Our comprehensive benefits support your health, well-being, and financial security, ensuring you and your family are taken care of.

Join Our Team

Discover the array of job opportunities at AECOM by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for professionals who are curious, creative, and driven to excel.

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Keep up to date with industry trends, career tips, and AECOM news through our careers blog. Engage with us on professional networking platforms to stay informed about new openings and company updates.

Prepare for Your Future

Ready to advance your career at AECOM? Prepare your resume, hone your interview skills, and connect with us to find out how your aspirations align with our goals. At AECOM, your potential is limitless.

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At AECOM, we don’t just offer jobs; we offer careers that make a difference. Join us in building a better world together.
Learn more about AECOM
Size
51,000 employees
Market Cap
$11.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$200.8 million
Founded
1990
5 Year Trend
-6.3%
Revenue
$13.3 billion
NASDAQ

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