Urban Planner-Project Manager/Senior Planner-Project Manager

Position Title: Urban Planner-Project Manager/Senior Planner-Project Manager

Reporting to: Director of Urban Conservation

Location: Poughkeepsie, New York

Our Mission: To sustain and enhance the Hudson Valley’s inspirational beauty and health for generations to come.

Mission of Position:

The Urban Planner-Project Manager is a key member of a small and nimble team at Scenic Hudson that manages urban greening, park development and environmental justice initiatives. The role requires an innovative and thoughtful approach to community-based planning and project management that contributes to climate resilience and nature access for the most vulnerable residents in small cities. The Urban Planner-Project Manager/Senior Planner-Project Manager will: manage complex projects that center equitable access to nature in cities; cultivate working relationships with residents, community leaders, non-profit and academic partners, and government officials to advance community-led planning efforts; conduct site analyses, develop concept plans and implementation strategies for green infrastructure projects; engage community members through creative methods that center community ownership of projects and advance environmental justice; and analyze data and policy as they relate to equitable access to open space, climate resilience, and conservation of urban ecosystems. This position works collaboratively with the Director and other River Cities Program staff. The Title and level (Urban Planner or Senior Project Manager) will be determined based on experience and demonstrated expertise.

About Scenic Hudson’s River Cities Program:

Scenic Hudson’s River Cities Program focuses on improving equitable access to nature and creating systems of climate-resilient green infrastructure in the Mid-Hudson cities of Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, and Kingston through meaningful community engagement and multi-stakeholder collaboration. We believe that cities should reflect the voices and visions of all their residents while supporting the living natural heritage of the Hudson River Estuary. We focus on key natural assets that provide opportunities for public access to nature, linking neighborhoods, engaging youth leadership, and improving biodiversity and climate resilience in urban ecosystems. We value equity, representation, and justice as critical aspects of our collaborative conservation work. Our practice is rooted in the co-creation of vibrant public spaces that support social and ecological wellbeing.

Responsibilities may include:

• Contribute to planning and design strategies for urban greening and conservation projects on multiple scales that advance environmental justice and ecological resilience.

• Coordinate urban design, ecological restoration and park development projects with various professional contractors and community stakeholders.

• Provide qualitative and quantitative research and analysis of socio-demographic, environmental and cultural factors to drive data-informed decision making.

• Identify and engage stakeholders and project partners including the general public, community leaders, not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, governmental agencies, and private sector entities.

• Review, analyze, and apply local codes, plans and policies to Scenic Hudson projects.

• Utilize GIS and other research platforms to inform project and programmatic strategy.

• Supervise and manage occasional interns.

• Create maps and visual diagrams to communicate planning and design concepts.

• Provide technical assistance to community partners and municipal agencies.

• Develop surveys and participatory research methods.

• Manage field research and participatory science initiatives that advance urban planning and conservation outcomes.

• Manage contracts, schedules, and deliverables of consultants and strategic partners.

• As needed, review private development proposals, provide analysis and alternate concepts that reflect contemporary urban design principles, environmental justice and climate resilience.

• Provide reporting of program activities and outcomes for board committees, funders and external communications. Assist with managing the River Cities Program budget and grant proposals.

• Represent Scenic Hudson in a variety of capacities including public meetings, formal hearings and social/community gatherings.

• Secure local and state approvals and permits for projects.

• Available for occasional night and weekend meetings.

• Other duties as assigned to achieve programmatic and organizational goals.