Job Title: Project Planner
Location: New Haven, CT
Job Type: Full-Time

About Us:

Our client is a client-focused owner’s representative firm that provides expert project planning, management, and advisory services to institutions and organizations with complex capital projects. We serve as a trusted partner through all stages of planning and execution, ensuring that our clients' goals, standards, and values are upheld from concept through delivery.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled Project Planner to support the early-stage planning and permitting of large-scale capital projects. The ideal candidate will have a background in architecture, strong familiarity with code compliance and municipal processes, and the ability to develop planning models aligned with institutional priorities. The Project Planner plays a key role in ensuring projects are scoped, documented, reviewed, and authorized efficiently and effectively, while upholding client standards and long-term strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support assigned projects through the planning phase, including coordination of permit and municipal submissions to meet project timelines.
• Serve as the client’s representative in meetings with municipal authorities and agencies having jurisdiction (AHJs).
• Review and provide input on architectural plans in support of Program Directors and senior project leadership.
• Ensure adherence to client design standards during design development and provide ongoing constructability and code compliance reviews.
• Coordinate and lead plan review processes across all disciplines, including Civil, Structural, Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical.
• Develop planning models that address departmental needs while aligning with institutional priorities and long-range development goals.
• Help resolve planning and technical conflicts by identifying and recommending cost-effective alternatives.
• Distill complex project issues into concise presentations for leadership review and timely decision-making.
• Contribute to physical and comprehensive planning studies, including large-scale and special facilities planning.
• Manage and assess the performance of internal and external planning consultants.
• Act as liaison between project architects, consultants, committees, and technical teams during the planning phase.
• Prepare and manage overall project budgets for the planning phase, including design fees, testing costs, and preconstruction expenses.
• Lead the selection and management of planning phase consultants.
• Ensure that all planning-phase efforts are delivered within approved budget and schedule constraints.
• Support the development of architectural programming requirements and facilitate their integration into project scope.

Qualifications:

• Planner: Minimum of 7 years of relevant planning/design experience in an architecture or construction-related environment.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Licensure: Architectural license preferred; candidates should be on track to licensure if not already registered.
• Proven experience working with municipal permitting agencies and navigating regulatory processes.
• Strong understanding of building codes, zoning regulations, and institutional design standards.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and consultants simultaneously while maintaining quality and schedule adherence.
• Proficiency with construction and planning tools, including AutoCAD, Revit, and cloud-based project management software (e.g., Procore, PlanGrid, or similar).
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to create clear, visually engaging presentations and planning documents.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working within higher education, healthcare, or public sector environments.
• Familiarity with long-range capital planning and strategic campus development.
• Knowledge of sustainable design practices and LEED certification processes.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Professional development support and licensure reimbursement
• Opportunities for advancement within a growing organization