Project Manager - Housing Element Services

BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing planning and related services across California and the Pacific Northwest. The Project Manager will lead Housing Element project delivery, client engagement, community outreach, and business development for 7th cycle Housing Element opportunities, particularly in the Bay Area and LA metro markets.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as Project Manager on Housing Element update and implementation projects, including background reports, site inventories, program development, rezoning, and public engagement through HCD certification
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, and subconsultant coordination to ensure quality delivery and client satisfaction
• Guide clients through HCD review cycles and evolving state housing law requirements
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary internal teams across planning, environmental, and engineering disciplines
• Lead the firm’s strategy for identifying and pursuing 7th cycle Housing Element opportunities, with a focus on the Bay Area and LA metro markets
• Track upcoming Housing Element RFP releases and position the firm ahead of key pursuits
• Lead proposal development and RFP responses, partnering with the Practice Lead and Business Development team on go-to-market strategy
• Build and maintain relationships with city and county planning staff, HCD, and housing stakeholders
• Contribute to the achievement of overall Planning sector sales and booking goals
• Lead public outreach and engagement efforts for Housing Element updates, including community workshops, stakeholder meetings, and public hearings
• Develop accessible outreach materials that clearly communicate housing policy and program concepts to diverse communities
• Apply an equity lens to engagement strategy, consistent with AFFH requirements
• Serve as a key point of contact for project clients, maintaining strong relationships and proactively addressing client needs
• Represent the firm at local industry events, conferences, and public agency meetings
• Work collaboratively with the broader Community Planning team and other service lines, including Resiliency, Environmental Compliance, and Housing
• Support mentorship and professional development of junior staff, with a path toward supervising direct reports as the Housing Element portfolio grows
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement

Requirements:

• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in community planning, with a focus on Housing Element preparation and implementation
• Demonstrated experience serving as Project Manager or a lead team member on at least one 6th cycle (2021–2029) Housing Element update
• Working knowledge of RHNA methodology, site inventory requirements, rezoning programs, and AFFH analysis
• Demonstrated experience contributing to business development, including proposals, RFP responses, and client presentations
• Strong community engagement skills, with experience facilitating public meetings and developing outreach materials
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to present complex housing policy topics clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced consulting environment
• Willingness to travel as needed to support project sites, client meetings, and regional offices
• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, or a closely related field is required
• Physical Demands: Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations
• prior seller-doer experience preferred
• Remote/hybrid position; candidates established in the Bay Area or LA metro area are preferred
• AICP certification is preferred