Role OverviewThe Director will lead multiple engagements at once and own client outcomes from strategy through implementation. The role is part of HR&A’s newly launched Vital Places Studio, a collaborative group of consultants working nationally and regionally across real estate advisory, economic development, climate and resilience, parks and open space, transit-oriented development, and infrastructure projects.
What You Will Do
Day-to-day work varies by project and may include managing internal and external teams, leading market, feasibility, business planning, and fiscal and economic impact studies, designing public-private partnership strategies, and reviewing and presenting client deliverables.
Why It Might Be a Fit
The Director will advise mayors and agency heads, real estate owners and developers, and institutional and community clients on high-stakes real estate and economic development decisions — shaping strategies that unlock investment, expand opportunity, and bring places to life across Texas.
Requirements
- 8–12 years of experience in government, urban planning, economic development, real estate, housing, public policy, or related consulting fields
- Substantial project management experience developing and steering economic development, real estate, infrastructure, or parks and open space projects and proposals
- Knowledge of the land use and economic development context, stakeholders, politics, regulations, and government processes within Texas cities
- Experience and comfort with real estate financial modeling and analysis
- Excellent writing and presentation skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and mentor junior staff
- Strong client management and communication skills
- Proficiency in common AI tools and understanding of limitations of AI tools
- Demonstrated interest in using emerging AI tools to accelerate data analysis, deliverable production and other specialized methodologies
- Master’s degree or commensurate work experience in city planning, economic development, real estate, public policy, business, or a related field preferred (additional experience may substitute for a graduate degree)
- A passion for community development and inclusive urban growth
Benefits
- Competitive compensation packages
- Discretionary year-end bonus
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan
- Comprehensive benefits package, including coverage of 90–95% of healthcare premiums plus dental and vision coverage
- Retirement account contributions
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