Manager, Economic Development & Urban Policy

About the position

AECOM is seeking a Manager or Senior Manager, to lead our economic development and urban policy as well as real estate capabilities in Los Angeles. The selected candidate will join the Buildings + Places (B+P) Consulting practice which brings together planners, architects, engineers, economists, and advisors to create city-shaping plans and strategies that tackle major policy, design, and social challenges around how cities and regional agencies serve their constituents. The B+P Consulting team helps clients understand market demand, identify industry sectors and clusters positioned for growth, and clarify economic and demographic disparities. We focus on evaluating the impact of pre-existing structural challenges that hold back regional economic performance across sectors such as tourism, green jobs, and advanced manufacturing, while also assessing strategies for industry, workforce, funding and financing, housing and real estate. The successful candidate can lead quantitative and qualitative economic analysis, conduct real estate development feasibility studies, analyze policies and programs, evaluate industry sectors and clusters, and develop strategies. This technical work would be in support of economic development projects as well as real estate and market assessments, housing and policy studies, corridor plans, district plans, and framework plans. In addition to technical proficiency, the candidate will be expected to effectively participate in business development activities and to direct project teams to ensure quality and timely work products that satisfy clients’ needs. The position requires the ability to lead a project team while working closely with other disciplines and balancing multiple projects and deadlines, delegating and mentoring staff, and communicating clearly with both clients and other team members. Business development expectations include responding to requests for proposals and managing responses, in addition to representing our team internally and externally for opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead economic development and urban policy initiatives in Los Angeles.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative economic analysis.
• Perform real estate development feasibility studies.
• Analyze policies and programs related to economic development.
• Evaluate industry sectors and clusters for growth opportunities.
• Develop strategies for economic and community development.
• Direct project teams to ensure quality and timely work products.
• Participate in business development activities and manage proposals.
• Collaborate with urban planners and other disciplines.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Urban Planning, Public Policy Analysis, Business, Real Estate or a related field.
• Six (6) years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.

Nice-to-haves

• 10+ years of professional experience at a planning and economics consulting firm.
• Master’s degree from an accredited university in a related field.
• Experience working collaboratively with urban planners and designers.
• Experience leading economic analysis related to community development.
• Strong technical skills with software packages like ArcGIS, R, Python, and Costar.
• Comfort working in Excel to develop financial cashflows.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits.
• Paid time off and leaves of absence.
• Voluntary benefits and perks.
• Flexible work options and well-being resources.
• Employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
• Service recognition awards and retirement savings plan.
• Employee stock purchase plan.