Director of Placemaking + Community Design - Buffalo

Description · Director of Placemaking + Community Design · Planning | Landscape Architecture | Architecture Leadership · Fisher is seeking a Director of Placemaking + Community Design to lead and grow a multidisciplinary planning, landscape architecture, and architecture practice ...

Job description

Description

Director of Placemaking + Community Design

Planning | Landscape Architecture | Architecture Leadership

Fisher is seeking a Director of Placemaking + Community Design to lead and grow a multidisciplinary planning, landscape architecture, and architecture practice. This senior leadership role is ideal for a placemaking, urban design, or community design leader who brings a strong background in strategic growth, client development, and people leadership, and who is passionate about shaping vibrant, people-centered communities.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director will drive practice growth, market expansion, and design excellence, while delivering high-quality, financially successful projects. This role offers the opportunity to grow a thriving practice, lead high-performing teams, and play a visible role in the continued evolution of a collaborative firm recognized for excellence in placemaking and community design.

If you're ready to lead impactful placemaking and community design work while shaping the future of a growing multidisciplinary practice, we invite you to apply and start the conversation with Fisher.

About Fisher Associates

At Fisher Associates, we are a multidisciplinary design services firm with nine locations nationwide, empowering our teams to drive meaningful change through their work. Our services span civil/site engineering, transportation engineering, electrical engineering, landscape architecture, architecture, planning, environmental services, land surveying, GIS, construction inspection, precast, and construction engineering, each offering opportunities to shape communities and improve lives.

What You'll Do as Director of Placemaking + Community Design

• Lead the strategic direction, growth, and financial performance of the Placemaking + Community Design practice, providing award-winning work while achieving annual revenue and profitability targets.
• Partner with senior leadership to develop and execute business development and growth strategies.
• Secure work from existing and new clients in support of the annual business plan and strategic initiatives.
• Build and sustain trusted relationships with clients, partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Identify and pursue market opportunities while representing Fisher through industry leadership and engagement.
• Ensure successful project delivery through accountable Project Managers, with oversight of budgets, schedules, quality, and client satisfaction.
• Oversee proposal development to clearly communicate value and align with firm standards.
• Collaborate across disciplines and geographies to deliver integrated, multi-disciplinary solutions.
• Build, lead, and retain a high-performing team through mentoring, coaching, and performance management.
• Support employee development through career planning, skill building, and learning opportunities.
• Partner with HR to ensure projects are appropriately staffed and aligned with business and financial goals.
• Lead by example, demonstrating accountability, professionalism, and alignment with the firm's Core Values and Clientship philosophy.
• Travel as required (approximately 25%).

Requirements

What You Bring, Your Expertise as a Director of Placemaking + Community Design

Leadership Profile

• Leads with integrity and accountability, modeling Fisher's Core Values and Clientship philosophy while setting clear expectations and driving performance through coaching and ownership.
• Brings strong organizational leadership, using financial insight to drive growth and performance.
• Builds trust and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders.
• Communicates effectively and acts decisively, translating strategy into action.
• Committed to building long-term client and partner relationships.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or a related field; Master's preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in technical professional services, including senior leadership roles with responsibility for strategy, growth, and financial performance.
• Broad knowledge of Landscape Architecture, Planning, and Architecture, with deep expertise in at least one discipline.
• Proven success leading the full client lifecycle and executing strategic growth plans and budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to identify market opportunities, build trusted client relationships, and deliver results in competitive environments.

Why You'll Love Working at Fisher

• Shape what's next. Step into a key leadership role with meaningful influence over strategy, growth, and the future of a growing firm.
• Lead with impact. Drive business performance and build trusted client relationships that support sustainable growth.
• Build exceptional teams. Lead and mentor a talented, collaborative team in a culture that values accountability, development, and growth.
• Work in a culture of trust and excellence. Thrive in an environment that sets high expectations while fostering collaboration, transparency, and strong professional relationships.
• Sustain success. Benefit from a flexible work environment that supports professional excellence and personal well-being.

What We Offer

Your Impact Matters, Your Career Thrives. Shape community-impacting projects while guiding teams and clients, growing a practice, and influencing firm strategy in placemaking and community design. We offer competitive salaries and benefits, including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Company-paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Hybrid Work Schedule
• Generous PTO and Paid Holidays
• Strong Work-life Balance
• Shareholders Program
• Professional Development Opportunities and Reimbursement
• Supplemental Benefits Designed for Total Well-being and Financial Security
• Engage with a variety of employee groups focused on community, inclusion, and employee voice.

Salary Range $175,000-$205,000

Actual compensation may vary based on relevant experience, qualifications/education, and other factors. The salary range is not necessarily reflective of the actual total compensation that may be earned nor promises any specific pay for any specific employee. Salary range excludes monetary value of benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Fisher Associates is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.

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