Program Manager II (Urban Design)

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At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

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• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

The Austin Planning Department's mission is to provide equitable, people-centered planning services and shape an Austin where everyone can thrive.

Job Description:

Program Manager II

Purpose:

Under limited direction, responsible for developing, implementing and managing moderately complex program(s) that integrates multiple elements or projects to achieve a defined objective.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

• Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  
• Develops and implements full-scale programs that may have multiple internal and external stakeholders.
  
• Determines program goals, objectives, and resource requirements.
  
• Establishes program standards, methods, policies, and procedures.
  
• Coordinates and collaborates with multiple stakeholders involved in or affected by programs.
  
• Monitors and evaluates program effectiveness and implements improvement strategies.
  
• Develops, manages, and monitors the program budget and associated projects and provides financial information.
  
• Assists in the development, management, and submittal of proposed budget forecast planning.
  
• Manages, coordinates, implements, and monitors projects associated with assigned programs.
  
• Interacts with internal and external customers.
  
• Investigates and responds to inquiries from the public and other departments.
  
• Attends meetings and conducts presentations Board and Commissions, City Council Committees, City Council, and other related agencies.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May be responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for discharge.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of principles and practices associated with assigned program area(s).
  
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation and monitoring.
  
• Knowledge of management principles related to municipal project and program activities.
  
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedure.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in planning, coordinating, and implementing programs and activities.
  
• Skill in interpreting, organizing, coordinating, and executing assignments, projects, and programs.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to establish and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  
• Ability to exercise good judgment, tact, and diplomacy in all dealings and maintain confidentiality as required.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to the job, plus four (4) years of experience in a field related to the job, including two (2) years of which were in a supervisory, project, or program management capacity.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive knowledge of urban design and planning principles including experience leading design and planning projects at different scales ranging from comprehensive planning to small area planning (corridor plans, neighborhood plans, design standards, station area plans, Transit Oriented Developments).
  
• Experience in managing and leading teams of design professionals.
  
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Valid Texas Class C Driver License.

Notes to Candidate:

The Urban Design Division leads efforts to shape the city’s physical form to create people-centered design solutions for effective placemaking. The principal elements that Urban Design examines include open spaces, streets, sidewalks and walkways; bridges and water bodies; historical features; trees and landscaping; and lighting and signage that all affect the quality of life in the public realm.

The Division, located within Austin Planning seeks to:

• Envision and implement beautiful, sustainable, and people-centered places that build and serve diverse and complete communities.
  
• Provide placemaking urban design services, internally to the City of Austin and externally to the broader community - that balance function and design, heritage and change, vision and reality.
  
• Promote the value of urban design by building relationships through collaboration, education, outreach, and example in the areas of planning, design, advocacy, activation, and development review.
  

To learn more about the Urban Design division please visit: Austin Planning - Urban Design.

The Program Manager II will have demonstrated expertise in the practice of urban design to assist staff and to work with communities to envision the future urban form of neighborhoods, districts, and redeveloping areas in ways that reinforce people-oriented place-making and create a high-quality public realm. This position has supervisory responsibilities, and will report to the Urban Design Division Manager.

As part of a design team, duties, functions, and responsibilities specific to this position may include, but are not limited to:

• Manage and supervise site development plans and associated license agreements reviews for designated projects assigned to Urban Design.
  
• Coordinate with Austin Development Services on site development plan reviews.
  
• Coordinate with Austin Transportation and Public Works on license agreement reviews.
  
• Manage major initiatives and projects within the Urban Design team to include assisting with Small Area Planning and updates to Imagine Austin.
  
• Manage the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Program, Station Area Plans, North Burnet/Gateway and East Riverside Corridor Implementation and maintenance of regulating plans.
  
• Assist with the administration of the Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP).
  
• Work with the Austin Design Commission as Staff Liaison and coordinate with the Administrative Assistant to manage Design Commission meeting logistics.
  
• Assist the Austin Design Commission with the update to the Urban Design Guidelines.
  
• Develop and evaluate written plans, reports, and analysis for a variety of urban design projects, plans, and program activities.
  
• Assist in the creation of 2D and 3D analytical and conceptual sketches, drawings, graphics, digital and physical models, maps, and illustrations to support urban design plans, initiatives, and projects.
  
• Prepare and deliver presentations to convey urban design plans, concepts and interventions to city staff, city commissions, agencies, public officials, citizen groups, and public meetings.
  
• Provide urban design consultation and assistance to citizens, city departments, developers, city management, etc.
  

A hybrid schedule is available. Position may require evening and weekend meetings.

Salary: $71,630.00 - $90,980.00 annually

Physical Location: 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, TX

Posting Duration: The Department may close this posting any time after 7 days.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply , but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed . All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-02-24

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• City of Austin

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