Join Our Team

Transform Community Visions into Magnetic Destinations
Place Foundry | Rockford, Illinois

THE OPPORTUNITY
Place Foundry is seeking a dynamic Place Strategist to lead strategic planning initiatives that create magnetic destinations across the Midwest. You'll bridge the gap between visionary thinking and practical implementation, ensuring our comprehensive plans become a reality rather than sitting on shelves. Join our integrated team where strategy, design, and engineering collaborate seamlessly to transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, thriving communities that inspire pride, foster connection, and catalyze economic growth. 

YOUR ROLE
As Place Strategist, you'll serve as a key contributor in our Planning & Development Studio, managing strategic planning engagements from vision development through implementation. You'll work directly with municipalities, developers, and community organizations to create implementable strategies for town and city planning, downtown revitalization, mixed-use development, and district and corridor transformation. This role combines analytical rigor with creative problem-solving, requiring you to develop funding strategies and facilitate stakeholder alignment. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead comprehensive planning projects from vision development through implementation strategy, creating frameworks for downtown revitalization and corridor transformation. 

• Conduct market analysis and economic modeling using advanced tools like Placer.AI to identify development opportunities and perform feasibility studies. 

• Develop funding strategies, public-private partnership structures, and phasing plans that turn strategic plans into groundbreaking ceremonies. 

• Manage project budgets, timelines, and client relationships while facilitating stakeholder meetings and building consensus around implementable strategies. 

• Mentor junior team members, contribute to thought leadership initiatives, and support business development through proposal writing and client presentations. 

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 3 years post-undergraduate community planning, economic development, or real estate development with a proven track record implementing strategic plans. 

• Strong analytical skills with experience in market analysis, financial modeling, feasibility studies, and municipal finance principles. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to facilitate stakeholder meetings and present to elected officials. 

• Understanding of zoning, development processes, TIF districts, and public-private partnerships with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. 

YOUR TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE

• Proficiency in GIS, demographic analysis tools, presentation software, and market research platforms like Placer.AI for visitor pattern analysis 

• Experience performing pro forma analysis, developing feasibility studies, and understanding funding mechanisms, including grants and public-private partnerships 

• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks, entitlement processes, and the ability to develop phasing strategies and implementation timelines 

• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, consensus building, and translating complex data into compelling narratives for diverse audiences 

• Proficiency in project management software, budget tracking, and coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, including planners, engineers, and designers 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Classification: Full Time  

• FLSA Status: Exempt  

• Travel Requirements: Moderate (25-50%)  

• Health, dental, and vision coverage  

• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer Days)  

• 401K plan

• Professional development opportunities 

HOW TO APPLY:
Please use the button below to submit your application, including a cover letter, resume, and portfolio. In your cover letter, highlight any additional relevant skills, experience, or qualifications that make you an ideal candidate for this position.