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Associate Director- Social Planning

Job Posted 3/8/2025
Urbis
Sydney, Sydney 2000
Category Management
Job Description

Urbis is people focused, and we want the best for our team, our clients, and our communities. We are a community of passionate problem solvers, sought out by clients for our fresh thinking and approach to their city-shaping projects. Our mission is to help create meaningful, sustainable cities & communities.

Urbis is an employer of choice for gender equality (EOCGE), recognised through the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), and active participants in the Federal Career Revive Initiative which supports the attraction and retention of women returning to work after a career break.

We pride ourselves in empowering our employees and supporting them to be the best they can be. Here you will make a tangible difference and positive impact, while gaining incredible industry experience and broad ranging exposure to the most exciting work.

Urbis, Shaping futures your way!

The opportunity:

We currently have an exciting new opportunity for an Associate Director to join our well established and fast-growing national Social Planning team, with the new role to be based in Sydney or Brisbane. The goal of the Social Planning team is to support Urbis' corporate, government and not-for-profit clients to design and plan for better social outcomes through their projects - for long term social value creation.

As an Associate Director in the Social Planning team, whilst managing a team of Consultants, you will have a deep understanding of the social challenges and opportunities facing communities in NSW or QLD, as well as significant demonstrated experience in one or both of the following areas:

  • Social assessment, such as social impact and benefits assessment, safety by design assessment, community needs analysis, and developer contributions advice.
  • Social strategy, such as community facilities strategies, social infrastructure planning, social services reviews, and change management to support social outcomes.

You will:

  • Conduct in-depth social research and analysis, including demographic data, social policy, community engagement outcomes, and best practice trends in social infrastructure.
  • Provide practical advice and strategic input to partners and clients on a wide range of social matters.
  • Proactively identify opportunities to engage and work collaboratively with colleagues from other disciplines and business units across Sydney and the broader firm.
  • Generate new work and ensure sustained and profitable business performance by maintaining and building upon existing and potential client relationships and professional networks.
  • Provide technical and management support to the Social Planning team, ensuring projects remain commercially viable.
  • Stay updated on changes to technical guidelines, market developments, and industry trends, and devise strategies to respond effectively.
  • Nurture and develop individual staff members through effective coaching and mentoring.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues across Urbis to lead fee proposals, tender responses, and deliver multidisciplinary projects.

About You:

  • Tertiary qualifications in social sciences, urban planning, geography or related discipline.
  • Demonstrated experience in social or strategic planning in a consultancy.
  • Proven track record of identifying and winning new business.
  • Ability to manage and develop team members.
  • Advanced capability in written and verbal communications and engagement with a variety of stakeholders.
  • Advanced capability in research and analysis.
  • Advanced capability in assessing social needs and impacts.
  • Advanced capability in preparing social strategies, plans, and policies.
  • Successfully manages client priorities and expectations.
  • Demonstrates resilience when under pressure and with conflicting priorities.
  • Prioritises and manages the competing demands of multiple assignments and/or projects within agreed timeframe and budget.

Why Urbis?

Urbis is committed to fostering an inclusive, flexible, and diverse work environment. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and those returning to work after a career break. By joining us you will receive many benefits including:

  • Salary continuance insurance, a generous parental leave policy, health & wellbeing programs, and much more.
  • Active mentorship by the best in the business, development of career goals and support in achieving them.
  • Investment in ongoing training with all employees provided with an annual training budget.
  • Monthly morning teas and regular social events to celebrate professional and personal wins.

Across all our sectors, you will play a part in shaping cities and communities. Bring your spark, and shape futures your way.

How to Apply?

If you are an enthusiastic candidate, with the desire to become part of a driven and highly professional team, click on "Apply for this job."