Program Development Manager Jobs at BKF Engineers with Visa Sponsorship
Program Development Manager jobs at BKF Engineers lead client engagement and technical delivery across infrastructure and civil engineering projects. The company has a track record of supporting employment-based visa sponsorship for qualified professionals in this function, making it a realistic target for international candidates pursuing long-term U.S. career paths.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering, construction management, environmental, planning, and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years. At BKF, you'll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Project Manager - Housing Element Services leads project delivery and business development for Housing Element work within the Community Planning practice. This role reports to the Community Planning Practice Lead and is responsible for driving the firm's growth in 7th cycle Housing Element updates and implementation, building on a track record of 6th cycle delivery. The Project Manager should have hands-on experience managing Housing Element updates from background analysis through HCD certification, along with a working knowledge of RHNA methodology, site inventory requirements, rezoning programs, and affirmatively furthering fair housing (AFFH) analysis. This is a seller-doer role. The Project Manager will manage a portfolio of Housing Element projects while also leading the identification, pursuit, and capture of new 7th cycle opportunities, working closely with the Practice Lead on pipeline strategy and proposal development.
Responsibilities
Project Management & Delivery:
- Serve as Project Manager on Housing Element update and implementation projects, including background reports, site inventories, program development, rezoning, and public engagement through HCD certification
- Manage project scope, schedule, budget, and subconsultant coordination to ensure quality delivery and client satisfaction
- Guide clients through HCD review cycles and evolving state housing law requirements
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary internal teams across planning, environmental, and engineering disciplines
Business Development & Pursuit Leadership:
- Lead the firm's strategy for identifying and pursuing 7th cycle Housing Element opportunities, with a focus on the Bay Area and LA metro markets
- Track upcoming Housing Element RFP releases and position the firm ahead of key pursuits
- Lead proposal development and RFP responses, partnering with the Practice Lead and Business Development team on go-to-market strategy
- Build and maintain relationships with city and county planning staff, HCD, and housing stakeholders
- Contribute to the achievement of overall Planning sector sales and booking goals
Community Engagement:
- Lead public outreach and engagement efforts for Housing Element updates, including community workshops, stakeholder meetings, and public hearings
- Develop accessible outreach materials that clearly communicate housing policy and program concepts to diverse communities
- Apply an equity lens to engagement strategy, consistent with AFFH requirements
Client Engagement:
- Serve as a key point of contact for project clients, maintaining strong relationships and proactively addressing client needs
- Represent the firm at local industry events, conferences, and public agency meetings
Collaboration & Team Development:
- Work collaboratively with the broader Community Planning team and other service lines, including Resiliency, Environmental Compliance, and Housing
- Support mentorship and professional development of junior staff, with a path toward supervising direct reports as the Housing Element portfolio grows
- Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in community planning, with a focus on Housing Element preparation and implementation
- Demonstrated experience serving as Project Manager or a lead team member on at least one 6th cycle (2021-2029) Housing Element update
- Working knowledge of RHNA methodology, site inventory requirements, rezoning programs, and AFFH analysis
- Demonstrated experience contributing to business development, including proposals, RFP responses, and client presentations; prior seller-doer experience preferred
- Strong community engagement skills, with experience facilitating public meetings and developing outreach materials
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to present complex housing policy topics clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
- Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced consulting environment
- Remote/hybrid position; candidates established in the Bay Area or LA metro area are preferred
- Willingness to travel as needed to support project sites, client meetings, and regional offices
- Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, or a closely related field is required
- AICP certification is preferred
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.
WORK CONDITIONS
Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.
BENEFITS
- The typical base salary range for this position is $139,744.8 - $170,799.2 annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salary position paid biweekly
- Competitive salaries, profit sharing, and 401k
- Generous paid time off packages
- 9 Paid Holidays
- Flexible schedules
- Education reimbursement, paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations
- BKF offers competitive and award-winning benefits and perks. To learn more click here.
BKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. BKF does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and a specific solicitation for the position or other approved engagement request for the position with BKF, BKF reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited submittals are done at the risk of the recruiter.
INTRODUCTION
BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering, construction management, environmental, planning, and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years. At BKF, you'll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Project Manager - Housing Element Services leads project delivery and business development for Housing Element work within the Community Planning practice. This role reports to the Community Planning Practice Lead and is responsible for driving the firm's growth in 7th cycle Housing Element updates and implementation, building on a track record of 6th cycle delivery. The Project Manager should have hands-on experience managing Housing Element updates from background analysis through HCD certification, along with a working knowledge of RHNA methodology, site inventory requirements, rezoning programs, and affirmatively furthering fair housing (AFFH) analysis. This is a seller-doer role. The Project Manager will manage a portfolio of Housing Element projects while also leading the identification, pursuit, and capture of new 7th cycle opportunities, working closely with the Practice Lead on pipeline strategy and proposal development.
Responsibilities
Project Management & Delivery:
- Serve as Project Manager on Housing Element update and implementation projects, including background reports, site inventories, program development, rezoning, and public engagement through HCD certification
- Manage project scope, schedule, budget, and subconsultant coordination to ensure quality delivery and client satisfaction
- Guide clients through HCD review cycles and evolving state housing law requirements
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary internal teams across planning, environmental, and engineering disciplines
Business Development & Pursuit Leadership:
- Lead the firm's strategy for identifying and pursuing 7th cycle Housing Element opportunities, with a focus on the Bay Area and LA metro markets
- Track upcoming Housing Element RFP releases and position the firm ahead of key pursuits
- Lead proposal development and RFP responses, partnering with the Practice Lead and Business Development team on go-to-market strategy
- Build and maintain relationships with city and county planning staff, HCD, and housing stakeholders
- Contribute to the achievement of overall Planning sector sales and booking goals
Community Engagement:
- Lead public outreach and engagement efforts for Housing Element updates, including community workshops, stakeholder meetings, and public hearings
- Develop accessible outreach materials that clearly communicate housing policy and program concepts to diverse communities
- Apply an equity lens to engagement strategy, consistent with AFFH requirements
Client Engagement:
- Serve as a key point of contact for project clients, maintaining strong relationships and proactively addressing client needs
- Represent the firm at local industry events, conferences, and public agency meetings
Collaboration & Team Development:
- Work collaboratively with the broader Community Planning team and other service lines, including Resiliency, Environmental Compliance, and Housing
- Support mentorship and professional development of junior staff, with a path toward supervising direct reports as the Housing Element portfolio grows
- Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in community planning, with a focus on Housing Element preparation and implementation
- Demonstrated experience serving as Project Manager or a lead team member on at least one 6th cycle (2021-2029) Housing Element update
- Working knowledge of RHNA methodology, site inventory requirements, rezoning programs, and AFFH analysis
- Demonstrated experience contributing to business development, including proposals, RFP responses, and client presentations; prior seller-doer experience preferred
- Strong community engagement skills, with experience facilitating public meetings and developing outreach materials
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to present complex housing policy topics clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
- Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced consulting environment
- Remote/hybrid position; candidates established in the Bay Area or LA metro area are preferred
- Willingness to travel as needed to support project sites, client meetings, and regional offices
- Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, or a closely related field is required
- AICP certification is preferred
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.
WORK CONDITIONS
Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.
BENEFITS
- The typical base salary range for this position is $139,744.8 - $170,799.2 annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salary position paid biweekly
- Competitive salaries, profit sharing, and 401k
- Generous paid time off packages
- 9 Paid Holidays
- Flexible schedules
- Education reimbursement, paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations
- BKF offers competitive and award-winning benefits and perks. To learn more click here.
BKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. BKF does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and a specific solicitation for the position or other approved engagement request for the position with BKF, BKF reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited submittals are done at the risk of the recruiter.
Tips for Finding Program Development Manager Jobs at BKF Engineers
Frame your credentials around specialty occupation standards
Program Development Manager roles at engineering consultancies like BKF Engineers require a degree directly tied to the work. Make sure your credentials clearly map to civil, structural, or project engineering fields before applying, since USCIS scrutinizes specialty occupation eligibility for management-level roles.
Target BKF's infrastructure and municipal project pipelines
BKF Engineers focuses heavily on public infrastructure, transportation, and land development clients. Aligning your application materials to these practice areas, rather than general program management, signals that your background fits the specific client-facing work this role actually involves.
Use Migrate Mate to surface open Program Development Manager listings
BKF Engineers posts roles across multiple locations, and availability shifts with project wins. Browse current openings filtered by visa sponsorship eligibility on Migrate Mate so you're applying to active positions, not outdated listings that no longer reflect the company's hiring needs.
Ask about PERM early in offer negotiations
EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship both require PERM labor certification, which involves DOL-supervised recruitment and can take a year or more before the petition even files. Raising this during the offer stage, not after you've started, lets you assess whether the timeline aligns with your current visa status.
Clarify your work authorization status before the final interview
Consulting firms like BKF Engineers work on government-funded projects subject to E-Verify compliance. Confirming your status and authorization timeline upfront avoids delays at the onboarding stage, especially if you're transitioning from OPT or another employer's H-1B sponsorship.
Build a portfolio demonstrating multi-stakeholder project leadership
Program Development Managers at engineering consultancies are evaluated on their ability to manage client relationships, subconsultants, and internal technical teams simultaneously. Document specific projects where you coordinated across these groups, since that's the experience BKF's hiring teams look for at this level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BKF Engineers sponsor H-1B visas for Program Development Managers?
BKF Engineers' primary documented sponsorship pathway for Program Development Managers is through employment-based Green Card categories rather than the H-1B visa. If you're currently on H-1B status with another employer, a transfer is possible, but you'll want to confirm early in the process whether BKF will initiate a new H-1B petition or support a direct green card pathway instead.
Which visa types are commonly used for Program Development Manager roles at BKF Engineers?
BKF Engineers has sponsored Program Development Managers through EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based immigrant visa categories. These require a PERM labor certification filed with the Department of Labor, followed by an I-140 immigrant petition with USCIS. The appropriate category depends on the specific role requirements and your educational background at the time of filing.
What qualifications and experience does BKF Engineers expect for Program Development Manager roles?
BKF Engineers typically expects candidates to have a bachelor's degree or higher in civil engineering, urban planning, or a closely related field, combined with demonstrated experience managing multi-phase infrastructure or land development projects. Client relationship management, familiarity with public agency procurement processes, and experience coordinating technical teams across project lifecycles are consistently valued at this level.
How do I apply for Program Development Manager jobs at BKF Engineers?
You can find and apply for Program Development Manager openings at BKF Engineers through Migrate Mate, which filters listings by visa sponsorship eligibility so you're only seeing roles where sponsorship is a realistic outcome. Once you've identified a relevant opening, tailor your application to BKF's core practice areas, specifically infrastructure, transportation, and municipal development, before submitting directly through their careers portal.
How do I plan my timeline if BKF Engineers offers Green Card sponsorship for this role?
If BKF Engineers agrees to sponsor your Green Card, the process starts with PERM labor certification through the DOL, which can take one to two years on its own. After approval, USCIS reviews the I-140 petition, and then your priority date must become current before you can file for adjustment of status. Starting this process while you still have valid work authorization is critical.