Project Development Manager Jobs in Irvine, CA

Who We Are
Our Community Development + Housing team partners with municipalities to plan, analyze, and implement solutions that strengthen communities. We provide end-to-end support—from policy development and financial feasibility analysis to funding acquisition and project implementation—helping clients identify the strategies, programs, and investments that will have the greatest impact.
Our work includes:

• Housing planning for market-rate and affordable housing, including housing strategies and implementation support
• Community development planning and advisory services
• Financial and economic analysis for residential development
• Grant writing and grant administration
• Research and policy analysis to support housing and development initiatives

We are seeking a Senior Project Manager to help grow our Community Development + Housing team. This role is ideal for a leader who brings deep technical expertise, values long-term client partnerships, and is eager to contribute to business development while mentoring and developing staff.

Responsibilities & Duties
The Senior Project Manager plays a key leadership role in delivering high-impact community development and housing projects, partnering closely with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams.

• Lead the successful delivery of complex projects from initiation through completion, with full accountability for scope, schedule, budget, and quality.
• Serve as the primary client relationship manager, fostering trust, providing strategic guidance, and ensuring clear communication and follow-through.
• Shape project strategy and recommend innovative, practical approaches to achieve client objectives.
• Direct, review, and approve all project deliverables, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and high professional standards.
• Lead client meetings and public outreach and engagement efforts, including presentations to elected officials, planning commissions, city councils, governing boards, and community stakeholders.
• Contribute to firm growth through strategic business development activities, including client relationship development, proposal leadership, interview participation, and conference attendance.
• Manage and lead housing development and financial advisory services, including affordable housing underwriting, financial feasibility analysis, and the preparation and negotiation of development agreements.
• Contribute to the preparation of Housing Elements, other General Plan Elements, and related policy and planning efforts.
• Lead, mentor, and develop staff, fostering professional growth and maintaining a culture of excellence and collaboration.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business, Real Estate, Housing, or a related field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in community development and housing consulting, including leadership of complex projects in one or more areas such as affordable housing development, housing elements, housing finance analysis (e.g., inclusionary housing studies), public outreach, and data-driven policy or planning work.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple concurrent projects and teams while maintaining accountability for outcomes and deliverables.
• Strong executive-level communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive written materials and present complex information to senior staff, elected officials, and other decision-makers.
• Advanced analytical and writing skills, including high proficiency in Microsoft Excel and report development.
• Excellent presentation skills with experience presenting to diverse audiences and responding to questions.
• Proven commitment to exceptional client service, with a proactive, solutions-oriented, and collaborative leadership approach.
• Sound judgment, independence, and a consistent track record of high-quality work.
• Willingness to travel occasionally within California.
• Alignment with Harris’ Purpose, Vision, and Shared Values.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Economics, Business, Real Estate, Housing, or a related field.
• Deep technical expertise providing senior-level review and guidance related to:
  • Housing funding and finance strategies
  • Redevelopment and revitalization projects
  • Loan and legal document review
  • Affordable housing pro formas, plans, and programs
• Established professional relationships and experience working with jurisdictions in California and other western states (e.g., Washington, Nevada), with the ability to leverage those relationships to support project success and business growth.

About Harris
Harris & Associates is focused on solving today's complex challenges in the planning, designing, and constructing of public infrastructure. We serve clients in the municipal, water, transportation, and education markets to build equitable, resilient, and sustainable communities by providing a long-term financial framework as they plan their future. Our offices and project sites span the West Coast in California, Nevada, and Washington with a staff of over 280 employee-owners.

Harris fosters a collaborative work environment, understanding that diverse perspectives enhance our ability to better serve our clients and their communities. We are deeply passionate about our work, our clients, our team’s personal and professional growth. We offer a mentorship program, on-the-job training, Harris University, and an annual staff summit all aimed at developing well-rounded consultants proficient in the full spectrum of services we provide. Additionally, we prioritize a healthy work-life balance and organized social and team building events.

Compensation & Benefits
The annual salary for this position is $140-180K. This will be dependent on the experience and expertise of the incoming candidate.

In addition to base salary, we also offer:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• ESOP
• 401K Match
• PTO, 8 Paid Holidays + "1 WorkAversary" paid holiday to celebrate you!
• Health & Well-Being Allowance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible hybrid/remote work plans
• Paid Leave Programs such as maternity, parental, and family medical leave

Harris & Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability) and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

Harris expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

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