The MPA Planner will be mentored by the firm's Principal and introduced to a network of planning and economic development professionals as they work to implement community engagement initiatives, and conduct research and analysis for various transportation and economic development initiatives.

Current projects/clients include community engagement for several regional and county-wide transportation planning initiatives and economic analysis and strategic planning for downtown management entities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Community Outreach Tools: Support the design and implementation of community outreach processes and tools, including creating and maintaining stakeholder lists, constructing survey and interactive map tools, and developing in-person and virtual outreach materials.
• Graphic and Process Materials: Prepare graphically compelling communications for planning processes, including print and digital collateral, emails, social media, website content and design, and other communications tools.
• Facilitation Support: Participate in and take detailed notes during public meetings, open houses, and other client outreach activities.
• Communicate Results: Collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data to identify opportunities and challenges and use data-driven insights to inform decision-making. Prepare maps, graphics, and narratives that effectively convey critical data and help tell important stories about communities.
• Research: Conduct research and data analysis of community conditions, trends, and case studies, and present information clearly and compellingly in multiple formats.
• Quality Control: Ensure tasks are completed to a high standard that exceeds client expectations.
• Support organizational needs with flexibility, creativity, and a solutions-oriented mindset.

QUALIFICATIONS

MPA is open to hiring either an Associate or Junior level planner. Those seeking the Associate Planner role should have 3+ years of experience and demonstrate advanced proficiency in technology and communications. Those seeking the Junior Planner role should have 1-2 years of experience, yet still demonstrate at least moderate proficiency in necessary technology. Job responsibilities and expectations are commensurate with the candidate's experience level.

• Organized and detail-oriented "doer" with the ability to prioritize workload, multi-task, and deliver against deadlines
• Works independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with the manager and other team members.
• Demonstrated analytic, research, and writing skills with the ability to synthesize information into clear, compelling insights.
• Has remarkable interpersonal skills and is comfortable communicating and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• Tech-savvy with the ability to learn new programs quickly. Demonstrated proficiency with:
  • Adobe Suite (visual design skills highly desired)
  • ArcGIS Pro and online ESRI products
  • Microsoft Office (including advanced data analysis in Excel)
  • Google Suite
  • Comfortable facilitating public meetings in ZOOM
• Has 0-5 years of experience in a planning position with similar duties.
• Master's degree in planning, policy, urban studies, or a related field.
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking candidates highly desired.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

• Annual Salary: $50,000 – $80,000 commensurate with title and experience
• Full-time position (flexible hours within reason or with prior approval)
• The position is primarily remote but requires working from the Jersey City office at least once a week, but more often as necessary, to collaborate on work products.
• The position requires periodic travel to client meetings and outreach activities in New Jersey (mostly Northern/Central). A valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle is preferable.
• Continuing education and professional licensure/certification allowance.
• Robust paid time off (starting at 30 days/year)
• Retirement match after 1 year in service
• Unfortunately, MPA does not have the capacity to sponsor H-1B visas for new employees. MPA is E-Verified and can work with continuing F-1 Visa status.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will be considered complete only if they are submitted via our online application and include the following:

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Representative work samples demonstrating and documenting independent contributions to projects
• 1-3 professional references

The position will remain open until it is filled. We anticipate interviewing in March 2025.

We will only contact those candidates moving to the next phase of the application process. Please, no email or private message inquiries.

SUBMIT APPLICATION

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.