Assistant Director for Current Planning

JOB TITLE: Assistant Director for Current Planning

DEPARTMENT: Planning and Historic Preservation

SALARY RANGE: $95,000 – $110,000

DATE POSTED: March 3, 2025

CLOSING DATE: April 6, 2025

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JOB DESCRIPTION

The Municipality of Princeton’s Planning Department is seeking an innovative and experienced planner to join our team in a full-time position with benefits. The Assistant Director for Current Planning is a mid-career to senior-level land use planning expert and creative and strategic thinker with demonstrated knowledge of Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), zoning codes and municipal ordinances. Experience and acumen before land-use boards and governing bodies is imperative. The Assistant Director will be responsible for coordinating activities related to the creation and administration of affordable housing. The ideal candidate will have a balance of technical and soft skills, the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and knowledge in the areas of smart growth, housing policy, development, design, historic preservation, transportation policy and sustainability. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PERFORMED

• Prepare reports for land use boards and testify before the boards as the Municipality’s primary planner for development applications
• Oversee the Planning Board under the direction of the Planning Director and with assistance from Planning staff
• Prepare various reports, including graphic, statistical, and written representations
• Conduct meetings to discuss new and existing development applications with developers and applicants
• Provide information and explanation to residents regarding land use regulations and development applications
• Represent the Planning Department for Planning Director when directed
• Ensure that affordable housing projects are established and run according to regulations
• Assist with annual affordable housing reporting to the State
• ·Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of land use planning, including New Jersey’s Municipal Land Use Law and Local Redevelopment and Housing Law
• Thorough knowledge of state affordable housing regulations and legislation
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms, interpret zoning standards and local ordinances to officials and the public, and make public presentations
• Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills and experience
• Ability to present, discuss and execute innovative ideas
• Office Suite (MS suite of options – PowerPoint, Excel, Word)
• Experience with Geographical Information System
• Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills and experience
• Proactive self-starter with integrity, a strong work ethic, and sound judgment
• A positive attitude and commitment to working as a team player in a dynamic and fast-paced environment 

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must hold New Jersey Professional Planner’s License (P.P.) , current or within six months of hire
• Must hold American Institute of Certified Planner’s (AICP) certification, current or within six months of hire
• Must hold Affordable Housing Professionals Certification from the Center for Government Services, Rutgers University, current or within 1 year of hire
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in professional planning
• Possession of a current and valid license as a professional planner in New Jersey issued by the New Jersey Board of Professional Planners or current and valid credential as a Certified Planner issued by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) may be substituted for the education requirement
• Five (5) years of experience in municipal, county, regional or state planning. Possession of a master’s degree in Planning from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience
• Must satisfy employer paid physical, drug screen and criminal background check
• NJ residency required by N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70)
• Pursuant to Federal Law, proof of US Citizenship or immigration status will be required upon hire

Application available at https://www.princetonnj.gov/jobs.aspx or contact us [email protected]

Applicant is responsible for the cost of interviewing and moving.