Director of Planning & Community Growth

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc.; Blansingburg (NJ); On-site; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. in New Jersey is seeking a Director of Planning to lead and grow our planning practice.

Based in Manasquan, this full-time role focuses on municipal planning, redevelopment, zoning, and regulatory assignments, with a strong emphasis on client relationships and team mentorship. The ideal candidate brings 20+ years of experience, a Bachelor's degree in Planning, and a certified professional license such as AICP, to guide multidisciplinary teams and deliver high-impact

Qualifications

• 20+ years of progressive planning, consulting, project management, business development, and client management experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Planning or related field.
• Professional planning certification such as AICP or state licensure.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop planning staff while promoting a collaborative culture.
• Grow the planning practice by expanding client relationships and local prominence.
• Oversee workload, budgets, contracts, and project delivery strategies.
• Provide planning testimony and representation before boards and hearings.
• Lead business development, opportunity identification, and pursuit strategy.
• Guide multidisciplinary teams across environmental, land use, GIS, and mobility.

Skills

Municipal planning

Client relations

Leadership

Communication skills

Mentoring staff

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Planning

AICP certification

Tools

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Project management

Job description

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. in New Jersey is seeking a Director of Planning to lead and grow our planning practice.

Based in Manasquan, this full-time role focuses on municipal planning, redevelopment, zoning, and regulatory assignments, with a strong emphasis on client relationships and team mentorship. The ideal candidate brings 20+ years of experience, a Bachelor's degree in Planning, and a certified professional license such as AICP, to guide multidisciplinary teams and deliver high-impact