New Jersey Associate

Regional Plan Association; New Jersey; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Health, vision & dental insurance

Hybrid work schedule (1–2 days in NYC)

Job summary

Regional Plan Association (RPA) is seeking an Associate to advance policy and advocacy in New Jersey, reporting to the VP of State Programs and the New Jersey lead. You will help build relationships with elected officials, coalition partners, and stakeholders on transportation, housing, resilience, and clean energy.

Initial focus includes public transit policy and funding, plus proposals to expand housing production and affordability.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant advocacy experience and managing external relationships.
• Working knowledge of New Jersey government and legislative processes.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders; experience working in teams.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Results-oriented with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong writing, analytical, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment in support of a broad mission.
• NJ residency strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day legislative work in NJ and build support for RPA proposals; monitor state house activity and track legislation/regulations; provide action recommendations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with state legislators and staff, and local elected officials where relevant.
• Support media outreach, deliver public testimony, and prepare presentations.
• Meet with external stakeholders, business groups, and community organizations.
• Support and help coordinate RPA’s NJ Committee, advising on strategy and priorities.
• Coordinate with project partners to organize meetings, forums, and events.
• Manage and develop coalitions, including the Fund NJ Transit Coalition.
• Support grant reporting and other administrative requirements for New Jersey programs and campaigns.

Education

Undergraduate or graduate degree in planning, public policy, economics, political science, or related field

Job description

The Associate will report to the VP of State Programs and New Jersey lead and work closely with the Campaigns Director.

The Associate will advance RPA’s policy and advocacy agenda in New Jersey, building relationships with elected officials, coalition partners, and other stakeholders on issues including transportation, housing, economic development, resilience, and clean energy. The short-term focus will be on public transit policy and funding, as well as proposals to expand housing production and affordability. The ideal candidate is comfortable tracking legislative and regulatory developments, engaging with diverse stakeholders, supporting coalition efforts, and representing RPA in public forums.

RPA is looking for someone who shares our passion for fostering equitable, healthy, sustainable cities and communities. RPA encourages a fast-paced, challenging, collaborative and fun work environment and also believes in work-life balance.

General Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day legislative work in NJ and build support for RPA proposals
  • Monitor state house activity; track relevant legislation and regulations, provide recommendations for action
  • Develop and maintain relationships with state legislators and legislative staff, as well as local elected officials, where relevant
  • Support media outreach, deliver public testimony, and prepare presentations
  • Meet with external stakeholders, business groups, and community organizations
• Support and help coordinate RPA’s NJ Committee, which advises on strategy and priorities
• Coordinate with project partners to organize meetings, forums and events
• Manage and develop coalitions, including the RPA-led Fund NJ Transit Coalition
• Support grant reporting and other administrative requirements associated with New Jersey programs and campaigns

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant experience, with demonstrated ability to manage external relationships and advocacy campaigns
• Working knowledge of New Jersey government and legislative processes
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders; experience working in teams
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Results-oriented with the ability to effectively manage competing priorities
• Strong writing, analytical, and public speaking skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment in support of a broad mission
• NJ residency strongly preferred

Educational Requirements

An undergraduate degree and/or graduate degree, preferably with a concentration in planning, public policy, economics, political science, or other relevant field.

Compensation

This is a full-time position with retirement, health, vision, and dental benefits. Salary and title are commensurate with skills and experience in a range from $60,000 to $70,000.

This position is hybrid, consisting of a combination of remote work, in-person meetings and events, as well as 1-2 days per week in RPA’s NYC office in Lower Manhattan. Work may occasionally include evening or weekend meetings.

About RPA

RPA is an urban planning nonprofit, non-partisan organization that conducts planning, research, and advocacy to prepare the NY-NJ-CT metro region for the challenges of the next generation. These include major infrastructure, urban planning, housing, environment, and climate policies and investments.

RPA is a workplace that values diversity. Employment and promotional opportunities are equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or any other protected characteristic as established by law.