Principal Planner, Subregional

C001 New Jersey Institute of Technology; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 69,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in Newark seeks a Principal Planner to lead and guide Subregional Studies Program efforts, coordinating with NJ TRANSIT and the NJ Department of Transportation.

You will manage planning studies, contribute to the Long-Range Transportation Plan, and ensure compliance with federal guidelines while engaging stakeholders and the public.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in planning, environmental studies, public policy, engineering, or related field.
• Five years’ experience in city planning, regional planning, and/or transportation planning, including project management.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and technical guidance for all aspects of the Subregional Studies Program (SSP).
• Coordinate with the Senior Planner, Subregional Programs, in the Subregional Transportation Program (STP).
• Manage or support planning studies, conduct analysis, and create deliverables.
• Serve on technical advisory committees for special studies and projects.
• Contribute to research, analysis and writing for the Long-Range Transportation Plan.

Education

Master’s degree in planning or related field

Job description

Title

Principal Planner

Subregional Department

NJTPA- Long Range Transportation Plan

Reports To

Dir, Long Range Trans Planning

Position Summary

This position will have lead oversight and guidance for a variety of planning studies undertaken by subregions. These studies are data-driven, have extensive stakeholder and public participation, and involve agencies at the municipal, regional, and state levels. Studies also include components to address coordinated land use and transportation, access to economic opportunity, environmental quality, resiliency, and safety. See https://njtpa.org/ssp/ for examples of current and previous studies. The incumbent will also be responsible for the program solicitation and reporting processes and will work with the Finance and Administration Division to ensure that studies comply with federal guidance. The NJTPA operates this program in compliance with 2 CFR 200, Federal Uniform Administrative Requirements. Additionally, the incumbent will, as requested, conduct and collaborate on a variety of planning efforts to advance NJTPA’s regional planning agenda to address priorities identified in Connecting Communities. This includes, but is not limited to, contributing to the plan’s update, which occurs every four years.

Essential Functions

• Provide administrative and technical guidance for all aspects of the NJTPA's Subregional Studies Program (SSP), working closely with various NJTPA functional divisions, NJTPA subregions, and partner agencies such as NJ TRANSIT and the NJ Department of Transportation.
• Coordinate with the Senior Planner, Subregional Programs, in the administration of the Subregional Transportation Program (STP).
• Manage or support NJTPA planning studies, conduct analysis, provide input on draft analysis, and create other deliverables.
• Serve on technical advisory committees for special studies and projects.

Additional Functions

• Contribute to the research, analysis and writing for the Long-Range Transportation Plan, and other initiatives.
• Contribute to the writing and presentation of graphs, data, and maps and make presentations to Board of Trustees, standing committees, the subregions, central staff, and the general public as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Accomplishment Aptitude

Establishes and follows through on a systematic course of action for self or others to assure accomplishment of a specific objective. Determines priorities and allocates time and resources effectively, producing desired results at the level expected for the position.

Achievement/Goal Orientation

Demonstrates a concern and aptitude for achieving or surpassing results against an internal or external standard of excellence, showing passion for improving the delivery of services with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Essential Characteristics

Creativity/Innovation: Generates novel and valuable ideas and uses these ideas to develop new or improved processes, methods, systems, or services.

Initiative: Evaluates, selects, and acts on various methods and strategies for solving problems and meeting objectives within parameters of position before being asked or required to do so; self-directed rather than passively complying with instructions or assignments.

Teamwork/Team Orientation: Willingly cooperates and works collaboratively toward solutions that generally benefit all involved parties; works cooperatively with others to accomplish departmental and university objectives.

Continuous Improvement: Continually seeks and achieves incremental improvements in work processes, results, and capabilities.

Communication

Demonstrates the ability to clearly express ideas, thoughts, and concepts verbally and/or in writing, as appropriate to the position and task at hand.

Professionalism

Conducts oneself at all times in an ambassadorial, committed, and personable manner, demonstrating respect for the position, fellow colleagues, departmental integrity, and the university’s best interests.

Organizational Awareness

Understands the agendas and perspectives of others, recognizing and effectively balancing the interests and needs of one's own group with those of the broader organization.

Prerequisite Qualifications

Graduation with a master’s degree in planning, environmental studies, public policy, engineering, or a related field. Five (5) years’ experience in city planning, regional planning, and/or transportation planning, including project management.

Preferred Qualifications

At least one year of experience at a metropolitan planning or other regional planning organization preferred. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred but not required. Background or willingness to learn federal grant requirements, and the ability to understand project budgets and administrative guidelines; Strong written and verbal communication skills. Willingness and ability to work collaboratively and to foster an atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork. Ability to identify and communicate with supervisors and others about critical issues and offer proactive solutions.

Union

Professional Staff Association (PSA)

Range

Professional Staff -25

Compensation

$68,703.00 - $128,638.00 NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, or other items.

FLSA

Exempt Time Type: Full time Pay Rate: Salary

Additional Information

• As an EEO employer NJIT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive teaching, research, and working environment and strongly encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women.
• Employment at NJIT is subject to the provisions of New Jersey First Act which mandates new employees, who are not NJ residents, to establish primary residence in New Jersey within one year of their appointment to certain positions. The law does not apply to any individual employed at NJIT on a temporary or per semester basis as a visiting or adjunct professor, teacher, lecturer, researcher or administrator. For more information on the act
• If special accommodations are needed in applying for a position, please visit the Department of Human Resources located in Fenster Hall, 5th Floor, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102 or call [phone].
• If you have questions, please email the Human Resources Department at [e-mail].
• Information regarding NJIT campus security, personal safety, and fire safety including topics such as, disciplinary procedures, crime prevention, NJIT Police law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, and crime statistics for the most recent three year period is available on the NJIT Department of Public Safety here.
• NJIT is an E-Verify employer and uses E-Verify to confirm work authorization of each new hire.

When you work at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), you become part of a dynamic and innovative community dedicated to advancing education, research, and technological excellence. Recognized as New Jersey’s premier public polytechnic university, NJIT serves a diverse population of over 12,000 students across six colleges and schools, offering a forward-thinking academic environment in the heart of Newark, just minutes from New York City. At NJIT, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture rooted in inclusion, collaboration, and excellence. Employees are empowered to grow professionally, contribute to meaningful work, and support a mission that shapes the future of technology, education, and research.