JOB DESCRIPTION

Mercer Planning Associates (MPA), a boutique land-use planning firm based in Jersey City, seeks an individual with experience in community outreach and data analysis, and familiarity with safe streets/complete streets, transit planning, and other transportation initiatives. The MPA Planner will be mentored by the firm's Principal and introduced to a network of planning professionals as they work to implement community engagement initiatives and conduct research and analysis for various transportation and economic development initiatives.

Recent and current projects involve community engagement, research, and data analysis for transportation planning, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization with city and county governments, regional planning entities, and transit agencies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ROLE:

• Community Outreach Tools: Design and implement 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: Facilitate 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 & Analysis: 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:

• Organized and detail-oriented "doer" with the ability to prioritize workload, multitask, and deliver against deadlines
• Works independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with the manager and other team members.
• Remarkable interpersonal skills and is comfortable communicating and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated analytic, research, and writing skills with the ability to synthesize information into clear, compelling insights.
• 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
• 3-7 years of experience in a planning position with similar duties. Project management experience is a bonus.
• Master's degree in planning, public policy, urban studies, or a related field (undergraduate degree considered for highly qualified candidates).
• AICP Certification is required for the Senior Planner position. Highly qualified candidates who are eligible for AICP will be considered for an Associate Planner position with eligibility for promotion upon receiving certification.
• Spoken and written fluency in Spanish is highly desired.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Annual Salary: $75,000 – $95,000 commensurate with 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 twice 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 is required, and access to a personal vehicle is preferred.
• Continuing education and professional licensure/certification allowance.
• Robust paid time off (starting at 30 days/year)
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
• Retirement match after 1 year in service
• Unfortunately, MPA does not have the capacity to hire persons with OPT/CPT authorized F-1 visas or to sponsor H1-B visas.