Mannik Smith Group
Overview
Department:
Civil/Environmental
Employment Type:
Full Time
Location:
East Brunswick, NJ
Compensation:
$52.88 - $72.11 / hour
CME Associates
is seeking an experienced and visionary
Director, Municipal Planning
to lead and manage its Planning Department. This is a leadership position responsible for directing comprehensive planning initiatives, overseeing land use and redevelopment strategies, and ensuring alignment with the municipality’s long-term growth, housing, and community development goals.
The
Director, Municipal Planning
will serve as a key advisor to municipal leadership, planning and zoning boards, and community stakeholders. This individual will be responsible for driving the preparation and implementation of master plans, redevelopment plans, affordable housing strategies, and regulatory frameworks that shape the future of the municipality.
Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Policy Leadership
Lead the development and implementation of municipal master plans, redevelopment areas, housing elements, and land use policies.
Provide strategic guidance on zoning, land development, and sustainable growth in alignment with local, regional, and state objectives.
Monitor trends in land use planning, housing policy, and economic development to proactively guide municipal planning initiatives.
Department & Project Management
Oversee all planning functions, staff, and consultants, ensuring timely and effective delivery of services.
Manage departmental budgets, RFPs, and planning contracts with third-party consultants and agencies.
Supervise preparation and submission of grant applications related to planning and community development.
Land Use & Development Oversight
Review and provide guidance on land use applications, site plans, subdivisions, and zoning variance requests.
Coordinate with engineers, legal counsel, developers, and public agencies to ensure project compliance and alignment with planning goals.
Board & Public Engagement
Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment; prepare reports, present findings, and provide expert planning testimony.
Organize and lead community outreach, workshops, and public hearings to foster inclusive and transparent decision-making.
Advise elected officials and the public on planning matters, including land use policy and development impacts.
Intergovernmental & Client Relations
Coordinate planning efforts with county, state, and federal agencies, and advocate for municipal interests in regional planning initiatives.
Maintain strong working relationships with developers, consultants, and other stakeholders to facilitate cooperative planning efforts.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Geography, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
Licensure & Certification: Professional Planner (P.P.) license from the State of New Jersey – REQUIRED
AICP Certification:
REQUIRED
Experience:
Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal or regional planning, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or project management role.
Knowledge:
Strong understanding of NJ Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), COAH/Affordable Housing regulations, redevelopment law, and zoning practices.
Skills:
Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Proficiency with GIS, planning software, and data analysis tools.
Experience facilitating public meetings and navigating politically sensitive environments.
Benefits CME offers a competitive compensation package including: medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, educational assistance program and paid time off.
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Civil/Environmental
Employment Type:
Full Time
Location:
East Brunswick, NJ
Compensation:
$52.88 - $72.11 / hour
CME Associates
is seeking an experienced and visionary
Director, Municipal Planning
to lead and manage its Planning Department. This is a leadership position responsible for directing comprehensive planning initiatives, overseeing land use and redevelopment strategies, and ensuring alignment with the municipality’s long-term growth, housing, and community development goals.
The
Director, Municipal Planning
will serve as a key advisor to municipal leadership, planning and zoning boards, and community stakeholders. This individual will be responsible for driving the preparation and implementation of master plans, redevelopment plans, affordable housing strategies, and regulatory frameworks that shape the future of the municipality.
Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Policy Leadership
Lead the development and implementation of municipal master plans, redevelopment areas, housing elements, and land use policies.
Provide strategic guidance on zoning, land development, and sustainable growth in alignment with local, regional, and state objectives.
Monitor trends in land use planning, housing policy, and economic development to proactively guide municipal planning initiatives.
Department & Project Management
Oversee all planning functions, staff, and consultants, ensuring timely and effective delivery of services.
Manage departmental budgets, RFPs, and planning contracts with third-party consultants and agencies.
Supervise preparation and submission of grant applications related to planning and community development.
Land Use & Development Oversight
Review and provide guidance on land use applications, site plans, subdivisions, and zoning variance requests.
Coordinate with engineers, legal counsel, developers, and public agencies to ensure project compliance and alignment with planning goals.
Board & Public Engagement
Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment; prepare reports, present findings, and provide expert planning testimony.
Organize and lead community outreach, workshops, and public hearings to foster inclusive and transparent decision-making.
Advise elected officials and the public on planning matters, including land use policy and development impacts.
Intergovernmental & Client Relations
Coordinate planning efforts with county, state, and federal agencies, and advocate for municipal interests in regional planning initiatives.
Maintain strong working relationships with developers, consultants, and other stakeholders to facilitate cooperative planning efforts.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Geography, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
Licensure & Certification: Professional Planner (P.P.) license from the State of New Jersey – REQUIRED
AICP Certification:
REQUIRED
Experience:
Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal or regional planning, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or project management role.
Knowledge:
Strong understanding of NJ Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), COAH/Affordable Housing regulations, redevelopment law, and zoning practices.
Skills:
Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Proficiency with GIS, planning software, and data analysis tools.
Experience facilitating public meetings and navigating politically sensitive environments.
Benefits CME offers a competitive compensation package including: medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, educational assistance program and paid time off.
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