Planning Director

Overview

The Middlesex County Office of Planning is a busy, fast-paced office engaged in a county-wide strategic plan, Destination 2040, that will guide the County’s policies, plans, programs, and investment decisions in five broad focus areas: Land Use, Development, and Housing; Sustainability and Community Resilience; Healthy, Safe and Inclusive Communities; Economic Development and Workforce Competitiveness; and Transportation and Mobility. Comprised of twenty-five urban, suburban, small-town, and rural municipalities, Middlesex County is New Jersey's second most populous county and is strategically located midway between New York and Philadelphia.  

The Planning Director for Middlesex County will oversee the planning and development functions of the County, guiding strategic planning, land use policy, and other initiatives. This leadership role involves working with municipal officials, developers, residents, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable, orderly development while enhancing the quality of life for County residents. The Director will be responsible for long-term growth strategies, land use regulations, and overseeing the work of planning staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning & Development:Lead the development of the County's Strategic Plan, Destination 2040, including long-term growth and land use policies. Provide strategic direction for the County’s physical, economic, and social development.
• Land Use:Oversee land use regulations, ensuring they align with the comprehensive plan and respond to evolving community needs. Review and recommend changes to land use policies as necessary.
• Staff Leadership & Management:Supervise and mentor a team of planning professionals, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations. Foster a collaborative work environment to ensure departmental efficiency and effectiveness.
• Community Engagement:Facilitate public meetings, hearings, and consultations with residents, developers, local businesses, and other stakeholders. Ensure transparency and effective communication of planning initiatives.
• Project Management & Oversight:Manage planning projects from inception to completion, including site development reviews, environmental assessments, and planning studies. Oversee the preparation of reports, studies, and presentations to the County Planning Board.
• Collaboration & Coordination:Coordinate with other government agencies, municipalities, and departments to ensure comprehensive planning efforts. Collaborate with economic development, housing, and transportation planning professionals to integrate land use decisions.
• Policy Development & Analysis:Research and analyze current trends in urban planning, housing, sustainability, and regional growth. Develop policies that promote balanced, sustainable development while addressing issues such as housing affordability, transportation, and environmental protection.
• Budget & Resource Management:Develop and manage the departmental budget. Ensure efficient use of resources, including staff time, external consultants, and project funds.
• Regulatory Compliance:Ensure that planning policies and proposals comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including environmental impact laws, housing regulations, and historic preservation guidelines.
• Emergency Preparedness & Response:Participate in planning for emergency management and disaster recovery, ensuring land use decisions are resilient and responsive to potential hazards and impacts of climate change.

Qualifications:

• Education and Experience:
• A master’s degree in planning, Public Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in urban or regional planning, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role in a local government or similar setting.
• Licenses and Certifications:
• Professional Planners License required. (ability to get certified in one year)
• AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification required.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel within the County as necessary.
• Skills and Abilities:
• Strong understanding of planning principles, zoning, land use laws, and environmental regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a team and work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Experience in project management, including the ability to manage budgets and timelines.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to attend evening and weekend meetings as required.

Middlesex County is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.