Planning Associate

Job Description SummaryOrganization's Summary Statement:
The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (MAPP) envisions a world where bold ideas
and integrated disciplines converge to solve the grand challenges of our time. For more than 50
years, we have advanced research, education and practice at the intersections of design, planning,
preservation and development. We are rooted in people-focused solutions, collaboration and service
to the greater good. Looking forward, we will continue to lead with innovation and impact, shaping
places that strengthen communities, enrich culture and inspire future generations. We prepare the
next generation of architects, planners, preservationists, and developers to shape resilient, vibrant
and just communities. By bringing these disciplines together under one roof, we mirror the
collaboration of real-world practice and equip students to tackle the most pressing challenges facing
our built environment—from climate change to social inequity, from cultural preservation to
sustainable growth.
Over 60% of our faculty are actively engaged in creative and professional practice while teaching in
our programs. These faculty work in top design studios, development firms and agencies in the
Baltimore-Washington area, bringing their expertise and talent into the classroom for the next
generation of practitioners.
Our research centers and institutes forward groundbreaking research within the built environment
that advances dynamic, sustainable and just places. They include National Center for Smart Growth,
Colvin Institute of Real Estate Development, and Environmental Finance Center. Our research labs
forward cutting-edge approaches to shed light on critical issues and discoveries within Maryland
communities and beyond. They include Stormwater Infrastructure Resilience and Justice (SIRJ)
Lab, Archaeology and Historic Preservation Lab, and Bostwick House.
The National Center for Smart Growth (NCSG) seeks a Planning Associate with experience in
housing, community development, land use, transportation, economic development, sustainability
or related areas to assist the Purple Line Corridor Coalition (PLCC) with community engagement
and outreach, coalition building, and applied planning work. PLCC, administered at NCSG, is an
innovative public-private-community collaboration working to leverage Maryland’s largest transit
investment in the 21st century to ensure equitable growth for all who live, work and invest in the
corridor. Our work is guided by the goals and vision laid out in the Community Development
Agreement for the Purple Line Corridor, which was developed through an extensive stakeholder
engagement process. The position is in the School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation at the
University of Maryland (UMD), College Park.
The ideal candidate will have experience and passion for community engagement and collaborative
work. The candidate will be a key contributor to development and execution of on-the-ground
community initiatives and applied plans pertaining to equitable transit-oriented development for the
PLCC. The Planning Associate will contribute to NCSG and PLCC’s community-engaged coalition
building, development and execution of on-the-ground community initiatives and applied plans
pertaining to research that impacts decision-making and advocacy for community, local, and state
partners. This position is funded via a grant for approximately 2 years.
The responsibilities of this position include: support implementation of PLCC’s equitable
development and anti-displacement initiatives, focused on housing, small business, transportation,
placemaking, cultural preservation and equitable transit-oriented development; coordinate logistics
for meetings, workshops, and coalition events (virtual and in-person); support and in some cases
lead with supervision PLCC’s engagement with community leaders, community partners, local
governments, nonprofits, and small business networks; help facilitate working groups, including
notetaking and tracking follow-up actions; support research on corridor trends, partner activities,
and policy initiatives; contribute to PLCC’s storytelling efforts, such as drafting partner spotlights,
community profiles, and success stories; maintain PLCC’s website, social media, and newsletter
content in collaboration with staff and partners; support grant writing, reporting, documentation, and
budget tracking; maintain organized records and shared drives; and other duties as assigned.
Physical Demands:
The employee will be required to perform routine office duties, lift boxes containing supplies and
recruitment materials, and attend meetings in other buildings on campus. Work is performed in an
office environment and requires the ability to sit or stand at a desk for extended periods and to
operate office equipment.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in policy, planning, or related field
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently in community outreach, meeting
and event planning, and/or research projects
Licenses/ Certifications: N/A

Additional Job Details

Financial Disclosure RequiredNo

DepartmentARCH-Center for Smart Growth Research & Education

Worker Sub-Type Faculty Regular

Salary Range$65,000 to $80,000

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination NoticeResources

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