The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) seeks candidates for the position of Community Planner to join the agency’s Community Planning Department. The ideal candidate has a passion for housing as a tool to strengthen community resiliency. This individual will support regional planning efforts in collaboration with the Director of Community Planning and other staff to expand housing choice and opportunity in the Naugatuck Valley region. The Community Planner will also work from time to time on other regional topics, such as, but not limited to: land use, environment, transportation, brownfields, and economic development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Typical assignments will include:

• Preparation of housing plans and housing elements of municipal and/or regional plans;

• Researching and preparing reports, studies, and presentations on best practices pertaining to housing market trends, public policies and programs, development barriers, and the like;

• Organizing educational workshops and educational events; designing and giving public presentations; facilitating public discussions;

• Working in partnership with our member municipalities, the development community, community-based organizations, academic institutions, and others active in the housing field; and

• Remaining informed about current housing-related planning issues, resources, and programs.

AN IDEAL COMMUNITY PLANNER HAS….

• Experience developing municipal and/or regional plans; experience with CGS 8-30j plans is a plus;

• Knowledge of housing production and preservation best practices; as well as best planning practices related to master planning and local planning activities;

• Strong research skills and the ability to work with large quantitative data sets to discern trends;

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local housing policy issues, laws, regulations and programs;

• Ability to identify, evaluate, and strategize to overcome political and economic barriers to various forms of sustainable development, e.g. affordable housing, mixed-use development, and TOD.

• Ability to write coherent documents ranging from technical reports to public flyers;

• Strong verbal communication and facilitation skills, including experience engaging with a range of stakeholders and audiences; the ability to articulate complex planning and policy issues to the public; the ability to build coalitions, achieve consensus, and resolve disputes in community engagement and public policy situations;

• Ability to work in a team and collaborate; as well as the ability to time manage multiple and varied assignments;

• Ability to establish, maintain, and expand productive working relationships with the public, community groups, and government officials, especially local elected and appointed officials.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must have an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field of study (Planning, Political Science, Urban Studies, Sociology, Public Administration, or related) or have equivalent relevant experience. A master’s degree in any of these fields is a positive factor but is not required. The Community Planner may be required to attend evening and night meetings.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full time, 35-hour per week hybrid position. The NVCOG has an authorized yearly rate of $55,000 - $65,000 for this position, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include a comprehensive health insurance plan, including vision and dental, and a retirement plan with no employee contribution.