Part-Time Affordable Housing Planner

Department
:
Housing & Economic Development
Reports To
:
Director of Housing & Economic Development
Status
:
Part-Time (Up to 20 Hours per Week)
Compensation
:
Approximately $35,000 annual salary plus fringe, payroll costs, and a modest project/supplies budget funded through a $50,000 annual NJHOMES allocation.
Term
:
Initial one-year appointment, subject to annual funding and performance review.

The City of Salem seeks a Part-Time Affordable Housing Planner to support housing, redevelopment, neighborhood revitalization, and economic development initiatives. The position is funded through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) NJHOMES program and will assist the City in advancing affordable housing production, zoning modernization, redevelopment planning, and implementation of housing-related initiatives.

The Affordable Housing Planner will support the City’s efforts to meet its affordable housing obligations under New Jersey law, including Round Four affordable housing requirements established under P.L. 2024, c.2. The position will also assist with implementation of projects associated with the City’s Choice Neighborhoods planning effort, municipal land bank activities, redevelopment initiatives, and housing rehabilitation programs.

Work is hybrid, with a minimum of one day per week in the office, periodic field work, and the remainder performed remotely with regular supervision and coordination.

Affordable Housing Planning

• Assist the City in documenting, implementing, and monitoring affordable housing obligations and compliance activities.
• Support development of strategies to create and preserve affordable housing opportunities throughout the City.
• Conduct research regarding housing policy, housing production, affordability trends, demographic changes, and development opportunities.
• Assist in identifying funding opportunities, partnerships, and development strategies that support affordable housing production.

Zoning and Land Use Modernization

• Assist with review and modernization of zoning and land use regulations.
• Research and evaluate potential zoning reforms, including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), missing-middle housing, mixed-use development, and infill housing opportunities.
• Prepare maps, summaries, and planning documents supporting zoning amendments and Master Plan implementation.

Redevelopment and Land Bank Support

• Assist with redevelopment planning activities and implementation of redevelopment projects.
• Maintain property inventories and redevelopment tracking systems.
• Support municipal land bank activities, property disposition efforts, and redevelopment site analysis.
• Conduct property and neighborhood assessments to identify housing and redevelopment opportunities.

Choice Neighborhoods and Community Development

• Assist with implementation of housing and neighborhood revitalization initiatives connected to the City’s Choice Neighborhoods planning efforts.
• Support coordination among municipal departments, consultants, nonprofit organizations, developers, and government agencies.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and supporting materials for public meetings and stakeholder engagement activities.

Data Management and Analysis

• Maintain housing, redevelopment, property, and project databases.
• Develop spreadsheets, maps, dashboards, and reports to support decision-making.
• Analyze housing and redevelopment data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Assist with grant reporting and performance tracking.

Administrative and Project Support

• Draft meeting materials, staff reports, correspondence, and planning memoranda.
• Maintain project files and documentation.
• Assist with public outreach, workshops, and community engagement efforts.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Director of Housing & Economic Development.

• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate-level coursework or degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Community Development, Geography, Economics, GIS, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in housing policy, affordable housing, redevelopment, municipal government, planning, or…