About NMCOG

The Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG) is a mission-driven regional planning government agency serving the Greater Lowell region (Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Pepperell, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, and Westford). We partner with our member communities to tackle complex, real-world challenges – from housing affordability and climate resilience to transportation access, economic vitality, and municipal capacity. Our work is grounded in data, equity, and collaboration, and focused on helping communities move from plans to action.

Guided by our Strategic Plan, NMCOG is evolving how we support municipalities: strengthening local capacity, advancing implementation-ready solutions, improving public engagement, and centering equity, sustainability, and regional cooperation in everything we do. We are a small, collegial organization where staff have meaningful responsibility, visible impact, and the opportunity to shape the future of the region.

We offer a flexible, hybrid work environment; excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits; and a supportive team culture that values learning, initiative, and balance.

Regional Planner

Category: Full-Time Professional (Exempt)
Supervisor: Executive Director (with project-based supervision by senior staff)
Salary Range: $55,000 to $75,000

Why This Role Matters

As a Regional Planner at NMCOG, you will work directly with municipalities to turn community goals into implementable strategies. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys tackling a variety of planning topics, working closely with local officials, and translating data and policy into clear, actionable recommendations. You’ll contribute to projects that shape housing, transportation, land use, sustainability, and economic development across the region.

What You’ll Do

• Support local and regional planning initiatives, including Master Plans, Housing Plans, Economic Development Plans, Mobility and Corridor Studies and Plans, Open Space and Recreation Plans, and regional policy efforts
• Conduct research, data collection, and analysis related to housing, land use, transportation, sustainability, and economic development
• Assist in developing implementation-focused action plans, including priorities, timelines, and funding strategies
• Draft and help refine bylaws, ordinances, policies, reports, and public-facing materials
• Maintain and analyze datasets, including building permits, zoning, parcel data, and GIS layers
• Create clear and engaging written and visual materials, such as reports, maps, presentations, flyers, and social media content
• Support community outreach and engagement, including public meetings, workshops, and stakeholder coordination
• Present findings to municipal boards, elected officials, committees, and community groups
• Coordinate and participate in technical committees, working groups, and advisory bodies
• Conduct field work, site visits, and assessments as needed
• Attend occasional evening and weekend meetings

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a motivated, adaptable planner who is curious, collaborative, and comfortable juggling multiple projects.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, urban studies, public policy, environmental studies, GIS, economic development, or a closely related field or at least two years of relevant professional experience
• Working knowledge of planning principles related to housing, land use, transportation, sustainability, and economic development
• Experience with research, data analysis, and synthesis
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database tools
• Experience editing and maintaining GIS data using ESRI ArcGIS Pro or QGIS
• Strong writing, analytical, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Preferred (but not required):

• Familiarity with graphic design tools, such as Adobe Creative Suite
• Experience supporting community engagement or facilitation
• Experience with grant research or administration

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license or ability to arrange transportation within the region
• Legal authorization to work in the United States

How to Apply

If you’re excited about collaborative, impact-driven planning and want your work to make a visible difference in local communities, we encourage you to apply. Positions are open until filled and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to nmcogjobs@nmcog.org. Candidates selected for interviews may be asked to provide a writing sample or example of relevant work.