Job Description

Summary
Organization'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 fellow with expertise in housing, community development, land use, transportation, economic development, sustainability or related areas to assist the Purple Line Corridor Coalition with applied planning and community engagement work. The Purple Line Corridor Coalition (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-engaged and co-creative work. The candidate will be a key contributor to development and execution of plans and on-the-ground initiatives pertaining to equitable transit-oriented development for the PLCC. The policy fellow will contribute to NCSG and PLCC's community-engaged coalition building and research that impacts decision-making and advocacy for community, local, and state partners. This position is funded by a grant through 12/31/27.



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 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 research projects


Preferences:



Spanish language strongly preferred


Master's, or doctoral degree in policy, planning, or related fields.


Outreach and community engagement experience, with an appreciation for the work involved in building trust in historically marginalized communities


Knowledge and work experience in the District-Maryland-Virginia metropolitan region is preferred but not required.


Candidates should be able to work in a diverse, high-paced environment and have strong writing and editing skills, proficient oral and interpersonal communications skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail.


Experience with Canva and Adobe creative suite


Experience with web platforms including Wix, WordPress


Experience with social media engagement


1-3 years of work experience in a nonprofit or policy setting


Licenses/ Certifications: N/A
Additional Job Details
Required Application Materials:CV/Resume (3 pages max) Cover Letter (1 page max) 3 professional/academic references; only contact information is required (no reference letters are necessary)


Best Consideration Date: 12/08/2025

Posting Close Date: 12/31/2025

Open Until Filled: No

Financial Disclosure Required
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
ARCH-Center for Smart Growth Research & Education
Worker Sub-Type
Faculty Regular
Salary Range
$65,000 to $80,000
Benefits Summary
For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.
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.

ResourcesLearn how military skills translate to civilian opportunities with

Search Firm Managed Recruitment
There are some positions that are not advertised on this career site as the search is being managed by a Search Firm.