Fall 2026 Planning Co-op

Our Company
Planning NEXT is a private planning practice that helps clients and communities create a shared sense of purpose and place. Since 1997, the company has built a national reputation for leadership in visioning, planning and facilitation. Planning NEXT’s work is grounded in a deep commitment to community engagement, including record-setting large-scale public events and a range of innovative techniques for acquiring meaningful insight from the public. The firm has a proven track record of creating visions and plans rooted in a community’s values and unique character that are implemented over time for long-lasting impact.
 
About the Position
Position:  The Intern Planner position is responsible for assisting Directors and Senior Planners on all aspects of a planning process from preparation tasks to document finalization. Some general areas of responsibility include assisting in the development of communications and outreach plans; preparing for public engagement events; assisting at public engagement events; input data and information gathered at public events, gathering research; assisting in the maintenance of project websites; formatting draft and final reports and plan documents.

Professionalism: Being professional at all times is an essential function of this position, especially when dealing with clients or fellow employees. This is true whether in person, over the telephone or through email communications.  All employees are entitled to a 100% non-hostile environment. 

Capability: Intern Planners at planning NEXT are given increasing responsibility and more complex tasks after aptitude for such is expressed and demonstrated. 
 
Essential Responsibilities

• Research:  Research and collection of data on community conditions and trends and assisting planners and project managers with presenting the information in a clear and compelling manner in multiple formats.
• Mapping: Assist in the preparation of maps and graphics that help to effectively convey key data and help tell important stories about communities.
• Graphic and Process Materials:  Assist in the preparation of communications and outreach materials for planning processes, including the coordination of print collateral (sending to printer, picking up from printer, shipping to client, etc.)
• Meeting Facilitation Support:  Provide support for public workshops and events, assist in the preparation of meetings by gathering of supplies and other materials. Databasing the public input gathered.
• Editing Assist with editing and formatting of plans and other documents.
• Marketing Assist with the gathering of information and formatting for proposals.

 
Required Skills
In addition to valuing the integration of meaningful community input with strategic and comprehensive planning the following skills are required.

• Excellent organization and task management responsibilities
• Competent writing and editing skills.
• An appreciation for visual/graphic presentation.
• Understanding of client service techniques and problem resolution; seek guidance or clarification when needed.
• Ability to listen, collect information and process appropriately.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Ability to independently produce high quality work in a distracting work environment which may include regular interruptions.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally using proper grammar and solid comprehension of English language.
• Ability to meet and exceed established deadlines and respond in timely manner to fellow co-workers.
• Ability to cooperate, collaborate and communicate with co-workers, supervisors, vendors, the public and others involved with our business.
• Maintain professionalism and a consistent and positive client service image when interacting with vendors, clients and co-workers.
• Understanding of and compliance with office policies and procedures including safety procedures.

 
Minimum Qualifications

• Education:  Enrolled in a Bachelor’s Degree in city planning or related field and/or a Master’s degree candidate in city planning or related field.
• Experience:  N/A
• Technology:  Proficient in using MS Office software
• Desire to learn

 
Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite
• Working knowledge or general familiarity in ArcGIS (mapping, data management and analysis).

 
 
Contact: Sarah Bongiorno, Director, sarah@planning-next.com