Director of Planning and Community Developement

Job Description

Summary

Directs the operations and staff activities of the Office of Planning and Community Development, which is responsible for issues related to planning, land use, economic development, conservation, open space, affordable housing, historic preservation, capital planning and zoning. Develops comprehensive plans and programs for utilization of land and physical facilities. Manages and updates the Master Plan and other planning documents. Develops and oversees housing policy and planning for the City. Provides technical assistance on complex development proposals. Prepares long-range plans, drafts zoning ordinances, and coordinates work with the Mayor of Melrose and other City departments. Advises elected officers and boards and commissions.

Essential Functions

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Develops comprehensive plans and programs for utilization of land and physical facilities of the city. Manages and updates the Master Plan, Open Space and Recreation Plan, Housing Production Plan, Net Zero Action Plan and other planning documents.
• Confers with stakeholders on recommendations for land use; prepares and presents graphics and narrative reports.
• Provides technical assistance on complex development proposals to Planning Board, Historic District Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Redevelopment Authority. Makes Recommendations on development applications; oversees preparation of agendas, staff reports, and decisions. Ensures compliance with statutory regulations and deadlines.
• Provides support for capital improvement projects in collaboration with the Department of Public Works.
• Leads the development and execution of the vision for the Planning and Community Development department
• Manages compliance with grant requirements.
• Coordinates activity of School Building Committee and other client committees.
• Develops and oversees housing policy and planning for the City; oversees affordable housing lotteries, and compliance. Consults and collaborates with housing stakeholders and agencies.
• Oversees participation in the NSC; supports work of the Affordable Housing Trust.
• Oversees conservation activities and sustainability efforts
• Analyzes the Zoning Ordinance and draft amendments.
• Acts as advisor to the Mayor and to members of the Mayors senior team.
• Formulates and submits state and federal grant applications for physical improvement funds for city buildings, parks, infrastructure, and planning initiatives. Directs and administers grant expenditures ensuring adherence to grant laws and regulations. Prepares and submits reports.
• Provides information and guidance on pending development projects. Provides guidance to property owners on development of personal property. Meets with developers and land use attorneys to review regulatory requirements.
• Serves as Chair of the Capital Improvement Committee; formulates the Citys CIP program for review and approval by the Mayor and the City Council.
• Supervises and administers the office and staffs day-to-day activities. Hires trains, evaluates and disciplines direct reports.
• Prepares and submits annual operating budget; administers approved funds.
• Performs other duties as necessary.

Supervision

Supervision Scope: Performs complex, varied and responsible functions requiring an expert working knowledge of community development and city planning and the exercise of judgment and initiative, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures. Manages procurement activities and Citys planning and community development department and staff.

Supervision Received: Works independently. Confers with Mayor on as needed basis.

Supervision Given: Directs department, projects and staff including Account Manager and GIS Analyst; Senior Planner; Assistant Planner; Conservation Agent; and Sustainability Manager.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

Masters degree in City Planning or related field, plus 5 years of professional planning experience preferably in an urban municipal setting are required or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Special Requirements:

Knowledge: Knowledge of Citys ordinances, regulations, and administrative code related to the Planning Board, ZBA, HDC, Conservation Commission and Affordable Housing Trust. Knowledge of state enabling legislation related to zoning, planning, subdivisions, and historic preservation, including MGL Ch. 40A, 40B, 40C, and 41. Knowledge of Massachusetts procurement law including for municipal building construction; designer selection; and procurement of goods and services. Expert knowledge of budgeting, accounting and financing. Advanced knowledge of federal, state, city and local laws, ordinances, and regulations on community development and housing, including affordable housing. Expert working knowledge of city government; excellent knowledge of management practices. Knowledge of regulations for grant programs, including, but not limited to school building construction (MSBA); library building construction (MBLC); housing production, and affordable housing (DHCD).

Ability: Ability to interact appropriately and tactfully with department heads, the mayor, staff, organizations, customers, and the public; ability to manage staff and projects; ability to maintain detailed and accurate records; ability to explain laws, regulations, rules, and Department policies and procedures. Ability to implement knowledge, experience, and expertise into departments operations, effectively. Ability to prepare and present at meetings; ability to set up and manage meetings in video platform. Ability to delegate, prioritize, and to work independently; ability to establish detailed timetables. The

Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills, organizational and customer service skills. Demonstrated experience providing customer service to developers, homeowners, consultants, other customers, and the public using tact, proper judgment, courtesy, respect and discretion. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies and ensure a culturally relevant and sensitive approach. Accomplished in demonstrating adaptability, and able to present and accept a diverse perspective. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, excellent computer skills including for MS Office suite applications, Outlook, Adobe, ArcGIS, and software systems and applications that support the departments functions.

Job Environment

• Work is performed in office environment with loud noise levels.
• Work is subject to fluctuations, and administrative deadlines. Employee routinely attends evening and occasional weekend meetings.
• Operates computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine and all other standard office equipment.
• The employee has frequent contact with City Officials, the Mayor, other customers including the public.
• The employee has access to confidential information.
• Errors could result in delays or loss of service, monetary loss, and legal ramifications.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit; communicate, talk and hear; occasionally is required to stand. Must be able to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee seldom must lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges to read documents and analyze data. This position requires the ability to operate a keyboard at efficient speed.

The City of Melrose, MA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. No Residency Requirement.

In the City of Melrose we value diversity, equity, and inclusion and believe that everyone in the community deserves excellent public services and access to resources regardless of race, gender/gender identity, religion, ethnicity, physical abilities, age, sexual orientation, veteran status or personal experience. We believe in the benefit of diversity which allows us to become aware of varied ways of engaging with citizens and to discover, design and deliver enriched solutions and services for our community. The City embraces and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $101,883.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Describe your knowledge and experience with city ordinance, regulations, and administrative code related to the planning and development.

Education:

• Master’s (Preferred)

Experience:

• Urban planning: 5 years (Preferred)
• GIS: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person