DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNITY AND URBAN PLANNING

boston planning & development agency

 

TITLE: DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNITY AND URBAN PLANNING

STATUS: EXEMPT

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: PLANNING/COMMUNITY PLANNING

The Community Planning Department works with Boston’s communities to create and implement plans that help foster the development of attractive, safe, diverse, and economically thriving places to live, work and play.  The Department works at the neighborhood level in partnership with local residents, businesses, institutions, and other public departments and agencies to create community visions that look at current assets and opportunities for future growth to enhance quality of life. Planners explore the issues of land use, housing needs, open space, transportation and multimodal networks and economic development with community members.  The envisioned plans, informed by the community's input, guide future development scenarios and may result in: urban design guidelines, master plans, zoning recommendations, and/or other policy changes.

Community Planning is a multidisciplinary, team-oriented, neighborhood-based department.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direction of the Director of Planning, the Deputy Director for Community amd Urban Planning will lead and coordinate the community planning staff to produce plans, guidelines and policies appropriate to the planning issues in Boston’s many neighborhoods and downtown.  He/She will guide and mentor staff to work collaboratively with community, business & institutional organizations on public planning processes associated with physical planning within Boston.   Additionally, the Deputy Director will collaborate with BPDA Planning and Development Review staff as well as with City, State and other community agencies and organizations to facilitate the coordination of the public planning and development review processes relating to community planning issues.  

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The general duties and responsibilities of the position are included in, but not limited to, the information listed below.

• Provide leadership and management to staff engaged in all community planning processes, with particular focus on the existing and future PLAN initiatives, Advise in the seletion of new areas within the City to pursue future PLAN initiatives.
• Participate as a member of the Senior Planning staff, representing all community planning processes.
• Manage and oversee the community planning processes and the creation of community master plans and zoning.  Manage and direct work of consultants and in house staff teams.  Review and approve final planning reports, studies and other products.
• Engender confidence in the community planning process among community groups, residents and businesses, institutions, agencies, and developers.  Establish and maintain effective working relationships with full range of stakeholder parties of interest, civic organizations, and advisory groups.
• Provide guidance to staff in coordinating interagency planning, Article 80 and ZBA reviews of  neighborhood development projects to facilitate planning and development in Boston communities.  Ensure that staff involved in community planning efforts have support needed to: a) consult with other Agency staff, developers and community representatives to hear concerns and solicit input, b) schedule meetings; c) participate in committees and task forces; d) coordinate prompt and comprehensive exchange of information; e) ensure ample and equitable opportunity for exchange of views; f) facilitate negotiations to achieve consensus.  Manage staff in these efforts and, participate as appropriate.
• Work, with support from the Director of Planning, on staff development and management issues, related to the community planning work program and staffing needs.
• Lead and participate in development of solutions to problems and issues raised in community planning processes including those associated with Article 80 and Zoning Board of Appeal development project review.
• Draft, revise and submit  reports documenting activities, project status and progress, and other pertinent matters for review by Director of Planning, Agency Director, or other senior City officials.
• Coordinate and monitor the effectiveness of the Agency’s community planning response.  Develop, recommend and implement improvements and enhancements to process, policies and procedures governing the community planning process.
• Maintain and update current familiarity with Boston’s neighborhoods and commercial district.
• Lead design and development of neighborhood specific community engagement strategies for a diverse group of stakeholders (internal & external) around community planning.
• Foster partnerships with community groups, academic and professional organizations to co-lead community planning initiatives.
• Partner with departments within the Agency and the City to create multidisciplinary planning teams for innovative planning solutions.
• Track progress of recently completed planning initiatives across the Agency and City and report back to the community on progress and milestones.
• Manage sensitive projects as directed by Director of Planning, Agency Director, or other senior City official.
• Perform other related duties as required.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Work requires completion of a Master’s degree in Urban Planning or related field, or equivalent plus 8 years of progressively responsible related experience, with expertise in community relations, planning and development.  Also requires knowledge of Boston’s zoning code, familiarity with city neighborhoods and commercial districts, acquaintance with community, civic and advisory groups, and knowledge of municipal government.

 

Candidate should be skilled and have experience in public speaking, large group facilitation and public interaction.  He/She should have the ability to facilitate community collaborations and partnerships to accomplish shared goals and objectives.  Base knowledge of cultural competency, equity and outreach practices to ensure inclusive and broad public participation is also desired.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Normal office environment; some site visits, many community meetings.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Little or no exertion; some local travel.

SCOPE:

Directly or through subordinate supervisors, manage Community Planning Staff of up to 15 employees.

 

**BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT**

*a cover-letter must accompany all applications*