Job Posting
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Planning Department
Exempt, Non-Union, Full Time, Benefit Eligible
Salary: $89,556 - $102,989
Definition:
Professional, managerial and administrative work in developing and coordinating the activities, programs operations of the Department of Planning and Community Development; and of all relative boards, commissions and authorities, in keeping with the Town’s comprehensive planning and development program.
Performs all other related duties as required that are logical to the position, or as directed by the Town Manager, is a department head with responsibility for policy development, program planning, fiscal management, administration and operational direction of all department functions.
Supervision:
Works independently under the broad policy direction of the Town Manager and evaluates effectiveness of operations.
Coordinates the functions of the boards, offices and departments involved in land use regulation and land management, including but not limited to; the Planning Department, Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission.
Performs highly responsible functions of a complex nature, providing professional advice to the Town Manager, Town Council, and various town boards, commissions and committees, concerning the development, implementation, management and administration of the policies, goals, regulations, and statutory requirements related to planning and development for the town. May be required to attend evening or weekend meetings.
Essential Functions:
(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed and representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. 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.)
- Responsible for developing and accomplishing departmental objectives and goals within guidelines established by the Town Manager. Assignments are broad in scope and allow for a high degree of administrative and managerial discretion in their execution.
- Serves as the Town’s principal professional planner, responsible for administering the land use planning program, and for developing or directing the economic development program and redevelopment activities; including efforts focused on the retention and expansion of existing business and efforts to bring in specific targeted businesses to the town. Development of a variety of short and long-range planning projects and analysis; in interpreting and enforcing MGL and local by-laws, ordinances and regulations; leads and coordinates efforts relating the Town’s long-range planning; responsible for the development and updating of a strategic and downtown plan.
- Plans, organizes, controls, integrates, and evaluates the work of the Department of Planning and Development including activities associated with planning, plan review, code compliance, housing and redevelopment, and permit processes; develops, implements, and monitors long-term plans, goals, and objectives focused on achieving the Town’s mission and priorities; manages and directs the development, implementation, and evaluation of plans, policies, systems, and procedures to achieve annual department goals and work standards.
- Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates subordinate personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; administers collective bargaining provisions of subordinate employees units as it pertains to departmental oversight; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocates resources accordingly. Provides leadership to develop and retain highly competent, customer service-oriented staff.
- Assists in the preparation of new ordinances and the revision of existing ones; reviews development and redevelopment plans; ensures the proper administration and enforcement of the town’s zoning, housing and related codes; monitors developments in planning and economic and community development matters; assists the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, and provides staff to such boards and commissions.
- Represents the Town at various meetings and events; represents the department to maintain effective relationships with, and coordinates departmental activities with other departments as well as a variety of boards, commissions, community organizations, groups and individuals; promotes positive public relations. Responsible for various economic development programs and works collaboratively with the Town Manager in the development of small business programs, various loan programs, promote job creation, and marketing or development projects.
- Explains, interprets, justifies, and defends departmental functions, programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues; responds to, negotiates, and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints as well as controversial departmental issues; prepares, administers, presents and defends annual departmental budget to the Town Manager as required; advises Human Resource Department of bargaining proposals and impact on departmental operations.
- Manages a variety of grant programs; oversees major funded grant programs; coordinates and review all related grant applications and provides reports on such applications; serves as CDGB overseer and of all sub grantee contracts and reporting to DCHD and other state and federal agencies; reviews all bid contracts as required.
- Maintains current knowledge of new trends and innovations in community development; attends and participates in professional group meetings; participates in professional development activities; reads publications relevant to area of assignment; assists and advises land owners, developers and other interested persons seeking information and interpretation of the town’s zoning ordinances and subdivision rules and regulations; serves as Town’s principal advisor or representative in departmental and /or relevant board(s) court proceedings; and in the drafting, interpreting or changing the town’s policy as it relates to departmental mission and function.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to Planning and Community Economic Development and eight years professional community development, planning, or public administration and management experience, within a municipality; with at least five years of experience, public sector experience necessary; or, a combination of education and experience that enables performance of all aspects of the position.
Must demonstrate track record of high level of responsibility with planning and economic development strategies and management, and must demonstrate leadership skill in the context of formal organizations; specifically municipal organizations and administration including budgets, grants and supervisory practices.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
- Knowledge of operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive community development program including planning, building, code redevelopment, and housing programs and functional areas; theory principles, and practices of planning and related services; development review procedures and requirements; principles and practices of program development and administration, of municipal budget preparation and administration, of management, supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including those governing the administration of planning, community development and community redevelopment programs and activities; organizational management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operation needs; of methods and techniques of eliciting community participation in planning and development issues.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse interest groups and work cooperatively with department heads, staff and elected or appointed officials and the general public. Ability to plan, manage others, analyze, carry out projects, consult and offer advice, and facilitate groups; requires highly effective written and oral communication skills. Must perform all aspects of job responsibilities with honesty and integrity.
- Ability to manage and direct a comprehensive community development program; to develop and administer departmental goals, objectives, and procedures; to exercise sound, expert independent judgement within general policy guidelines; to analyze and assess programs, policies, and operational needs; to identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs; to plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of subordinate staff; to delegate authority and responsibility; to select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
- Ability to present proposals and recommendations clearly and logically in public meetings and to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups, clients, customers and the general public; to gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion; to prepare and administer budgets and to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive administrative and technical reports.
- Ability to understand, interprets, explain and apply applicable policies, laws and regulations.
- Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of community economic development, land use and strategic planning and community relations; of state and federal laws or programs related to community economic development, historic preservation and Brownfields development.
Please apply online at www.eastlongmeadowma.gov or submit your application and resume to the Human Resources Department.
Mailing Address: 60 Center Square, East Longmeadow MA 01028
Physical Address: 382 North Main St. East Longmeadow, MA 01028
A complete position description may be obtained by contacting the Human Resources Department
The Town of East Longmeadow is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Qualified applicants of all backgrounds including women, people of color, LBGTQIA+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We are committed to fair hiring practices and a supportive, welcoming culture that offers equal career development and promotional opportunities to all employees.
