Senior Housing and Land Use Planner

POSITION: Senior Housing and Land Use Planner
DEPARTMENT: Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development
SALARY: starting at $83,033.25

Position Overview: The Senior Housing and Land Use Planner will assist on projects in a variety of disciplines, including but not limited to: land use, housing, economic development, climate resiliency and sustainability, creative economy and arts, and open space planning; staff assistance to the Mystic Valley Development Commission (MVDC); project management services; and grant research, writing and administration.  The Senior Housing and Land Use Planner must be self-directed and able to manage multiple projects and tasks. This position requires knowledge of principles and current best practices in the planning profession; applicable federal and state statutes and regulations, particularly those relating to zoning; Expedited Permitting, Smart Growth Zoning; federal and state grant regulations/procedures and contract management; and economic development and business assistance resources. 

Responsibilities:                                                                   

• Initiating, managing, and coordinating various planning processes and studies, working in collaboration with other City staff and community stakeholders.
• Initiating, managing, and coordinating various redevelopment projects to further the City’s goals regarding housing, economic development, climate resiliency, and open space.
• Coordinating community outreach and participation processes including resident steering committee administration.
• Providing technical assistance regarding planning and development activities in the city, including existing condition analyses, precedent research, and policy options.
• Developing and recommending zoning ordinance amendments to further City’s goals.
• Preparing written reports and oral presentations for a range of audiences including City administration, City Council, Planning Board, advisory committees, and community groups.
• Researching, writing, and administering grants.
• Managing consultant contracts.

The Senior Planner will also serve as MVDC Project Manager and will also be responsible for:

• Managing the day-to-day activities of the Mystic Valley Development Commission (MVDC) overseeing the development of River’s Edge in accordance with the River’s Edge development plan.
• Managing MVDC budget including collecting payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) from River’s Edge property owners and managing consultant contracts.
• Ensuring that the work of each consultant engaged in the River's Edge Project complies with the appropriate local, state and federal rules and regulations.
• Coordinating quarterly MVDC meetings and preparing agendas and minutes.
• Submitting periodic reports to the MVDC regarding the progress of all approved activities.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in urban/regional planning, public policy/management, urban design/architecture or related field and a minimum of three years relevant professional experience. Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred.
• Ability to plan, assign, supervise and review work of other team members and consultants.
• Ability to make independent work decisions
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, colleagues, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand, interpret and apply a variety of laws, regulations, standards, policies, and directives and to enforce them helpfully, firmly, tactfully and impartially.  

Desirable Skills

• Strong computer skills, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Adobe Creative Suite.