Economic Development

The Town of Brookline is accepting applications for a Planner in the Economic Development & Long-Term Planning Division of the Department of Planning and Community Development. Brookline seeks an entrepreneurial planner to manage a diverse portfolio of complex program management, planning, and regulatory work focused on economic development and long-term planning. Key responsibilities include leading a series of district planning projects, developing and implementing initiatives to support local businesses, commercial area vibrancy, and commercial real estate development, as well as assisting local businesses, business organizations, property owners, and developers navigate the Town’s licensing and permitting processes. Supports other Division objectives, including providing professional and administrative support to advisory boards and committees, developing reports and other reference materials, and supporting external communications about the Division’s work and resources.

Ideal candidates will have a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a range of community partners, are skilled at fostering community engagement, and have strong problem-solving abilities and editing prowess. Chinese or Spanish language skills are desirable.

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in urban planning or a related field; a master’s degree is desirable; three years’ experience in economic development or long-term planning, community engagement, real estate development, business advisory services; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid driver’s license and evening meeting attendance required.

Must have technical skills in real estate development, business assistance, long-term planning, sustainability and/or urban planning; ability to read and interpret site plans; MS Office skills, plus Arc Map products.

Starting salary $75,657 plus a comprehensive benefits package, including four weeks’ vacation, pension, and excellent health insurance coverage. Eligible for hybrid work schedule. Please apply with Resume and cover letter. Position open until filled.

Economic Development & Long-Term Planner Job Description

Primary Purpose:
The primary purpose of the position is to perform complex administrative and professional work in program management, planning and regulatory work in the Planning and Community Development Department, focusing on economic development and long-term planning; performs all other related work.

Supervision:
Supervision Scope: Performs varied and responsible duties requiring a thorough working knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and initiative to carry out assignments independently, analyze situations and conditions, and determine appropriate course of action from among many alternatives.

Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Economic Development Director and of the Department Head, following department policies and appropriate professional standards. Resolves procedural problems independently, requesting assistance with unusual situations which do not have clear precedents.

Essential Functions:

The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the various types of work 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.

• Conduct program management, planning and regulatory work. Represent the Town regarding changing regulatory issues that arise from time to time that affect our commercial areas.
• Assist residents in communicating needs and concerns regarding the livability and vitality of their neighborhoods to existing or proposed businesses, commercial property owners, and/or new commercial development applicants.
• Assist individual businesses, institutions, and non-profits with becoming more integrated into the community (orchestrating neighborhood meetings as issues arise, awareness of nonprofit and community needs technical assistance for community events, etc.).
• Assist individual businesses, institutions, and non-profits via SCORE, EDAB members, individual mentoring from other businesses or industry experts, as appropriate; seek financial assistance from local, state, federal, and private-sector sources, as appropriate.
• Assists the Director of Economic Development to develop and implement long-term planning initiatives, such as the Comprehensive Plan, which may include soliciting community participation, conducting research and coordinating project consultants.
• Prepare reports and studies, collect data on various economic development issues such as localized retail needs, demographics and other data; answer questions from the public by telephone or in person.
• Develop written materials and reports related to Economic Development for public education. Manage communication of community meetings and events sponsored by the Division via email, website and other media services.
• Provide staff support to the Economic Development Advisory Board and Planning Board, as directed.
• Engage the Planning Board and public in long-term planning initiatives to reach Town-wide goals and objectives.
• Accept department applications, provide general instructions to businesses and residents, and perform general department-wide administrative work such as answering the phone, mailings, completing forms and logs.
• Perform diversified duties in support of other divisions within the Planning and Community Development Department as needed and assigned.
• Perform similar or related department work as needed and as assigned by the Director of Planning & Community Development in consultation with the Economic Development Director.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in urban studies, planning, communications, public policy or administration, business or a related field; a Master’s Degree is helpful; three years of economic development or long-term planning, community engagement, retail urban infill, business advisory services; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Requirements:
Valid motor vehicle operator’s license.

Knowledge, Ability and Skills:
Knowledge: Knowledge of the regional business sector, land use regulations, policies and funding sources, project management, public processes and community interaction. Knowledge of leveraging and receiving public grants, business recruitment, conducting research related to retail districts, social media applications is a plus.

Ability: Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary / interdepartmental team and independently. Conduct independent research and analyze and prepare planning studies, write reports, and make public presentations. Ability to write reports and communicate orally, conduct public meetings and presentations, analytical, and planning/organizational skills.

Skill: Skill in vector-based computer programs such as Adobe products, GIS, and/or CAD a plus. Skill in developing and maintaining working relationships with a wide range of stakeholder groups within residential, commercial, cultural, government and non-profit sectors; and working within and across divisions of a busy office with a willingness to take ownership of a variety of project(s) assigned.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here 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.

Minimal physical effort is generally required. Ability to read routine and technical documents and plans, use a computer, place posters around Town and operate a motor vehicle. Convey regulatory and application information to the public.