Chief of Urban Planning and Zoning

1 week ago


Somerville, Massachusetts, United States City of Somerville Full time
Job Overview

The Director of the Planning, Preservation, & Zoning Division within the Mayor's Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development is responsible for overseeing essential long-term planning, ordinance formulation, and permit management functions of the Division. This role includes supervising staff involved with the Historic Preservation Commission, Planning Board, Urban Design Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals, while also spearheading Historic Preservation initiatives for the City of Somerville.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are representative of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific tasks does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar or related:

  • Guide and manage personnel in the Planning, Preservation, & Zoning Division.
  • Establish a definitive vision and mission for the Division.
  • Formulate goals, objectives, and an annual work plan for each primary function of the Division, while monitoring progress towards these targets.
  • Oversee one or more core functions of long-range planning, ordinance development, and permit administration.
  • Develop and execute communication strategies for each primary function of the Division.
  • Prepare and oversee the Division's annual budget, grants, and other financial resources, regularly tracking and evaluating financial performance.
  • Make strategic decisions regarding personnel and financial resource allocation, including hiring, evaluating, and promoting staff, as well as selecting consultants.
  • Manage staff workload assignments through delegation and rebalancing of Division capacity.
  • Conduct regular staff meetings and maintain ongoing communication with Division staff, OSPCD Directors, and other City Departments.
  • Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the Somerville community.
  • Represent the Division at events and in appointed roles.
  • Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, advocacy groups, neighborhood organizations, and other governmental agencies.
  • Exhibit assertiveness that fosters confidence and encourages collaboration both internally and externally.
Qualifications

Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree combined with five to seven years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that equips the individual with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Special Requirements: Certification by the AICP is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the legal foundations and procedural aspects of zoning and land use regulations in Somerville, along with extensive knowledge of urban planning and economic development.

Abilities: Capable of effectively engaging with the public; adept at handling problems and emergencies; proficient in clear communication, both verbally and in writing; skilled in computer operation; able to maintain confidentiality; organized in record management; and capable of managing multiple tasks efficiently within time constraints.

Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, proficient data processing skills, and strong personnel management capabilities.

Work Environment

The work environment typically involves standard office discomforts, with occasional exposure to outdoor elements. While noise or surroundings may be distracting, conditions are generally manageable. The role may require attendance at evening meetings beyond regular business hours.

Physical and Mental 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 position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Physical Skills: Minimal physical demands are required, primarily involving sitting for work tasks, with occasional periods of walking and standing. Some lifting of objects such as books and office supplies (up to 30 lbs.) may be necessary.

Motor Skills: Duties are predominantly mental, but may occasionally require minimal motor skills for tasks such as moving objects, operating office equipment, typing, and filing.

Visual Skills: Visual demands include frequent reading of documents for comprehension and analysis, as well as reviewing maps and blueprints requiring color vision.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: Competitive annual salary, plus benefits.

Union: Non-Union.

FMLA: Exempt.

The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.



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