DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

City of Brockton, MA•Brockton, MA

23d•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves complex administrative and professional work in urban planning, program management, and regulatory oversight. The Director is responsible for preserving and stabilizing residential neighborhoods, fostering vibrant commercial districts and corridors, and supporting a thriving business community within the city. The Director is responsible for recommending and implementing programs aligned with the Board's policies. Key responsibilities also include coordinating programming and professional relationships with the Mayor's Office, City Council members, and other City Departments. The Director will also build staff capacity to manage and implement programs and lead efforts to promote the City to various public and private audiences, both within and outside the City of Brockton. This role is responsible for developing and implementing the City's economic development and planning activities and initiatives. The Director will work directly with the Mayor of Brockton and City Council to ensure that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) is meeting the City's needs as its Grants Administrator. They will also advise the Mayor, City Council, boards, and commissions on all matters within the scope of the department's activities and functions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, or business administration with more than 7-10 years related work experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Extensive knowledge of urban planning, zoning, public administration, business administration, architecture, law or real estate; extensive knowledge and experience in all facets of urban planning and development; strong background in economic development.
Ability to integrate planning, design, finance and implementation tasks into a coherent strategy for complex multi-faceted economic development projects; consensus building ability; ability to lead and manage cross-disciplinary teams including professional staff and consultants on complex planning and development projects.
Skilled at negotiating with real estate developers and business representatives; skilled at public speaking and making effective and persuasive public presentations to large audiences.

Nice To Haves

AICP Certification, CEcD Certification highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Direct, assign and manage departmental staff in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, Civil Service regulations, City ordinances and the Authority
Responsible for the preparation of the department's annual budget and for the administration of the cities personnel, rules and orders within the department
Develop, revise and implement city-wide Comprehensive Plan, develop and implement District plans, including Open Space and Recreation Plan, urban renewal, district improvement financing plans, Consolidation plan and Annual Action Plan
Serve on the regional homelessness Continuum of Care and provide assistance to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic District Commission, Conservation Commission and other bodies on land use and planning applications
Coordinates the City's planning and economic development functions with other local, regional and state plans and programs
Assist with and monitor grant applications
Prepare reports and studies, collect data on various economic development issues such as localized retail needs, demographic and other data
Provide extensive customer service in person, via email and on the phone
Work with government support, property owners and others to identify business opportunities
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
Meets regularly with the Board of Directors and Executive Committee to review policies, provide updates on program activities and financial status of Brockton Development Authority, identify, and provide assessment of needs
Interact, effectively communicate, and establish good working relationships with all stakeholders (especially, state, local, federal government officials, Brockton City Council, city agencies, city boards and officials, civic & neighborhood associations Brockton residents, Brockton Redevelopment Authority staff and general public on a regular basis)
Organize and submit the City of Brockton Annual and 5-year Plan to the Department of Housing and Urban Development
Apply and manage, including compliance with various HUD grants and Federal Code
Preparing and submitting program activity reports to appropriate funders, stakeholders and upon request
Serve as IDIS Administrator
Direct staff efforts in the implementation of approved programs
Established personal and recurring contacts and working relationships with key public officials, business leaders and community leaders
Performs a variety of related duties