Senior Planner

Massachusetts Housing Partnership Fund Board•Boston, MA

1d•$102,000 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) is a public, non-profit organization that expands access to affordable housing and promotes housing equity in communities across the Commonwealth. Founded in 1985, MHP is now a 70+ employee organization that has delivered $6.5 billion in below-market financing for affordable housing and currently has $1.2 billion in assets under management. Every action MHP takes, whether it’s a loan, grant, professional assistance, or development of state or local policy has the underlying goal of expanding housing opportunities for Massachusetts residents. As an integral member of the Community Assistance team, the Senior Planner will support collaborative efforts to advance affordable housing development, preservation, and stewardship by providing technical assistance, facilitating planning initiatives, and promoting effective local policies. Key responsibilities include building strong relationships with municipal stakeholders and community groups, delivering targeted training and workshops, and representing the organization’s housing policy agenda through active participation in committees and industry forums. In this role, you will bring strong planning expertise and a collaborative spirit to guide municipalities, regional agencies, and community groups as they navigate housing policy, development opportunities, and local planning tools. You will contribute your professional insights, facilitate dialogue, and help translate complex regulations into practical pathways of growth. At MHP, staff engagement, inclusion and belonging are integral to everything we do. We value individuals who are intentional about fostering inclusive environments and who recognize the power of diverse perspectives. The person in the Senior Planner position is expected to embody these values not only in their work but in how they build relationships, make decisions, and contribute to a supportive team culture. To learn more about MHP's commitment to engagement and inclusion, visit our website .

Requirements

At least five to seven years of relevant knowledge, skills and experience in planning, community development, or affordable housing development in Massachusetts.
Strong knowledge of state, federal and local land use laws and regulations, including permitting and site plan review.
Demonstrated working knowledge of Massachusetts Chapter 40B requirements with experience conducting planning-related reviews, analyses, and documentation to support Project Eligibility Letter (PEL) determinations in a Subsidizing Agency or similar environment.
Proficiency in affordable housing regulations including but not limited to 40R and Inclusionary Zoning
Demonstrated success in program and project management, balancing multiple priorities and deadlines.
Clear and strong communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as the ability to translate technical information into accessible guidance for a variety of audiences.
Commitment to collaborative problem solving, working with communities to identify challenges, explore options, and develop practical solutions rooted in local context.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Demonstrated commitment to affordable housing.
Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration or related field, or an equivalent combination of skills, knowledge and experience required.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
Travel will be required within Massachusetts.
A current driver’s license and/or access to reliable transportation is required in order to attend community meetings as well as local and MHP events throughout the state.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of experience working at the municipal level or regional planning agency preferred.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.

Responsibilities

Guide planning and pre-development efforts with the Complete Neighborhood Partnerships program, helping communities explore opportunities, understand regulatory pathways, and prepare for successful affordable housing development. to The Complete Neighborhood Partnerships program facilitates the production of affordable housing in proximity to transit areas in communities across the Commonwealth.
Support and facilitate MHP’s 40B Project Eligibility Letter (PEL) approval process.
Provide planning-related subject matter expertise for MHP’s role as a 40B Subsidizing Agency and lead planning-related reviews and analysis in MHP’s 40B Project Eligibility Letter (PEL) approval process.
Provide direct assistance to municipal staff, regional planning agencies, appointed boards, and volunteer/community groups to support the development, preservation, and stewardship of affordable housing through activities such as regulatory and planning framework review, training sessions, predevelopment, and interpretation of relevant state and local policies.
Facilitate planning and predevelopment efforts aimed at the creation and stewardship of affordable housing.
Foster relationships and develop regular communication with staff, elected officials and community groups at the municipal level.
Promote local policies, projects and practices that expand the supply and strong management of affordable housing by participating in the designing and implementation of workshops and trainings that respond to industry and community needs and/or policy issues.
Participate and represent MHP in internal and external affordable housing, zoning and stewardship training efforts.
Represent MHP and its policy agenda by participating in relevant affordable housing and training related committees.