Job Information
CITY of SOMERVILLE Director of Planning & Zoning in Somerville, Massachusetts
The Director of The Director of the Planning, Preservation, & Zoning Division of the Mayor?s Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development oversees the core long-range planning, ordinance development, and permit administration functions of the Division; supervises Division staffing of the Historic Preservation Commission, Planning Board, Urban Design Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals; and leads Historic Preservation efforts for the City of Somerville. Employee is required to perform all similar or related duties. Essential Functions: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be 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. Lead and direct staff in the Planning, Preservation, & Zoning Division of OSPCD. Establish a clear vision and mission for the Division. Develop goals, objectives, and annual work plan for each of the Division?s primary functions and monitor progress toward targets. Supervise one or more of the core long-range planning, ordinance development, and permit administration functions of the Division. Create and implement communication strategies for each of the Division?s primary functions. Prepare and manage the Division?s annual budget, grants, & other financing and routinely track and assess financial performance. Make strategic decisions about the allocation of personnel and financial resources; hiring, evaluation, and promotion of staff; and the selection of consultants. Manage the workload assignments of staff through the delegation and rebalancing of Division capacity. Conducts regular Division staff meetings and meets regularly with Division staff, OSPCD Directors, and other City Departments. Develop a deep knowledge and understanding of the Somerville community. Attend events and serve in appointed positions to represent PPZ, OSPCD, or the City. Develop and maintain working relationships with elected officials, advocacy organizations, neighborhood organizations, and other metropolitan, state, or federal agencies and institutions. Demonstrate assertiveness that inspires, builds confidence, and encourages collaboration internally and externally. Minimum Qualifications: Education and Experience: Bachelor?s degree and five to seven- (5-7) years of 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. Special Requirements: Certification by the AICP is desired. Knowledge, Abilities and Skill Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of the legal underpinnings and procedural aspects of zoning and other land use regulations in Somerville. Extensive knowledge of all facets of urban planning and economic development. Abilities: Ability to meet and deal with the public effectively and appropriately; ability to handle problems and emergencies effectively; ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing; ability to operate a computer; ability to maintain confidential information; ability to maintain, manage, and organize records; ability to deal appropriately with external clients of the department, City employees, City officials and other state and federal governmental agencies. Ability to manage multiple tasks in a detailed and effective manner in accordance with time constraints.