SUMMARY:Under the general direction of the Boston Redevelopment Authority Director, plan, organize and direct the activities of the Planning Division, including long-term planning and development, division management and operations, and strategic planning and policy development for both the Agency and the City of Boston. Provide inter-division management direction and guidance to the Community Planning, Waterfront Planning, Urban Design, and Zoning departments.
The Boston Redevelopment Authority plans Boston’s built environment while respecting the City’s communities and their history. The BRA’s mission is to drive economic growth and socioeconomic progress in order to build a more prosperous, resilient, and vibrant city for all.
GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
*The general duties and responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below.*
Overseeing a staff of 30+ employees, the Director of Planning exercises strong and effective leadership skills in team building, goal setting, employee development, and fostering an environment of open communication and collaboration. In alignment with the goals and objectives of the Agency, the Director of Planning works with Senior Leaders to implement organizational changes aimed at improving communication, transparency, and accountability.
Citywide Planning
Collaborate with the Mayor's Office and an interdepartmental steering committee to lead the City's first citywide plan in fifty years, ‘Imagine Boston 2030’.
Participate in the development of the Agency's strategic plans, contributing expertise regarding all planning issues as well as coordinating citywide planning and development objectives and initiatives.
Participate with the Director’s office and other senior City officials in the formulation and articulation of the City’s long-term growth and development policies, missions and objectives.
Develop citywide planning strategies and action plans. Help to set growth targets for key economic sectors and identify necessary infrastructure investments.
Maintain citywide attention on the transformation of the physical environment including neighborhood scale, street life, public realm, building form, architecture and skyline image.
Develop long-term strategic growth and management policies for Boston's many academic and medical institutions. Align current institutional master plans and permit approvals with long-term development goals.
Oversee the development and implementation of reforms to clarify and streamline the Boston Zoning Code.
Neighborhood Planning
Strengthen the character of neighborhoods by coordinating neighborhood development and preservation with long-term improvements for transit, infrastructure, municipal facilities and city services.
Review and implement equitable rezoning of the City’s neighborhoods, ensuring proper consideration of all constituent interests and consistency with overall urban planning objectives and initiatives.
In collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, oversee community engagement activities, ensuring prompt and thorough attention in response to constituent interests and concerns.
Assist in the development and implementation of imaginative public participation strategies to reach and engage diverse populations across the City.
Interdepartmental Collaboration
Coordinate interdepartmental planning by economic sectors as well as by neighborhoods.
Collaborate with other high-level City officials in cross-disciplinary initiatives. Lead and participate in initiatives with other City agencies or other government bodies.
Support efforts to facilitate communication and collaboration across City departments.
Management and Operations
Oversee the establishment and implementation of clear and transparent operating policies and procedures governing city planning operations. Monitor and assess effectiveness of citywide planning and development policies; revise and enhance as needed.
Monitor and enforce compliance with all internal and external regulations and statutes.
Guide effective leadership development and team building. Promote open communication and collaboration. Promote professional development.
Participate in the development of the City’s planning operating and capital budgets to provide strategic and timely funding to the appropriate departments for the city’s many planning activities.
Align the BRA Planning Division’s strategic, organizational, and operational structure with the Agency's overall organizational plans and objectives.
Consult in the recruitment, screening, and selection of Agency planning staff. Provide orientation and training. Develop performance plans for each employee consistent with job description and qualifications; conduct periodic performance reviews. Recommend compensation and other personnel actions. Manage and resolve employee relations issues.
General/Other
Participate in the coordination and prioritization of transportation planning and policy development initiatives. Help organize and articulate the highest level response to state, federal and regional initiatives related to planning, development, transportation and infrastructure. Help oversee Agency representation on major infrastructure project task forces.
Identify and leverage city and community building opportunities in all public and private investments.
Apply sustainable planning principles to green the City and meet the Mayor’s long-term climate change and resiliency goals.
Ensure the provision of high-quality service at levels within the Agency's planning efforts.
Perform other related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Work requires completion of a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning or related field, plus fifteen or more years of progressively responsible related experience, with expertise in land use, transportation, infrastructure, and urban design. Track record of managing and building a highly motivated, efficient, and effective planning team is highly desirable. A background in the public sector is preferred and previous management experience is required.
