| Dir of Planning & Development Dept - City of Newton | |
| Job Type: Regular | |
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Work Location Newton, MA U.S.A |
Targeted Salary Not Specified Benefits: |
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Type of organization / Mission Focus: Geographic Scope: None Keywords: Community Dev., |
Organization Website: https://jobs.keldair.com/cityofnewton/jobs/99068/director-of-planning-and-development |
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Required Experience: Qualifications:
(To perform successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. We encourage all candidates who feel they are capable of successfully performing the responsibilities outlined in this position description to apply.) Education, Training and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Public Administration or related field plus 5 to 7 years of related experience including directly related managerial experience or any equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience. AICP certification preferred. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge: Community planning, urban planning, land use, zoning, housing, economic development, historic preservation, and environmental protection principles and practices. Applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, policies, and programs related to planning, housing, land use, and community development. Municipal government operations, including budgeting, policy development, regulatory processes, and interdepartmental coordination. Planning tools and practices, including GIS, mapping, data analysis, and interpretation of plans, codes, bylaws, ordinances, and related technical materials. Skills: Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex issues and recommend effective policy or strategic direction. Excellent written and oral communication, public speaking, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with elected and appointed officials, staff, developers, community groups, and the public. Proficiency in computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and mapping tools such as GIS. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive working relationships and build consensus across a wide range of stakeholders. Abilities: Interpret and apply plans, maps, laws, specifications, codes, bylaws, regulations, and policy guidance to varied planning and development matters. Prepare reports, recommendations, and other written materials related to community planning, land use, and economic development. Lead and supervise a diverse group of staff, manage multiple priorities at once, and adjust direction as needed in response to changing circumstances. Conduct mapping and spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with municipal officials, elected and appointed bodies, community organizations, business representatives, and the general public. Speak effectively before groups of all sizes and represent the department with professionalism, sound judgment, and credibility. A strong commitment to public service, collaboration, and professional excellence required. Work Environment: Work is performed under typical office conditions, with regular use of standard office equipment and technology. The position also involves occasional travel to project sites, other municipal facilities, and off-site meetings in order to observe existing conditions, review development activity, and support planning and development initiatives. Field visits may require walking over uneven surfaces and exposure to seasonal weather conditions. This position requires attending frequent in-person night meetings to support dozens of committees, commissions, and various public processes. In addition to the routine in-person meetings, this position must attend a significant number of night meetings remotely. Physical Requirements: (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.) Operates computers, printers, copiers, telephones, and standard office equipment. Sits or stands with intermittent periods of stooping and walking. May be required to move objects weighing up to 30 pounds. Reads and reviews detailed information on screen and in print. Some tasks require the ability to perceive sounds and visual cues and to communicate orally. Performance Standard: Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the City through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics and integrity. (This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.) Company Description THE CITY: The City of Newton is a wonderful place to live and work. Newton has safe and attractive neighborhoods, an excellent public school system, an active community life, multiple transportation systems, proximity to Boston and a well-managed and financially strong City government. The City of Newton has a population of approximately 88,900, with 32,600 housing units and occupies a land area of 18.3 square miles. Newton is principally suburban-residential in character. Unlike many other communities that are established around a single Main Street or downtown, Newton is comprised of thirteen distinctive villages. Newton has a diversified economic base with approximately 4,700 establishments employing approximately 79,500 people. Newton is special in many ways. It is home to a variety of private secondary and post-secondary schools including a portion of Boston College, Lasell University, William James College, Hebrew College, and the UMass Amherst – Mount Ida Campus. The longest stretch of the Boston Marathon runs through the City, including the well-known Heartbreak Hill. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham health care system, serves as an important partner to the City. In September 2018, Newton was again ranked #1 in Massachusetts as the best place to live and #12 in the U.S. OUR GOVERNMENT: Newton has what is known as a “strong Mayor” form of government with the Mayor having the executive and administrative powers of the City. The legislative branch is comprised of 24 City Councilors. Mayor Marc C. Laredo was sworn in on January 1, 2026 after serving on the City Council. The City of Newton was evaluated by Moody’s Investors Services in February 2020 and assigned its highest rating of AAA. Newton was thus well-positioned to weather the pandemic and economic downturn. AS AN EMPLOYER: The City of Newton believes that its employees are its greatest asset. To that end, we are committed to supporting our employees by providing competitive wages and growth, a comprehensive benefits package which includes a defined municipal pension plan, quality health and dental insurance plans, generous paid leave benefits, paid holidays, and access to supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation, short term disability plans, flexible spending accounts, and other employee benefits. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program and access to employee training and professional development opportunities. We continuously work to review and expand upon our benefit offerings. We encourage you to visit our Human Resources Department website to learn more about our organization and benefits which are available to our employees. And as always, you are encouraged to reach out to our dynamic HR Team by emailing hr@newtonma.gov. Human Resources Diversity Statement We recognize our workforce is a source of strength that is vital to our ability to effectively serve the City of Newton’s diverse community. We will: Actively recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and talented workforce. Proactively address discrimination through education and in partnership with other departments and leaders. Serve as a role model to celebrate and nurture diversity. Foster inclusion by staying curious and clarifying assumptions. Evaluate and develop policies and practices that reflect the diverse nature of our workforce. Build and strengthen accountability at all levels to support diversity efforts. The targeted salary range reflects what the City of Newton reasonably and in good faith expects to offer for this position at the time of posting, but the final salary determination may be within or outside this range based on various factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and market factors. The range will be reviewed regularly and is subject to change. Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Tuition Reimbursement Flexible Spending Accounts 457 Deferred Compensation plans Metro Credit Union Verizon Wireless discount Employee Assistance Program Generous paid leave time benefits and paid holidays. City Retirement (Mandatory) Weekly Direct Deposit Opportunity to serve the public and join a dynamic team of dedicated employees |
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Duties / Expectations: Director of Planning and Development
City of Newton (City of Newton) Newton, MA 02459 $141,814 - $162,149 a year - Full-time Certifications Do you have a valid AICP Certification certification? Skills Do you have experience in Team management? Education Do you have a Bachelor's degree? Benefits Tuition reimbursement Health insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Employee assistance program Disability insurance Pension plan Full job description Job Description Primary Purpose: The Director of Planning and Development serves as the principal leader and strategic advisor for the City’s planning and development functions. The Director provides vision, leadership, and oversight for citywide planning, land use, zoning, housing, community development, historic preservation, and environmental protection initiatives. The Director advises elected and appointed officials, boards, commissions, staff, developers, business owners, and residents on matters affecting the City’s physical development and long-range planning goals. The Director leads the implementation of policies, programs, and regulatory initiatives that support sustainable growth, preservation of community character, housing opportunity, transportation planning, economic vitality, and environmental stewardship. The Director is responsible for maintaining and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under their direction and control, and performs similar or related work as required, directed, or as situation dictates. Supervision: Supervision Scope: Performs complex and highly responsible duties requiring strategic, analytical, and independent judgment in the planning, administration, and execution of departmental programs, regulatory functions, and long-range planning initiatives. Works independently in formulating recommendations, policies, procedures, and operational priorities for the department. Supervision Received: Works from policies, goals, and objectives established by City leadership and applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations. Establishes short- and long-range plans and performance expectations for the department and assumes direct accountability for departmental results. Consults with the Mayor or designee where clarification, interpretation, or exception to policy is required. Exercises substantial judgment in the development and implementation of departmental policies, goals, objectives, and budgets. Supervision Given: Directly and through subordinate staff, supervises department personnel and oversees the successful operation of all departmental programs and initiatives. Determines departmental work operations, assigns and monitors work, establishes organizational priorities, allocates staff and financial resources, evaluates performance, and recommends new goals and objectives. Provides direction and support to staff engaged in planning, housing, community development, historic preservation, and related activities. Essential Functions: (The essential functions or duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types 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.) Provides strategic leadership for all Planning Department functions and guides the department’s overall direction in alignment with City goals and community needs. Advises elected and appointed officials, boards, and commissions on matters related to land use, zoning, housing, community development, economic development, historic preservation, environmental protection, and comprehensive planning. Leads complex planning and zoning initiatives by identifying issues, directing research and analysis, establishing project timelines, and recommending policy, regulatory, and ordinance changes. Helps shape the City’s approach to growth, development, and preservation through thoughtful planning and implementation. Administers and oversees community development programs, including the Community Development Block Grant, housing rehabilitation, HOME, first-time homebuyer, and Emergency Solutions programs. Ensures that programs are implemented effectively and in compliance with applicable state and federal requirements. Represents the City on state and local committees focused on community development, , affordable housing, and homelessness. Oversees development and implementation of the City’s Five-Year Consolidated Plan and helps advance strategic partnerships and initiatives that support community priorities. Leads short- and long-range planning efforts, including updates to the City’s zoning code, updates to the comprehensive plan, and related policy initiatives. Advances planning strategies that support the City’s long-term vision. Collaborates with the City’s Economic Development team to strengthen the City’s economic vitality and business environment through planning and development initiatives. Meets with developers, contractors, businesses, institutions, and residents to discuss and build consensus around planning, zoning, and development matters. Interprets applicable ordinances, regulations, and policies and helps guide stakeholders through City processes. Exercises fiscal stewardship by preparing and managing the department budget, monitoring expenditures, and supporting the effective use of financial and staff resources. Helps ensure departmental operations are carried out efficiently and responsibly. Serves as an ex officio member of the Planning and Development Board and performs other municipal duties as assigned by the Mayor. Supports cross-departmental coordination and contributes to broader City initiatives as needed. Performs similar or related work as required, directed, or as a situation dictates. |
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Primary Skill Planning |
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Critical Skills |
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To respond to this posting, use any of the following methods: Email: Fax: U.S. Mail: Organization Website: https://jobs.keldair.com/cityofnewton/jobs/99068/director-of-planning-and-development |
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