Chief Housing Planner – Search reopened

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), the regional planning agency for metropolitan Boston, seeks candidates for Chief Housing Planner, who will oversee MAPC’s work in the housing field. The Planner will help cities and towns to plan for housing production and preservation, with a special focus on affordable housing. The Planner will also assist in evaluating and improving state laws, policies, and programs to expand housing access. The Planner will operate as a manager in the Land Use Department, and supervise one or more staff.

This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and innovative environment with professionals who are committed to building a more equitable, sustainable, vibrant, and welcoming future for Metro Boston.

Responsibilities include: Encourage municipalities to adopt plans and policies to produce and preserve housing for a wide range of incomes; Assist municipalities to develop and implement plans and strategies, including local and district visions, municipal master plans, and Housing Production Plans; zoning, overlay districts, permitting procedures, and design guidelines; and a wide array of other plans in areas such as transit-oriented development (TOD), Fair Housing, cluster zoning, and corridor plans spanning multiple municipalities; Keep current on planning issues, resources, and programs, especially in the housing field; participate in regional/statewide efforts to encourage housing production and preservation.

Qualifications: The Chief Housing Planner will supervise one or more staff within the Land Use Department. Evening meetings, occasional weekend meetings, and local travel are a responsibility for this position. Candidates will have most or all of the following: A Master’s degree in urban/regional planning, public policy/management, urban design/architecture, or closely related field plus at least 4 years of relevant experience; Experience supervising staff in a professional setting; Experience in housing planning, production, preservation, and/or policy, especially in regard to affordable housing; experience developing or implementing plans, zoning, permitting, programs, or strategies to create and preserve mixed-income housing; experience with Housing Production Plans in Massachusetts is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits: The starting salary ranges from $65,000 to $80,000, depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full time exempt position. MAPC offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits as well as a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment, and a commitment to continued professional development.

SEE COMPLETE JOB AD AT: www.mapc.org (Jobs at MAPC) AND APPLY AT LINK SHOWN THERE. Please attach a cover letter, resume, and writing sample. A review of applications will begin immediately. This position is open until filled. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the USA and a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. MAPC is an EOE/AA employer. We take pride in the diversity of our workforce and encourage all qualified persons to apply. Thomas E. Hauenstein, Manager of Operations. Posted 1/31/17.