Director of Community Planning

The Director of Community Planning for the City of Springfield, MA, leads neighborhood assessments and strategy development to enhance community sustainability and equity. Responsibilities include data analysis, reviewing planning documents, completing neighborhood plans, engaging with civic associations, and preparing reports and presentations. The role emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders and requires a commitment to social justice and community-building.
About the position

The Director of Community Planning is a pivotal role within the City of Springfield's Community Development Department, responsible for leading place-based assessments and developing local strategies to enhance neighborhoods across the city. This position emphasizes collaboration with local and state-level policies to promote sustainability and foster healthy communities. Reporting directly to the Deputy Development Officer for Housing, Community Development, and Sustainability, the Director will oversee departmental employees and ensure that community planning efforts align with the city's goals for equity and environmental justice. In this role, the Director will compile, evaluate, and summarize various data types, including environmental, economic, demographic, and land use data, to inform planning decisions. The position requires a thorough review of planning documents, municipal ordinances, and relevant studies to produce local assessment reports and actionable recommendations. The Director will be responsible for completing neighborhood plans and implementing investment strategies, particularly focusing on neighborhoods identified as vulnerable according to the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). The Director will also engage with neighborhood councils and civic associations, conduct comprehensive research and analysis, and prepare detailed reports and policy recommendations. This includes attending site visits, creating professional presentations, and engaging with stakeholders to promote the Development Services Division's initiatives. The role involves preparing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), and Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs), as well as coordinating press materials and event logistics to enhance program visibility and community engagement. Additionally, the Director will assist in program development, grant proposal writing, and oversee neighborhood-related staff, ensuring that all activities align with the city’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This position requires a proactive approach to community-building and a strong commitment to social justice, making it essential for the Director to establish effective working relationships with various stakeholders, including municipal, federal, and state officials, as well as civic organizations and the general public.

Responsibilities
• Compile, evaluate, and summarize environmental, economic, demographic, neighborhood, and land use data.
,
• Review planning documents, municipal ordinances, and relevant studies to write local assessment reports and recommendations.
,
• Complete neighborhood plans and implement neighborhood investment plans with a focus on equity for environmental justice populations.
,
• Interface with neighborhood councils and civic associations.
,
• Conduct research and analysis, including quantitative and qualitative data assessments, and write up results.
,
• Attend site visits and take relevant and accurate notes for planning projects.
,
• Write plans, reports, and ordinance and policy recommendations.
,
• Assist with preparing scopes of work and invoices.
,
• Create and deliver professional presentations.
,
• Engage with stakeholders and partners on behalf of the Development Services Division.
,
• Prepare RFPs, RFQs, and NOFAs.
,
• Work directly with senior management, elected officials, and the local business community.
,
• Prepare and coordinate distribution of press materials and event logistics.
,
• Participate in program marketing and messaging.
,
• Write and edit articles, newsletter messages, blog posts, meeting minutes, and promotional materials.
,
• Assist with program development and writing grant proposals.
,
• Oversee neighborhood-related staff.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in municipal or regional planning, economics, sociology, architecture, civil engineering, or related fields.
,
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in senior planning and/or neighborhood/community development work.
,
• AICP and/or PP Certification.
,
• Graduate degree in planning or related field preferred.
,
• ArcGIS Pro skills and data management capabilities preferred.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in sustainable urban planning and programming.
,
• Understanding of smart growth planning principles.
,
• Ability to create urban planning design renderings in an open-source platform.
,
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and be sensitive to diverse perspectives.
,
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.

Benefits
• Health insurance coverage
,
• Retirement savings plan
,
• Paid holidays
,
• Paid time off (PTO)
,
• Professional development opportunities