COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Run my Accounts AG; Bridgewater (MA); On-site; USD 114,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Bridgewater is seeking a Community and Economic Development Director—an essential full-time leadership role overseeing planning, zoning and economic development. Reporting to the Town Manager, you will guide policy, master plan initiatives and grant programs to foster sustainable growth.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in municipal government, grant management, and staff supervision, with a Bachelor's in a related field and advanced credentials preferred.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of local planning and development, zoning, wetlands regulations, and subdivision law.
• Strong understanding of municipal government practices and budgeting.
• Experience procuring and managing grants.
• Proficient in public relations, presenting, and report writing.
• Experience with office management, supervision, and team leadership.
• Proficiency with computers and office software, including spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

• Manage all department functions and operations in economic development, planning, and community relations.
• Oversee day-to-day department activities including zoning reviews, permits, and development processes.
• Coordinate master plan implementation with elected officials.
• Oversee land use planning policies and development reviews.
• Support boards and committees including Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Pursue and administer federal/state grants.
• Collaborate with residents and businesses to promote growth.

Skills

Local planning

Zoning

Grants management

Public relations

Budgeting

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning/public administration/economic development/public policy

Master’s degree preferred

AICP or CEcD preferred

Tools

ARC/Info GIS

Job description

NOTICE OF JOB POSTING

POSITION TITLE: COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

NON-UNION – GRADE 15

FULL-TIME (40 HOURS PER WEEK)

PAY RANGE: $113,713.72 TO $152,849.32 PER YEAR

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Under general administrative direction from the Town Manager, plans, directs, manages, and oversees the functions, programs, and operations of the Community and Economic Development/Planning Department including community and economic development, planning, zoning, and state and federal grants assistance.

The Community and Economic Development Director is responsible for the development, recommendation, and implementation of policies, programs, and procedures that accomplish the goals and objectives established by the Town Manager and Town Council to ensure the continued growth and economic health and vitality of the Town. Ensuring direct collaboration with residents and businesses in Town along with other Town departments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assumes full management responsibility for all department functions, programs and operations, including economic development, community relations and special events.
• Manages the day-to-day operations of the department; initiates studies regarding zoning issues, development of ordinances, business regulations, review of permits, architectural designs, etc.
• Plans, coordinates and directs the implementation of the Town Master Plan with elected and appointed officials.
• Oversees land use planning policies and procedures, including the review of development projects.
• Responsible for the oversight of various functions within the CED Department, which includes the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, and open space programs and policies.
• Participates on a variety of boards, commissions, committees, and teams; reviews and prepares public presentations at Town Council and other public meetings; participates in Town Council directed projects/teams including Council Subcommittees, Economic Development, and projects of major importance to the Town.
• Assists with applying for, obtaining and administering federal and state grants.
• Performs related duties as assigned by the Town Manager.

QUALIFICIATIONS:

Necessary Knowledge and Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of local planning and development; planning, zoning, wetlands regulations, design and subdivision law, theory and applications; local government structure and operation, including budgetary procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of modern principles and practices of municipal government.
• Demonstrated skill in procuring and managing grants.
• Skill in public relations; making presentations, writing reports and other communication practices.
• Skill in general office management and practices, interpersonal communication, employee supervision, motivation, and the ability to direct the work of others.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computers and office software applications including spreadsheet applications.

Ability to:

• Ability to oversee and manage the financial operations of the Community and Economic Development Department, including budgeting, accounting and financial reporting.
• Ability to coordinate ongoing projects.
• Ability to effectively manage the full life cycle of grants, from identification and application to administration, compliance and reporting.
• Effective communication skills. Must be able to present financial information clearly to stakeholders, collaborate with team members, and provide financial guidance and recommendations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from college with a Bachelor’s Degree in urban planning, public administration, economic development, public policy or closely related field and eight (8) years of experience performing above or related duties, to include three (3) years in progressively responsible experience planning, implementing and overseeing the economic development activities, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Master’s degree is preferred. Knowledge of municipal development processes and experience interacting with local government entities and officials strongly preferred.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) is preferred.
• Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (ARC/Info) is highly desirable.

Diversity & Inclusion is a key component of our success as an organization. The Town of Bridgewater is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages all qualified individuals—regardless of background, experience, or strengths to apply.