Community Planner

Natick; Natick (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

The Town of Natick is seeking a Community Planner to manage the newly adopted Community Preservation Act (CPA) program and provide professional planning support across multiple initiatives. The role involves grant review, reporting, and regulatory compliance, with collaboration across the CED team and local boards.

Responsibilities include historic preservation planning, open space initiatives, and cultural placemaking in coordination with the Natick Center District.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in planning or a related field.
• Minimum of two years' experience in municipal government, planning and development, or project management.
• Valid Massachusetts Driver's License.
• Knowledge of CPA, MGL 40A, and related laws is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer and manage the CPA program, including CPC support, grant review, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee planning projects related to historic preservation, open space, arts and culture, and other initiatives.
• Research, prepare, and administer grant applications and funding opportunities.
• Support Natick 2030+ implementation as part of the CED team.
• Collaborate with boards, commissions, and community organizations to advance CPA and cultural initiatives.
• Partner with the Natick Center Cultural District to promote arts and placemaking.
• Develop neighborhood and community plans for housing, transportation, land use and economic development.
• Provide staff support to land use boards, including permitting and project reviews.

Skills

Planning knowledge

Negotiation

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in planning, architecture, construction management, public administration, social work, public policy, project management, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Job Opportunities

Use the Government Jobs tab to search through your municipality's employment opportunities. Subscribe to job posting notifications to be automatically alerted of the latest career opportunities by clicking on the Notify Me® button.

The Town of Natick seeks an enthusiastic, highly motivated individual who enjoys working in a collaborative environment to serve as a Community Planner. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the Town's newly adopted Community Preservation Act (CPA) program while providing professional and technical planning support across a variety of community planning initiatives.

The Department of Community & Economic Development (CED) is comprised of several divisions that support economic growth and business retention, construction and inspectional services, conservation and protection of natural resources and land, preservation of historic structures and neighborhoods, creation of diverse housing opportunities, and expanded transportation options. CED's programs and services are aligned with the goals identified in Natick 2030+.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Administer and manage the Town's Community Preservation Act (CPA) program, including support for the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), project and funding administration, grant review, reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage planning projects related to historic preservation, open space, arts and culture, and other community planning initiatives.
• Research, prepare, and administer grant applications and funding opportunities.
• Support the implementation of Natick 2030+ and other short- and long-range planning initiatives as a member of the Community & Economic Development (CED) team.
• Collaborate with boards, commissions, committees, and community organizations to advance CPA, open space, historic preservation, arts, and cultural initiatives.
• Partner with the Natick Center Cultural District and Natick Center Associates to promote arts, culture, and creative placemaking throughout the community.
• Develop and update comprehensive neighborhood and community plans to guide housing, transportation, land use, and economic development.
• Provide staff support to land use boards and commissions, including permitting, project review, and related planning activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in planning, architecture, construction management, public administration, social work, public policy, project management, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in municipal government, planning and development, community development, housing, and/or project management.
• Valid Massachusetts Driver's License.

Requirements

• Knowledge of general planning concepts, housing, open space, historic preservation, and arts and culture.
• Knowledge of municipal planning principles, methodologies, and functional elements, with the ability to apply those principles to develop and implement effective community development programs and practices.
• Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills demonstrated through relevant professional experience.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 40A, MGL Chapter 44B (Community Preservation Act), and other applicable state and federal laws, regulations and programs.
• Knowledge of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) and associated Massachusetts legislation.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with state and federal agencies, engineers, land surveyors, architects, contractors, developers, property owners, elected and appointed officials, employees, and the general public.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and other standard computer applications.

The position will remain open until filled.

Compensation

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) position with a salary range of $70,000-$85,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

• plus a comprehensive benefits package.