Community Planner

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

Job summary

The Town of Natick seeks an enthusiastic Community Planner to manage the newly adopted Community Preservation Act program and provide professional planning support across multiple initiatives.

The Department of Community & Economic Development oversees historic preservation, open space, arts and culture, housing, and transportation. The ideal candidate will coordinate with boards, committees, and regional partners to advance CPA projects and long-range planning.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in planning, architecture, public policy, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Administer and manage the Town's CPA program, including support for 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 long-range planning initiatives as a member of the 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 placemaking.
• 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.

Skills

Planning concepts

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in planning or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

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.

EOE