Deputy Director of Planning & Development

Cambridge Housing Authority; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency in Cambridge seeks a Deputy Director of Planning and Development to oversee projects related to affordable housing. You'll supervise a team, manage funding applications, and ensure compliance with regulations in a collaborative environment. Candidates should possess a Master’s degree and relevant experience in housing development. This role offers a chance to significantly impact community planning efforts.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of experience in affordable housing development and preservation with supervisory experience.
• Ability to evaluate and communicate complex technical planning and construction issues.
• Experience with green buildings and sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and motivates a team in the Planning and Development Department.
• Prepares funding applications to secure approvals.
• Manages communication with stakeholders.

Skills

Project supervision

Grant application preparation

Community engagement

Construction management

Financial analysis

Education

Master’s degree in Architecture, Planning or related field

Bachelor’s degree with 10 years of experience

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Access

Outlook

Job description

Overview

Deputy Director of Planning and Development

Summary: The primary purpose of this position is to assist with the supervision and administration of the Agency’s Planning and Development department. The department focuses on funding and planning policies and tasks related to CHA’s modernization, redevelopment, and development of affordable housing. Related tasks include contract procurement and administration, quality control and supervision of planning staff under the direction of the Director, Planning and Development. The Deputy Director provides technical, financial, and managerial oversight of the Authority’s planning projects, including rehabilitation, modernization, redevelopment and new construction; identifying and securing funds; and quality review of pre-design, design and bidding phases to ensure compliance with CHA’s goals and with federal, state, and local requirements. Other responsibilities include coordination of asset management with CHA Operations and Fiscal, development of long-term strategies for efficient and cost-effective construction and maintenance of properties, review and negotiation of contracts, preparation of front-end contract documents, analysis of options for building system modernization, administration of consultant contracts, and coordination with external partners including investors, lenders, regulatory bodies, neighbors and residents. All activities must support CHA’s strategic goals and objectives and produce results that accomplish the goals of the Planning and Development department.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and motivates a team of professional, administrative, technical and field employees in the Planning and Development Department. Responsible for identifying and implementing training opportunities for staff. Department staffing typically ranges from 10 to 12.
• Pursues public and private funding sources and prepares financial projections for CHA’s modernization, redevelopment, revitalization and new development projects in close coordination with department staff.
• Prepares funding applications and submissions to secure funding and regulatory approvals; manages the closing process to meet schedules.
• Manages community processes and maintains effective communication with stakeholders including CHA staff and departments, CHA residents, abutters, neighborhood groups, regulatory partners, investors, lenders and other interested parties.
• Reviews consultant submissions (feasibility studies, plans, specifications, cost proposals, etc.) and coordinates the overall CHA review and approval process.
• Supervises architectural and engineering contracts related to CHA’s capital activity; directs Senior Project Managers and Project Managers in day-to-day relationships with firms.
• Provides quality review and assurance of design plans to ensure compliance with CHA’s goals and applicable requirements.
• Manages procurement and selection of construction contractors, architectural/engineering firms, consultants, and attorneys through RFPs, RFQs, and related processes.
• Cooperates with Operations to ensure durable units and capital improvements are maintainable by staff.
• Ensures schedule and budget compliance and fulfills reporting and relocation requirements.
• Coordinates development opportunities and site selection goals; evaluates potential sites/buildings.
• Oversees financial closings, due diligences, reports, approvals, and documentation.
• Supports supervision and administrative needs within the Planning and Development department; may assist CHA’s affiliated not-for-profit organizations as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience
A Master’s degree in Architecture, Planning, Public Administration or related field with 3-5+ years of experience in affordable housing development and preservation with supervisory experience; or a relevant Bachelor’s degree with 10 years of experience in the noted areas.

Technical Skills
Ability to comprehend, evaluate and communicate complex technical planning, building and construction issues; experience with green buildings and sustainability (e.g., Enterprise Green Building, Passive House). Strong organizational, written and oral communication and problem-solving skills; ability to supervise and retain staff. Valid Massachusetts driver’s license and insurability under CHA policies. Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook; experience developing real estate development proformas and using financial/accounting software; ability to learn other software as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The statements describe the general nature and scope of work. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities; duties may be assigned. Tasks are shared with the Director and other departmental staff.

Competencies

Behavioral Competencies
Commitment, Customer Service, Effective Communication, Responsiveness and Accountability, Teamwork, Leadership. Each competency includes the ability to meet performance standards, communicate effectively, build teamwork, and lead staff as appropriate.

Job Competencies
Evaluative thinking and sound judgment; ability to work independently and in a team; strong written and oral communication; knowledge of real estate practices and financing mechanisms; knowledge of CHA planning and development principles; ability to manage resident/community processes; advanced leadership and mentoring capabilities; ability to address complex real estate development issues.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The position may require an office environment with moderate noise and occasional field visits to construction sites. Reasonable accommodations will be made for disabilities. Typical hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week.

Note: This description reflects the current job responsibilities and is subject to change at the discretion of CHA.