City of Framingham Advertising for Director of Planning and Community Development April 18,2019
Susan Petroni, Framingham Source Editor 508-315-7176 Framingham Source
FRAMINGHAM - Late this afternoon, April 18, the City of Framingham began advertising for a Director of Planning and Community Development.

The salary range for the division head position is $111,754 to $128,508 a year.

The position advertised as part of a re-organization of the planning, and economic development departments, as required by the new city charter.

The person who is holding the equivolent of this position is Art Robert, the City's Community and Economic Development Director.

Per the Framingham Charter (Article V, Section 4, page 36), the Mayor must establish a "division of Planning and Community Development responsible for the coordination of all the planning and community development related functions of the municipality" and appoint a Director to the new division, said a press release from the city on Friday afternoon.

"The appointee will then be sent to Framingham City Council for affirmation. As this has been determined to be a new division, an appointment process will occur, including the requirement of being advertised and posted for a minimum of 14 days," said the media statement.

"Also per the charter, the current division called Community and Economic Development, which came from the previous town-form of government, will be dissolved, said the City in a statement.

"As a result, the City of Framingham is accepting applications for a Director of Planning and Community Development," said the press release.

While the posting updated the hours City Hall is open, the human resource department did not update some of the job description, still noting Board of Selectmen, and listing the non-profit organization under its former name the Framingham Downtown Renaissance and not its new name Downtown Framingham Inc.

The director of the Downtown Framingham Inc. receives 100% of her salary through a CDBG federal block grant, administered by the City of Framingham.

The hours for the position are listed as Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday 8;20 a.m. to 2 p.m., with occasional evening meetings.

The individual would:

  1. Manages the economic development function which involves business engagement, and marketing.

  2. Coordinates City responses to business-related opportunities and issues.

  3. Responsible for the planning management in the City which includes involvement in shaping the direction and completion of land use, environmental and planning projects.

  4. Maintains the subsidized housing inventory, updates and implements the housing plan.

  5. Manages the CDBG program; monitors program activity and engages on select issues.

  6. Manages programs and department staff; reviews requisitions, prepares and monitors budgets, and hires, counsels and develops staff.

  7. Conducts field inspections for planning studies, and development proposals to ensure compliance with approvals and regulations.

  8. Represents the City and Division in public forums; prepares and presents formal presentations to the boards of Selectmen, Planning Board, City Meeting and various committees.

  9. Provides information and guidance to members of the public and land use owners as required pertaining to land use and zoning matters.

  10. Serves as Downtown Director with the responsibility of coordinating all public and private projects within the downtown area.

  11. Prepares formal Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and participates in the process.

  12. Ensures communication and coordination with the Planning Board and Framingham Downtown Renaissance.

  13. Identifies grant opportunities, oversees application development and coordinates execution with other Divisions and oversees the administration of grants received.

The minimum qualification include a

  • Master's Degree in Urban Planning or related field;

  • seven to ten (7-10) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning;

  • significant economic development experience;

  • three years of experience in a supervisory capacity;

  • or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

  • AICP and CECD Certifications desirable.

  • Knowledge of the practices and principles of public administration and the structure of city government.

  • Working knowledge of personal computer systems including office software and the application of GIS technology in support of operations.

  • Working knowledge of local laws/bylaws, and state and federal statutes governing municipal planning and land use.

    Visit www.framinghamma.gov/jobs to apply.

    Most positions are posted a minimum of 14 days, some up to 30 days.

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