SENIOR PLANNER

OFFICE OF STRATEGIC PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Pay Grade/Class: SPL 4 (Non-Union)

Annual Salary Range: $82,858.87 - $91,460.69 (FY25)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The City of Malden seeks an experienced, collaborative, and results-driven Senior Planner to lead a broad portfolio of high-impact projects for a diverse and dynamic city. The Senior Planner will manage the next Master Plan and other interdisciplinary planning projects on topics including land use, housing, economic development, sustainability, the creative economy and public art, and more. The Senior Planner also serves as project manager to the tri-city Mystic Valley Development Commission (MVDC), uses GIS and other tools to analyze and communicate data, and leads community engagement activities. This public-facing position requires strategic thinking, diplomatic communication, and thoughtful relationship building with diverse stakeholders. The Senior Planner carries out this work under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Business and Economic Development and the Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS and DUTIES:

• Manage multiple planning projects in collaboration with other City staff and community stakeholders.
• Manage planning consultants, including contract management and oversight, invoicing, and ensuring satisfactory completion of deliverables.
• Coordinate and facilitate community engagement activities, including public meetings, surveys, pop-ups, digital engagement, and other engagement methods suitable to the project or topic.
• Serve as project manager for the City's Master Plan, managing the consultant, coordinating Steering Committee meetings, and ensuring robust community engagement.
• Serve as project manager for the MVDC, including overseeing development consistent with the River's Edge development plan; managing the MVDC budget and payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs); managing legal, environmental, engineering, appraisal, and other consultants; coordinating meetings, agendas, and minutes; ensuring compliance with relevant rules and regulations; and providing regular reports on ongoing activities.
• Conduct demographic, economic, environmental, and land use research to inform policy recommendations.
• Provide technical assistance regarding planning and development, including existing condition analyses, precedent research, and policy options.
• Prepare grant applications and manage budgets for planning-related projects in collaboration with other OSPCD staff.
• Develop and recommend zoning ordinance amendments consistent with City goals and plans.
• Evaluate and advance redevelopment projects in collaboration with other OSPCD staff.
• Prepare reports and deliver presentations for a range of audiences including City officials, the City Council, the Planning Board, advisory committees, community groups, and the public.
• Represent OSPCD at public meetings, City Council sessions, and community events as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience

• Master's degree in urban planning or related field.
• Minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Ability to plan, assign, supervise, and review work of other team members and consultants.
• Ability to make independent work decisions with sound judgement.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, colleagues, and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including culturally competent communication and willingness to learn from and work with people from all backgrounds.
• Ability to understand, interpret and apply a variety of laws, regulations, standards, policies, and directives.
• Strong knowledge of professional planning principles.
• Strong organizational skills and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to analyze data, discern trends, and present findings in multiple formats to a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to create high quality graphics, diagrams, and maps.
• Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS) software and Microsoft Office programs.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, SPSS, and other programs for visual, spatial, and data analysis preferred.
• Willingness to learn new software programs as needed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: OSPCD Director, Deputy Director

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: As directed

As part of our commitment to professional development, OSPCD covers annual membership dues for the American Planning Association (APA) and the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) for this position.

To apply: Submit cover letter & resume to the Human Resources Director, City of Malden at maldenhr@cityofmalden.org

The City of Malden is an EEO, driven by the value of excellence and believes that everyone deserves the best service and access to resources, regardless of their race, gender identity, religion, ethnicity, age, physical abilities, sexual orientation, veteran status, or personal experience. We embrace diverse perspectives and welcome candidates from these underrepresented groups to help make our vision a reality.

Selected candidate will need to submit to a background check (CORI).