Manager of Comprehensive Planning

The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) seeks candidates for a full-time (37.5 hours/week) Manager of Comprehensive Planning position within the agency's Regional Collaboration and Community Planning (RCCP) Department. The ideal candidate will coordinate comprehensive master planning and may contribute to other community planning verticals such as housing and land use. The Manager may work on other projects based on interest and need. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and innovative environment with an opportunity for growth.

About CMRPC

CMRPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in southern Central Massachusetts.  Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in the region. Join our team with supportive colleagues making real impacts in the communities of Central Massachusetts.  CMRPC supports the complete team member as we work on meaningful, innovative, and exciting projects while respecting and supporting the individual’s wellness and a balanced and fulfilling work life.

CMRPC offers a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. We take pride in the diversity of our workforce and encourage all qualified people to apply. CMRPC is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religious creed, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran's status and/or ancestry. Reasonable accommodation will be provided where needed.

CMRPC’s office includes roughly 50 full-time employees located in the Worcester Central Business District in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly office, LEED-certified building. Free parking is provided in the attached garage. For further detail on CMRPC, please visit www.cmrpc.org.

Typical Duties

As a senior member of the community planning team, the Manager will seek out, lead, delegate, and assist with projects. This person will work closely with the Director of Community Planning to manage the workflow, development, and pipeline of master plans and similar projects. They will facilitate the development of master plan deliverables by staff with varied experience levels and skillsets, ensuring a timely and cohesive product.

This is a writing, analysis, and communication-intensive position. It requires the ability to analyze and synthesize a wide variety of inputs, author, coach, and copyedit long-form narratives, and communicate in public settings. A strong foundation of planning/community development theory, data/analysis, and project management are essential. The successful applicant will be able to manage complex planning processes that include CMRPC staff, committees, municipal government officials, and community members. Attention to detail and a thorough, conscientious nature are necessary for success. 

Specific duties will include:

• Coordinate comprehensive master planning projects. Author and coach the development of discrete master plan elements. Deliver cohesive, relevant, and timely end products.

• Contribute to the development of a wide variety of other planning initiatives and regional and municipal support activities.

• Working with local officials to identify comprehensive and other planning needs and opportunities and present strategies to address these needs.

• Participate in and coordinate public meetings (e.g., visioning sessions, workshops, committee meetings, and CMRPC presentations).

• Oversee the development of surveys, benchmark reviews, questionnaires, stakeholder interviews, desk research, and fieldwork. Supervise the collection, analysis and synthesis of data to identify issues, trends, challenges, and needs. Oversee the creation maps, charts and other visualizations.

• Review local policies and best practices for alignment with community priorities; develop recommendations that align with community needs.

• Resource development (i.e., grant writing, proposals).

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

PhD or Master’s degree in community, regional, or urban planning, public policy, public administration, environmental science, natural resource management, English, or similar field of study with at least six to eight years of progressive professional work experience is preferred. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree may be considered with at least ten years of sufficient relevant work experience and with progressive responsibilities.

The successful applicant will demonstrate all or most of the following skills:

• Experience leading complex planning projects.
• Experience supervising cross-functional teams including volunteers and staff at all levels of experience.

• Broad understanding of community issues and planning approaches.

• Experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis. Proficiency with GIS and working with census data. Experience applying these methods in a planning context.

• Strong writing, communication, data, analytical, and time management skills.

• A professional demeanor and a positive “can do” attitude.

• A strong attention to detail and conscientiousness/thoroughness.

• Ability to analyze and solve problems independently in a resourceful and innovative manner.

• Ability to proactively set priorities and multi-task without compromising attention to detail.

• An understanding of multi-step processes and working within them in a team environment.

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines while not being afraid to ask questions.

• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Outlook, Excel, and Word.

• Ability to effectively use programs such as InDesign, Canva, Tableau, Sketchup, Adobe Suite (Illustrator), and other layout/visualization tools a plus.

• Professional-level data analysis skills are preferred. AICP is a plus.

This is a full-time position with an excellent state employee benefits package. Standard work week is 5 days (37.5 hours/week).  The salary range will be $75,000 to $90,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Offers will be commensurate with relevant experience. In addition to competitive compensation, CMRPC offers a great work environment and an excellent benefits package. CMRPC offers a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

This position is exempt under the guidelines of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the USA and a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. Candidate must be willing to adhere to all active and future public safety requirements (including mask and/or vaccination mandates).  While many CMRPC staff are currently working remotely at least in part, all staff must be available for in-person meetings within the region as needed, and it is expected that staff be available for in-office work as is appropriate for their work assignments.

If you can bring a competitive streak, relevant skills and experience, and a strong work ethic to CMRPC in this capacity, please submit your Resume, Letter of interest, and 3 References. This position is open until canceled or filled.

CMRPC is an EOE/AA employer.