Regional Housing Coordinator

The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) seeks candidates for the full-time (37.5 hours/week) position of Regional Housing Coordinator within the agency’s Regional Collaboration and Community Planning Department. This is a regional position serving the Towns of Auburn, Berlin, Grafton, Mendon, and Shrewsbury. This position will perform responsible, professional, technical, and administrative work providing administrative support services for housing-related programs, projects and activities. The Regional Housing Coordinator is responsible for administrative duties assigned by member town representatives. 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 accommodations will be provided where needed.

CMRPC’s office includes over 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 details on CMRPC, please visit www.cmrpc.org.

Responsibilities

This position was created to provide member towns with professional staff to coordinate housing production, ensure a diverse housing stock, and capacity to respond to the housing crisis that exists within the CMRPC region and across the country. This position requires the ability to compile and analyze a wide variety of data, to communicate (in writing and in person) in public settings, to facilitate public outreach activities, and to coordinate with housing stakeholders at the municipal level. The successful applicant will be a key part of CMRPC’s Regional Collaboration and Community Development team and will provide direct Housing Coordination services to member towns.

Specific duties will include:

• Provides administrative support services for Housing Committees, Affordable Housing Trusts or Housing Partnerships
• Assists in the development, approval, tracking, and implementation of Housing Production Plans.
• Assists in preparing and/or reviewing proposed bylaw amendments and amendments to specific Board’s rules and regulations, especially those listed in Housing Production Plans such as Inclusive Zoning, utilizing the Community Preservation Act, and Accessory Dwelling Units.
• Maintains member Towns Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI), tracking threats to the unit count and deed restriction expiration as well as tracking new affordable housing unit production. Filing necessary paperwork with DHCD for SHI units and assisting with the Affordable Housing Audit process.
• Develops and executes housing-related public educational programs, events, and resource guides.
• Tracks legislation related to housing
• Develops relationships with local developers, service providers, lenders, and agencies.
• Responds to questions and requests for information from the public and other town departments. Provides guidance and technical assistance as necessary.
• Attends regional and professional development meetings as necessary.
• Resource development and grant writing related to topical efforts to benefit member communities.
• Working with local officials to identify housing needs and opportunities and short-term strategies to address them.
• Meeting coordination including identifying appropriate facilities, registration of attendees, and other logistics.
• Development of community engagement tools such as online surveys.
• Contributing to project or organization social media platforms, websites, newsletters, and informational booklets.
• Assisting with other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in community and/or urban planning, public policy, public administration, or similar degree with 3-5 years relevant work experience is preferred. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree will be considered with sufficient work experience in municipal management, housing, government law, planning, or a related field.

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

• Comprehensive knowledge of the functions of municipal government, local bylaws, rules, and regulations, especially those related to housing such as Chapter 40B, Inclusive Zoning, CPA, ADUs, and deed restrictions. General understanding of the interaction between local, state, and federal government
• A professional demeanor and a positive “can do” attitude.
• A task-oriented work ethic and excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems independently in a resourceful and innovative manner. This may include learning from other housing coordinators around the state and in other areas of the country.
• Ability to proactively set priorities and multi-task without compromising attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to deal with the public in a courteous and tactful manner.
• Understanding of multi-step processes and how to work within them in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines while not being afraid to ask questions.
• Ability to conduct public outreach and education, creating messages on multiple platforms to engage community.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Outlook, Excel, and Word.

Supplemental Information

This is a full-time position with an excellent state employee benefits package. Standard work week is 5 days (37.5 hours/week). 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 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.

The starting salary range is $64,360 – $84,480 depending on experience and qualifications. Offers will be commensurate with relevant experience. In addition to competitive compensation, CMRPC offers a great work environment and an excellent benefits package. This position is exempt under the guidelines of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

If you can bring a competitive streak, relevant skills and experience, and a strong work ethic to CMRPC in this capacity, please submit you’re a cover letter, resume, three professional references supporting your qualifications to jobinquiry@cmrpc.org. The position is open until filled or canceled.