Assistant City Manager Community Development Department (CDD)

ABOUT THE ROLE & THE DEPARTMENT:

The Community Development Department (CDD) is the planning agency for the City of Cambridge. Our mission is to foster a livable, sustainable, just, and equitable community. Encompassing the Housing Department and four programmatic divisions – Arts Council, Community Planning, & Design, Economic Opportunity & Development, and Zoning & Development – we engage and collaborate with community partners, other government agencies, businesses, and residents to make Cambridge a desirable place to live, work, learn, play, and innovate.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This is a senior level position reporting to the City Manager in a vibrant city with a multi-cultural population of ~120, 000. Principal responsibilities include directing and coordinating the City's physical planning, policy, and development efforts in affordable housing (including permanent supportive housing), zoning and land use, urban design, neighborhood and open space planning, sustainability/ and economic development. The successful candidate will manage a staff of more than 65 and a budget of 11 million, plus federal, state and local grant and capital funds. This highly visible position requires excellent communication, negotiation, planning and management skills. The specific duties of the position include but are not limited to the following:

• Leads and motivates staff and provides direction in all substantive areas of activity of the department
• Provides professional planning and development advice to the City Manager and other officials
• Works closely with City Council on zoning amendments, planning studies and other policy initiatives
• Manages staff who oversee the permitting functions of the department, including staffing the Planning Board, and reviewing special permits, zoning petitions and major development projects, to guide growth in a responsible and sustainable manner
• Provides leadership and direction in the development of short- and long- range plans -- both citywide and area-specific; provides demographic data in support of city reports and policies. Works with department and citywide strategy staff to advance goals.
• Communicates official plans, policies and programs to the general public and community groups; works through CDD’s Community Engagement Team to ensure that department programs and initiatives are accessible to all city residents
• Works with federal, state and local officials, representing city interests
• Oversees management of Community Development Block Grant, HOME and other grants
• Oversees preparation of annual operating and capital budgets, participates in financial and programmatic audits
• Works closely with appointed groups, including the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust, , the CPA Committee, and ad hoc working groups; serves as member of the City’s Capital Budget Committee
• Works collaboratively with other city departments
• Works effectively with local universities and colleges on “Town Gown” issues
• Performs other related duties as required

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

• Ten years of experience managing professional staff in a municipal or similar context.
• Demonstrated experience in several of the following areas required: zoning, land use, urban design, affordable housing, and economic development.
• Prior experience and demonstrated success in working with diverse community groups and interests.
• A master’s degree in planning, public administration, or related field, and knowledge of the local community is preferred. AICP certification desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop leadership in others; ability to build collaborative relationships with senior leaders, subject matter experts, public, staff, and elected and appointed officials.
• Deep sense of humility, curiosity, and learning-orientation.
• Good judgement, high ethical standards, and personal integrity.
• Ability to manage multiple demands across many planning areas, lead large community meetings and planning processes.
• Highly organized with excellent writing, oral and communications skills.

· The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to access input and retrieve information from a computer. Must be able to read and analyze large quantities of information. Must have sufficient mobility to get back and forth from office to offsite meetings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Standard office environment, which includes fluorescent lighting and air conditioning. Moderate noise level, which can elevate with phone calls and walk in members of the public. A busy office work environment characterized by multiple work demands from department staff and customers. This position may be eligible for hybrid work under the City’s Telework Policy depending on operational needs.

HOURS:

Monday 8:30am-8:00pm, Tuesday-Thursday 8:30am-5:00pm, Friday 8:30pm-12:00pm, plus evening and weekend meetings as needed.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Vacation, personal and sick days
• Paid parental leave
• Sick incentive pay eligibility
• Management bonus
• 14 paid holidays
• City employee commuter benefits (T-Pass reimbursement, Blue bikes membership, EZRide Shuttle membership)

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

Please upload the below documents to complete your application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter