Assistant City Planner-Housing and Community Development

Dover, NH on the beautiful NH Seacoast with a population of about 33,000 people is seeking a new Assistant City Planner to focus on Housing and Community Development.

The Planning Director is seeking a responsible individual to perform routine and complex technical and professional work in planning projects related to housing challenges and opportunities with a strong emphasis on long range planning and public engagement. To lead community organizing as it pertains to identifying and addressing housing needs, community development, and other urban or grant funded programs. To assist the Director of Planning and Community Development (Director) and other staff in providing technical and staff assistance to the general public, and public boards, commissions and committees when appropriate.

This is a full-time, 40 hour per week, exempt position. $1,359.20 to $1,969.20 per week. Full time benefit package offerings available. Position is open until filled.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Except as specifically noted, the following functions are considered essential to this position. The listed examples may not include all duties found in this class):

1. Participate in Housing Academy facilitated by UNH Cooperative Extension. This may include identifying others from within the community to participate as well.
2. Engage with the regional planning commission and regional housing coalitions and related organizations.
3. Work with consultants where applicable to conduct housing needs analysis, regulatory audits, or regulatory change.
4. Work directly with housing developers, property owners, and housing coalitions for the purpose of facilitating specific developments.
5. Conduct outreach and engagement efforts with the public by providing education, soliciting ideas for regulatory changes, and seeking input on regulatory proposals. Assists with content for Department’s e-newsletter and other City outreach efforts.
6. Assist as spokesperson for the department’s housing initiatives and remain up to date on most effective communications with the general public.
7. In association with the Office of Business Development, engage with local employers and others from the business community about the impact of the housing crisis on their ability to recruit and retain workers.
8. Assist coordinating accessibility and equitability efforts including public transportation and active transportation.
9. Lead long-range strategic plans and work toward establishment of a municipal housing commission (pursuant to RSA 674:44-h), and/or a housing revolving fund (pursuant to RSA 31-95-h) or housing fund.
10. Serve as staff liaison to Housing Committee.
11. Seek grant opportunities.
12. Prepare and present reports for the Director, Planning Board, City Council, or others as needed.
13. Assist Director and Community Development Planner on community development or CDBG activities and requirements.
14. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and agencies, and the general public. Provide administrative coverage of phones and counter when needed.
15. Maintain familiarity with and executes safe work procedures associated with assigned work.
16. Perform other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS: General knowledge of housing development, zoning regulations, and municipal government; this includes principles and practices of state statutes and city ordinances pertaining to housing, master planning, public meetings, project management, and communications. Effective verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail and initiative are required. Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, assume responsibility, prioritize and resolve problems, work under pressure, and coordinate and manage complex projects.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, the general public, boards, consultants, and with employees at all levels of the organization. Ability to research, analyze and synthesize complex information, develop and present recommendations and prepare concise written reports, correspondence and recommendations. Experience in research, policy development, and report writing. Ability and willingness to attend evening meetings and occasional weekend work. Experience with or knowledge of computer hardware and the Windows/Microsoft Office platform and social media, press releases, and project management software. Working knowledge of public relations, community organizing, project management, news reporting, and storytelling.

EDUCATION/LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Minimum High School diploma and four (4) years of college with a Bachelor's degree with major course work in Project Management, Public Administration, Public Relations, Community Planning, Community Development, or related field.

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