Location: Boston,MA, USA
Are you passionate about housing? Would you like to spearhead efforts to implement a new law to help municipalities designated as Seasonal Communities to address critical issues specific to these communities and to help them unlock housing production opportunities? The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), Livable Communities Division, seeks a Seasonal Communities Coordinator to work with a dedicated team to implement the new Seasonal Communities law enacted through the Affordable Homes Act (Acts of 2024, Chapter 150, Section 5).
As the Seasonal Communities Coordinator, you play an integral role to implement the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' new Seasonal Communities law. You will engage in all aspects of implementing this new program. Participate as a member of the Community Assistant Unit in the Livable Communities Division. Communicate with and educate stakeholders on the requirements of the law. Provide support to an Advisory Council. Coordinate activities including technical assistance and training to municipal officials, the development community, and other constituents on housing, community and economic development, and land use planning. Deliver program information to affected municipalities and other stakeholders such as regional planning agencies and legislators.
If you are a highly motivated and detail-oriented person, a team player, and want to dive into the world of housing production and supporting seasonal communities through the implementation of this new law, then this might just be the job for you!
Essential job duties include (these are not all-inclusive):
1. Implementation and Management of Seasonal Communities Law
* Lead efforts related to the implementation of the Seasonal Communities provisions of the Affordable Homes Act.
* Lead working group of internal stakeholders and convene external stakeholders to gather feedback to implement the Seasonal Communities law.
* Provide support to the Seasonal Communities Advisory Council, provide backup to Executive team to staff meetings as needed, and support activities related to the Advisory Council.
2. Technical Assistance and Training
* Provide technical assistance to municipalities, regional partners, individuals, developers, and other interested parties to understand the implementation and other components of the Seasonal Communities law.
* Coordinate and track technical assistance and training to municipal officials, the development community and other constituents on the Seasonal Communities law, and generally on changes to MGL c40A that apply to Seasonal Communities, and generally on housing, community and economic development, land use planning, and growth management issues. Prepare materials and provide these trainings as needed.
* Respond to telephone, e-mail inquiries from municipal officials and the development community on all aspects of MA land use, including zoning, planning and subdivision controls law statutes/regulations.
3. Special Projects and Publications
* Coordinate and/or undertake special projects, including the design and preparation of web content, handbooks, case studies, reports, directories, newsletters, and other publications that provide information and reference materials for municipal officials, the development community and other constituents on planning, land use, and zoning-related issues prominent in Seasonal Communities.
4. Grants Management and Evaluation
* Assist Community Assistance Unit staff and coordinate/track grants with fiscal staff and other staff regarding any grant efforts related to Seasonal Communities program.
* Review and evaluate grant applications to ensure the selection of projects meeting stated criteria and objectives. Participate in the development and management of any Seasonal Communities grant or assistance program(s) that provide for the support housing production in Seasonal Communities.
5. Coordination and Collaboration
* Work with other Department staff and other state agencies to develop coordinated responses to state, regional and municipal goals; assist in developing/revising programs to address these goals; and provide technical assistance and training to communities.
The successful applicant will preferably have:
* At least four (3) years of demonstrated experience in one or more of the following: public policy, housing, planning and land use, grant administration/management, program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
* Knowledge of the principles and practices of one or more of the following: community planning, housing development, infrastructure, program management, with experience working in a community-based setting.
* Demonstrated understanding of how housing is developed, challenges to housing production, and tools to promote housing production and remove barriers to housing production in the Commonwealth.
* Strong analytical skills and ability to collect, analyze, visualize, and interpret data to inform program planning and evaluation and make appropriate recommendations.
* Excellent soft skills and verbal and written communication skills.
* Record of working as a team member or independently.
* Experienced with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and Teams.
* Capability to develop and support effective strategies to ensure a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
About the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities:
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is charged with creating more homes in Massachusetts and lowering housing costs for residents. Formerly known as the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), EOHLC works with municipalities, local housing authorities, non-profit organizations, and development partners to provide affordable housing options, financial assistance, and other support to Massachusetts communities.
Learn more about our important work at www.mass.gov/eohlc
COMMENTS:
Please upload resume and cover letter.
This position would be expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days, as needed.
Salary placement is determined by years of experience and education directly related to the position and the Human Resources Division's Recruiting Guidelines. In the case of a promotional opportunity, the salary provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time technical or professional experience in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, transportation planning or land use planning, and (B) of which at least two years must have been in a professional capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental sciences may be substituted for two years of the required (A) experience.*
II. A Graduate degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental studies may be substituted for three years of the required (A)experience and one year of the required (B) experience.
* Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of three years of the required experience. Substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.