Job Information
Boston Planning and Development Agency Senior Project Manager in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Planning & Development Agency
*BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT*
TITLE: SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
GRADE: 7 STATUS: EXEMPT
DIVISION / DEPARTMENT: DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
OVERVIEW
The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) is the planning and economic development agency for the City of Boston. The BPDA plays a far-reaching role in shaping the City. We are a self-sustaining agency and our love for Boston inspires us to make our City an even better place to live, work, and connect. The Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff with diverse experiences while continuing to work to build and sustain an equitable and inclusive work environment, where cultural diversity is celebrated and valued. We believe every member on our team enriches our agency and allows us to see a broad range of ways to understand and engage with our city, identify challenges, and discover, design, and deliver solutions.
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Under direction of the Director and Deputy Director of Development Review, manage and coordinate the development review process of small and large commercial, residential, industrial or institutional projects through the Article 80 process. The Senior Project Manager must have a firm understanding of the Article 80 development review process and the Boston Zoning Code. The Senior Project Manager will only require supervisory consultation on complex development proposals, and political or administrative issues.
GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The general duties and responsibilities of the position are included in, but not limited to, the information listed below.
As assigned, manage, review, and evaluate small and large commercial, residential, industrial or institutional project proposals submitted by developers through the Article 80 development review process from initial filing to consideration by BPDA Board.
Lead the coordination of various development projects with the development team and BPDA project review team (composed of planners, urban designers, attorneys, transportation planners, and community engagement managers), and other public agencies over the course of Article 80 review.
Lead community engagement related to review of Article 80 projects. Serve as a liaison between community groups and development teams; plan and implement community participation strategies to solicit useful feedback. Host public meetings, engage with neighborhood and civic leaders; Advisory Groups (IAG, CAC, Task Force, etc.) moderate and facilitate discussion; monitor, review, and synthesize community feedback received at various stages of the process.
Actively manage multi-stakeholder negotiations related to mitigation and community benefits extracted from development projects. Resolve competing priorities among development teams, community stakeholders, and public agencies and build consensus over the course of the project’s review.
Review development proposals, including proposed use, cost, conformity with zoning requirements, traffic studies, land use studies, environmental impact, etc. Compile and prepare reports and memoranda, documenting comments to development proposals. Manage the coordination and distribution of development proposal comments to involved parties. Monitor development project timelines from initial contact with development proposals through BRA board consideration.
Organize meetings with developers and architects to negotiate agreements and revisions to project development review and design process. As assigned, participate in the development and preparation of institutional master plans; meet with institution representatives to negotiate and achieve consensus; document master plans and their amendments or updates.
Propose and negotiate agreements between developers or their representatives and community groups to achieve consensus and make joint recommendations on project plans.
Establish and cultivate effective working relationships with representatives of community groups, government, industry and other entities that have interests in the development review process.
Collaborate with representatives of the BPDA’s Legal, Urban Design and Planning Department, along with other City, State and Federal agencies or departments in the project review process.
Lead or participate in project-related briefings for BPDA senior staff, leadership, City of Boston Cabinet Chiefs, and elected officials. Prepare briefing materials as needed.
Prepare reports, memoranda, recommendations and other materials for consideration of proposed projects at the monthly BPDA Board meeting.
Maintain and update current knowledge of the Boston Zoning Code, economy, commercial/industrial base, neighborhoods, and institutional constituencies.
Perform other related duties as required.
Assist with strategy and policy development related to development review. Assist with identifying and implementing operational improvements as needed.
Assist with mentoring and training Project Managers, Project Assistants as directed by the Director or Deputy Director of Development Review.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business, City Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Real Estate Development, or equivalent. A Masters degree is preferred.
Requires four to seven (4-7) years of progressively responsible related experience in urban planning, urban design, transportation and infrastructure planning, architecture, real estate development, construction management, or related field. A firm understanding of the Article 80 development review process and the Boston Zoning Code is preferred.
Requires familiarity with and a strong interest in Boston’s economy, real estate market, neighborhoods, planning and urban design context.
Requires excellent verbal and written communication, and analytical skills. Strong visual communication (slide decks, diagrams, flow charts, etc.) and data management skills preferred.
Demonstrated ability to manage multi-stakeholder negotiations, lead community meetings, and build consensus in politically challenging environments
Demonstrated ability to manage and deliver on multiple competing deadlines is required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Normal office environment; occasional site visits.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Little or no exertion; occasional local travel.
SCOPE: Not applicable.
*BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT*