About the Morales Administration
The Morales Administration is working to build A Providence for All—a city government that delivers effective, accessible, and responsive services to every resident. Its priorities include making Providence a city where families can afford to live and feel safe. They also include supporting public schools and young people, taking a community-centered approach to public safety grounded in prevention, compassion, and accountability, and keeping public spaces open to everyone. We are building a city government that listens to neighbors, shows up in every neighborhood, and works openly with the residents it serves. Every city employee contributes to this mission. We welcome people committed to public service, treating others with dignity and respect, and helping make our city work better for everyone.
About the Department
The Department of Planning and Development works to shape the future of Providence and ensure a high quality of life for city residents and a vibrant, attractive urban environment for businesses, workers and visitors. The Department generates a broad community vision through comprehensive and neighborhood planning initiatives, special area plans and redevelopment plans; excellent design in our built environment through regulatory tools and development review; promotes a high-quality public realm that enhances civic life; and strives to create strong and vibrant neighborhoods through strategic investments and policies. The Morales Administration is working to make Providence a place where transportation is more reliable, accessible, and safe, where families can afford to live, and where growth benefits residents in every neighborhood.
About the Role
The Director of Planning and Development serves as the head of the Department of Planning and Urban Development, overseeing departmental operations, personnel, and administrative functions. The Director advises the Mayor on matters affecting the City's physical development and oversees planning initiatives, development review, and capital improvement planning in coordination with the City Plan Commission and other City agencies. Working collaboratively with the Director of Economic Development, the Director advances the administration's priorities to promote responsible, equitable, and sustainable growth throughout Providence.
This role will help advance the administration's priorities, including:
- Develop and recommend zoning and land use policies, working with the City Plan Commission and the City Council and in coordination with the Department of Housing and Human Services, that expand affordable housing, including affordable homes in new development.
- Oversee the Department's staff support for the Providence Redevelopment Agency, and work with the Agency and its board to identify and advance the development of vacant and underused land into permanently affordable homes and community assets, building on tools like the Agency's property acquisition and Housing Trust Fund.
- Build safer, more walkable streets and sidewalks, improve transit access and the transit experience, and expand options for walking, biking, and public transit.
- Pursue climate sustainability and resilience, with green infrastructure and stormwater investments that protect the neighborhoods most affected by flooding and extreme heat.
- Keep public spaces open and accessible to everyone and strengthen neighborhoods through strategic investment.
- Build ongoing, proactive neighborhood engagement into planning and development, beyond required public hearings.
This description outlines the general nature and principal responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be exhaustive. Duties and assignments may evolve consistent with applicable laws, the Providence Home Rule Charter, City ordinances, personnel regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and the lawful direction of the Mayor.
Core responsibilities include:
- Advise the Mayor on any matter affecting the physical development of the city.
- Collaborate with the broader Economic Development team to oversee the development of the comprehensive plan; neighborhood plans; redevelopment plans; the zoning ordinance; land development regulations; and various ordinances in support of broader economic development goals and the needs of residents in every neighborhood.
- Oversee Community Development and housing programs, including the Community Development Block Grant and other grant programs, ensuring the compliant and equitable distribution of funding.
- Oversee the transparent review of development plans by staff and various boards and commissions, and oversee other review and permitting functions assigned to the department.
- Represent the department before the city council, city boards and agencies, neighborhood and community organizations, state agencies and legislative bodies, and professional conferences.
- Supervise union and non-union staff toward the achievement of departmental objectives.
- Review planning practices and procedures and recommend changes that will serve to increase the efficiency, productivity, and effectiveness of the department and the boards and commissions it serves.
- Provide technical assistance and advice to the City Council, the City Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Review, the Historic District Commission, the Capital Center Commission, the I-195 Commission, the Providence Redevelopment Agency, and the other city agencies on areas relating to zoning, historic preservation, community development, and other activities affecting the physical development of the City.
- Coordinate city planning programs with federal and state agencies.
- Apply for and administer grants.
- Prepare the department's budget.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- A Master's Degree in Community Planning or related field is preferred.
- Minimum of ten years of experience in professional city planning and urban development, including at least five years of supervisory and administrative experience, or an equivalent combination of professional training and supervisory experience in city planning or related fields.
- AICP certification is preferred.
- A thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of community planning and the methods and techniques involved in the collection and organization of physical, social, economic, fiscal and other data used in community planning.
- The ability to create and implement community plans.
- The ability to supervise studies and the preparation of reports.
- The ability to review planning practices and procedures and recommend necessary changes.
- The ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate and informative reports.
- The ability to supervise and allocate staff as projects and assignments dictate.
- The ability to operate in a complex political environment.
- The ability to prepare budgets.
- The ability to take broad direction and produce high-quality products with little supervision.
Employment Status:Full-Time
Labor Status: Non-Union
FLSA Status:Exempt
Rate of Pay:Grade A27 – A30 (SRC), $129,333 - $163,671
Benefits: Please see description of benefits here: https://www.providenceri.gov/hr/hr-benefits-active-ee/
Equal Opportunity in Employment: The Morales Administration is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Even if you do not meet all of the requirements listed above, we encourage you to apply if you believe you have the skills, experience, and expertise to thrive in this role. The City of Providence is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds.