The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is seeking a Housing Production Planner (Regional Planner III) in the Community Assistance Unit of the Livable Communities Division.

AGENCY MISSION:

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is responsible for building more homes and lowering housing costs across the Commonwealth through partnerships with municipalities, housing authorities, and community stakeholders.

OF ROLE:

The Housing Production Planner works in the Community Assistance Unit in EOHLC’s Livable Communities Division and reports to the Manager of the Community Assistance Unit. The role supports cities and towns as they plan for more housing, especially through Housing Production Plans (HPPs) and related Chapter 40B requirements.

The role coordinates the Housing Production Planning Program by reviewing HPPs for consistency with requirements, drafting documents, renewals, and certifications, providing technical assistance to applicants, preparing staff recommendations; tracking submissions; maintaining program records; and reporting on program activity.

The Housing Production Planner provides technical assistance and training to cities, towns, municipal staff, planning consultants, developers, public officials, and other stakeholders on Chapter 40B and its regulations and guidelines, zoning, land use, housing production, municipal planning, and related state housing programs.

The role also works closely with EOHLC staff within the Local Initiative Program/Local Action Unit (LIP/LAU), Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI), legal and policy matters, and other Chapter 40B-related work. This coordination supports clear and consistent program guidance within EOHLC and with quasi-public and subsidizing agency partners.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE):

1. Housing Production Planning Program

• Coordinate day-to-day work of the Housing Production Planning Program, consistent with applicable Chapter 40B regulatory requirements.
• Review Housing Production Plans, draft documents, renewals, and certification requests.
• Provide technical assistance to municipalities, consultants, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare staff recommendations on HPP submissions and certification requests.
• Track submissions, deadlines, decisions, and program activity.
• Identify ways to improve program forms, guidance, and review procedures.

2. Chapter 40B Implementation

• Assist with implementation of M.G.L. c. 40B and 760 CMR 56.00, especially the Housing Production Plan provisions at 760 CMR 56.03(4).
• Respond to HPP, Chapter 40B, and Safe Harbor questions from cities, towns, legislators, developers, and other stakeholders.
• Work with legal, policy, program, and leadership staff when questions need additional review.
• Help ensure that HPP and related Chapter 40B guidance is applied clearly and consistently.

3. Technical Assistance and Training

• Provide technical assistance to cities, towns, municipal staff, planners, consultants, developers, public officials, and other stakeholders.
• Help communities understand HPP requirements, Chapter 40B, zoning, land use, housing production, and municipal planning.
• Develop and update training materials, guidance documents, public education materials, and presentations.
• Present information at meetings, trainings, workshops, conferences, and other public or stakeholder events.

4. Internal and External Coordination

• Work with EOHLC staff on the Local Initiative Program/Local Action Unit (LIP/LAU), Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI), legal and policy matters, and other Chapter 40B-related activities.
• Coordinate with subsidizing agencies and other state partners on housing, zoning, land use, and community development questions related to Chapter 40B.
• Work with other Livable Communities Division programs when their work connects to HPPs, Chapter 40B, zoning, land use, or municipal planning.

5. Records, Data, and Reporting

• Maintain accurate program records, data, reports, website materials, and related files.
• Track program activity and prepare periodic updates on submissions, certifications, and outcomes.
• Review data and program materials for completeness, consistency, and accuracy.

6. Additional Program Support

• Support implementation of Affordable Homes Act initiatives and other housing-related policy changes, as assigned.
• Review grant applications when assigned to determine whether proposed projects meet stated criteria and objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in housing, land use, municipal planning, regional planning, community development, affordable housing, or a related field.
• Knowledge of Chapter 40B, Housing Production Plans, zoning, land use, municipal planning, affordable housing, or related state housing programs.
• Ability to review plans, applications, reports, regulations, and other technical materials for consistency with laws, regulations, guidelines, and program requirements.
• Experience reviewing or applying regulations or working on technical, legal, policy, or program matters.
• Ability to provide technical assistance to cities, towns, municipal staff, consultants, developers, public officials, and other stakeholders.
• Experience with community engagement, including working with diverse communities, stakeholders, or members of the public.
• Strong writing skills, including the ability to prepare clear recommendations, guidance materials, reports, correspondence, and public-facing information.
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain technical information clearly.
• Ability to coordinate work across internal teams, external partners, and multiple program areas.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, track deadlines, maintain accurate records, and work independently.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling policy, program, legal, or stakeholder questions.
• Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and related data or document management tools.
  
  

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.

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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.