Under the direction of the Senior Deputy Director of Development Review and with guidance from the Deputy Director of Community Engagement, the Article 80 Engagement Manager / Strategist will be responsible for operationalizing, piloting, and implementing a new structure for “Effective Engagement” in development review that has been developed as part of the Planning Department’s ongoing Article 80 Modernization project. The Modernization project contains specific recommendations aimed at reducing barriers to participation within the development review process by diversifying the methods used and audiences engaged. The ideal candidate for this role is a highly motivated, detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent verbal and visual communication skills who brings a strong equity lens and commitment to social and racial justice. The candidate will be an individual contributor but will be embedded within the Development Review Division and work closely with the Article 80 Modernization team to ensure that this workstream is coordinated with the delivery of other policy and management recommendations. 

The general duties and responsibilities of the position are included in, but not limited to, the information listed below.

• Operationalize recommendations for a new “Community Advisory Team (CAT)” determined through the Article 80 Modernization project. Work with internal and external partners to:
  • Determine composition, selection criteria, and application methods to ensure these groups are representative and include a diversity of experiences and perspectives.
  • Design the scope and role of the CATs.
  • Design accountability methods, including a code of conduct, term limits, rules of engagement, etc.
  • Identify and engage stakeholders (internal and external) as needed to ensure this new model is successful.
• Design and implement a pilot or other strategy for phased implementation of CATs:
  • Identify the projects or neighborhoods for phased implementation.
  • Develop a detailed management plan including a schedule of meetings, agendas, template for notes, etc.
  • Design a training curriculum for inaugural CAT members.
  • Train staff involved in managing projects reviewed by the CAT.
  • Develop information and communication materials related to the pilot.
  • Develop tracking and evaluation metrics.
• Manage a new community advisory group:
  • Design and conduct training for new members.
  • Plan agendas by coordinating with internal staff.
  • Schedule and facilitate meetings.
  • Manage potential conflict or competing priorities.
  • Document results and ensure clear deliverables.
• Scale up the pilot and achieve full implementation of CATs:
  • Based on lessons learned from the pilot (or other phased strategy), scale up CATs and implement them across the full development review pipeline.
• Operationalize and implement recommendations for developer-led early outreach:
  • Review best practices in peer cities.
  • Develop templates, guidelines, tracking and evaluation metrics, and verification process.
  • Create a public dashboard to report the results of developer-led early engagement.
  • Design a pilot or phased implementation strategy.
  • Create communication materials, host training sessions, and manage rollout.
• Design, pilot, and implement new outreach methods for in-person and digital engagement (fliers, digital surveys, site walks, etc):
  • Create standard operating procedures and templates necessary to enable implementation.
  • Implement new documentation methods, data tracking methodology, and public engagement dashboard template.
• Lead or participate in briefings describing the new process and providing status updates for Planning Department leadership, City of Boston Cabinet Chiefs, and elected officials. Prepare briefing materials as needed.
• Establish and cultivate effective working relationships with community members, representatives of community groups, government, industry, and other entities that have interests in the development review process as directed.
• Assist with ongoing strategy and policy development related to these recommendations.
• Assist with identifying and implementing ongoing operational improvements as needed.
• Assist with mentoring and training for additional engagement staff as needed to support the needs of a development review engagement.
• Perform other related duties as required.

• Education: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Requires four to six (4-6) years of experience in community engagement, non-profit, related strategy consulting, or urban planning.
• Requires familiarity with and a strong interest in community engagement, Boston’s neighborhoods, planning, and urban design.
• High familiarity with or ability to quickly learn about the revamped Article 80 development review process.
• Very strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong systems thinker. Ready to create a new approach, tools, and resources to allow for consistent engagement systems for development review.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-stakeholder conversations, lead community meetings, and build consensus in politically challenging environments.
• Highly collaborative and flexible.
• Computer knowledge such as Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:
Union/Salary/Grade: EXM/($75,000 - $105,000)
Hours per week: 35