Senior Project Manager

Introduction

Join our dynamic team as we seek a visionary Senior Project Manager to lead our city's evolution. In this pivotal role, you'll spearhead strategic planning initiatives, navigating the complexities of urban development with precision and foresight.

As the Senior Project Manager, you'll orchestrate sustainable growth, shape tomorrow's skylines, and foster vibrant communities. If you're passionate about shaping the future of cities and possess the strategic acumen to drive impactful change, we invite you to bring your expertise to our innovative team and be at the forefront of urban transformation. City Plan works to improve the well-being of all residents in our community by creating safe, equitable, healthful, economically vibrant and attractive places.

Planners engage with residents, community leaders, and elected officials to guide the development of physical spaces and develop frameworks for the long-term sustainable growth and development of the city. City Plan is the regulatory body for land use development in the city through the City Plan Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Historic District Commission. The City Plan Department facilitates the physical development of the City and encourages the development of sustainable land use, economic, and social policy. We are responsible for the Comprehensive Plan of Development, as well as other area-specific development plans and we work with city agencies, commissions, and boards to provide planning, zoning, and development information and advice, assisting residents, businesses, and developers in achieving the City's development objectives.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

The Senior Project Manager position is a senior-level role within the City Plan Department, entailing comprehensive responsibilities encompassing strategic planning, project management, policy development, and leadership. This highly responsible position combines professional and technical expertise with significant staff management responsibilities, involving the supervision of professional, operational, and administrative teams.

The incumbent is entrusted with the representation of the department in negotiations with city, state, and federal agencies, as well as prospective developers, to advance public and private development proposals. Additionally, the Senior Project Manager plays a critical role in administering professional services contracts on behalf of the City and ensures the seamless coordination of physical development activities in collaboration with various city departments and external entities. Work at this level is characterized by a high degree of independence, accountability, and leadership, with results subject to review through strategic planning outcomes, policy implementations, and overall departmental performance. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director with latitude for the exercise of independent professional judgement and is reviewed through conferences and evaluation of results.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Represents the department in negotiations with city, state and federal agencies and prospective developers regarding public actions and investments required and private actions required to implement public and private development proposals. Manages complex planning studies, development applications, and reviews consultant proposals.

Prepares official correspondence with current and potential developers, consultants, regulatory agencies, and contractors. Develops and implements strategic plans and initiatives to guide long-term urban development goals, aligning with the City's vision and objectives. Develops project budgets, administers bidding process, verifies contract expenditures and compliance.

Conducts research and prepares statistical reports on land use, physical, social & economic issues. Utilizes advanced computer database, mapping, drafting, and design programs to support planning activities and enhance data-driven decision-making processes. Provides professional planning assistance on varied land use projects.

Develops plans, studies, and analyses. Oversees field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans and offers insights into complex zoning matters. Schedules and conducts meetings with relevant advisory boards, elected officials, and other stakeholders.

Attends evening and weekend meetings as necessary. Prepares reports, maps, diagrams, charts, and other findings to communicate planning information effectively to diverse audiences, including staff, boards and commissions, and other stakeholders. Works with current technologies in computer databases, computer mapping, computer drafting, and design programs.

Identifies potential risks and challenges associated with development projects and implements proactive measures to mitigate potential issues. Provides expert guidance on technical aspects of development projects, including zoning requirements, land use regulations, and infrastructure planning. Coordinates physical development activities with other city departments, and appropriate state and federal officials and agencies.

Represents the department in an official capacity as assigned by the Director. Administers, on behalf of the City, certain professional services contracts, and directs the work of consultants. Cultivates and sustains productive relationships with key stakeholders, including city officials, developers, architects, and community leaders, fostering collaboration on strategic planning projects and initiatives.

Provides direct supervision and leadership to a team of professional staff, interns, and support personnel, ensuring clarity of roles, expectations, and performance standards. Delegates tasks effectively, matching assignments to individual strengths and developmental needs, while promoting accountability and ownership among team members. Stays updated on industry best practices, emerging trends, and relevant regulations. Performs related work as required.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from a four year college or university with major course work in planning, public or business administration, law, or a related field; AICP Certification preferred; and three to five years of experience in urban planning, economic or real estate development, or a related field; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Extensive knowledge and expertise in zoning, land use, and environmental planning, particularly in urban contexts. Extensive knowledge of governmental structure and local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to land use, zoning, environmental planning, and other urban development activities.

Strong understanding of financial principles, including budgeting, cost estimation, and financial analysis, to effectively manage project budgets and resources. Considerable knowledge of administrative and evaluation procedures. Demonstrated leadership ability, with a proven track record of managing complex planning projects, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and achieving strategic planning objectives.

Ability to supervise the work of other departmental staff and consultants. Ability to structure proposals for projects and programs to advance City development objectives. Proficiency in developing and implementing project plans, timelines, and budgets, ensuring adherence to project requirements and compliance with regulatory standards; must have strong time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, allocate resources efficiently, and meet tight deadlines without compromising quality or accuracy.

Proven ability to adapt to changing priorities and unforeseen obstacles while maintaining a focus on meeting firm deadlines and achieving project milestones. Ability to analyze data (including financial data) and to prepare clear interpretative reports and summaries. Capacity to analyze complex urban planning issues, consider multiple perspectives, and develop innovative solutions.

Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, build consensus, and mobilize support for planning initiatives. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex planning concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, orally and in writing, and through maps, drawings, or other graphic presentations. Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including city officials, staff, community leaders, advocacy groups, and the public. Ability to express ideas, information, commentary, analyses, programs, and plans orally, visually, in writing, and using current technologies to diverse audiences, including city officials, stakeholders, and the public.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid driver's license.

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a General Fund, 'Tested' position. This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 3144, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.. Bargaining agreements available to review HERE.

General Funded hires into this class are not covered by Social Security and will not pay Social Security taxes. They instead participate in the City Pension; the employee contribution rate is 10% of pay. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening accordance with the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy*, and (3) a 90-day probationary period.

Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment. Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.

Selection Plan

Applicants meeting minimum requirements may be invited to participate in a Civil Service exam process at a later date. It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly and submit information as outlined above, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process.

This information may be used to determine the eligibility list. As such, this job announcement should be considered the exam announcement, and submissions may be evaluated prior to the posted closing date. Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.

Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.

Conclusion

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