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Job Title:               DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & REDEVELOPMENT (Planner III)

Department:        PLANNING DIVISION of the COMMERCE DEPARTMENT        

Reports To:           DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE/PLANNING/COMPLIANCE         

Prepared By:         Human Resources

Prepared Date:      June, 2026

Approved By:        Gregg Anderson, Director of Human Resources

Approved Date:     June 3rd 2026

Classification:       Division Head / Appointed Officers

FLSA Status:         Exempt

Salary Range:        $60,000 - $80,000

Highly qualified candidates will be considered for the high end of the salary range

SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Director of Commerce, the Deputy Director of Planning & Redevelopment, serving as its Division Head, plays a key role in the City’s transformation effort, provides strategic leadership and manages the City’s planning efforts to enhance the quality of community life. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advises and informs the Director of Commerce on matters affecting the physical, economic or environmental development of the City.
• With the Director of Commerce and other members of the city administration, creates and executes a plan to achieve the vision for the city’s transformation.
• Leads and oversees the Planning Division, as well as such issues relating to environmental management and energy as may fall within the jurisdiction of the city government. 
• Serve as staff to various City boards, agencies, organizations and commissions including, but not limited to, the Pawtucket Planning Commission, and the Pawtucket Historic District Commission.
• Manages and supervises the staff of the Planning Division, including recruitment and outreach, employment, appraisal and supervision of department employees and all contract personnel.
• With the Director of Commerce, develops and implements department goals and objectives in support of City goals and objectives, and develops, enforces and modifies, as needed, department and division policies and procedures, consistent with the City Charter, ordinances and policy.
• Executes a strategy to expand the tax base, supporting the establishment of new businesses and retaining and assisting existing businesses.
• Establishes and implements programs and practices that nurture private sector projects.
• Utilizes best-practice standards and applicable metrics to provide regular reports, recommendations and analyses of planning opportunities, programs, projects and plans.
• Oversees and monitors the annual fiscal year departmental and division budget.
• Prepares, maintains and executes the comprehensive plan for the city and the capital improvement program.
• As directed by the Director of Commerce, serves as the Department’s representative to civic organizations, public interest groups, elected representatives, and other statewide planning-related groups.
• Evaluates planning-related legislation and applicability to department projects.
• Evaluates proposals to local governments for organization's planning consulting services.
• Evaluates environmental assessments/determinations for all non-exempt projects.
• Expected to attend a number of regular night meetings and occasional weekend work related events.
• May perform other related Commerce Department duties as assigned by the Director. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of the theory, principles and techniques of the planning profession and development process.
• Knowledge of Federal, State of Rhode Island and local laws, ordinances and codes pertaining to a wide variety of planning topics including land use and zoning.
• Knowledge of principles of personnel management and evaluation, budgeting and finance, real estate terminology, laws, practices, principles and regulations.
• Knowledge of real estate, finance, business, marketing principles.
• Knowledge of the interaction among the economy, transportation, health and human services, and land-use regulation.
• Knowledge of geographic information systems, planning, zoning and e-permitting software and standard MS Office Suite.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the editing, oversight or preparation of technical reports, and the presentation of information to government entities, various committees and the general public.
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills to work effectively with various officials, staff, citizens and other customers.
• Ability to solve problems in an energetic team environment using a balance of technical competence, creativity, and pragmatism.
• Ability to balance/manage expectations of multiple stakeholder groups coupled with ability to effectively navigate through high-profile, sensitive or controversial political situations

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• This position requires a master's degree in planning (urban, town, community, regional) with a minimum 2 years of progressively responsible planning experience.

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification is preferred, or ability to obtain certification within one year of hire.
• Experience with intermodal transportation planning, public/private mixed-use development, economic development, and waterfront planning is highly desirable.
• Affiliations with professional organizations and advocacy groups such as the American Planning Association are desired.
• Experience in a multi-cultural community is preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), or ability to obtain certification within one year of hire is desirable.