Housing and Community Planning Director

The Town of Brookline is seeking an experienced Housing & Community Planning Director to lead a dynamic portfolio of housing, community development, and planning initiatives. This position plays a central role in leveraging federal, state, and local funding to advance affordable housing, community improvements, and long-term planning that benefits residents across the community.

The Director will guide policy direction for the Town’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and strategically leverage local funding sources for affordable housing, including the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the recently adopted Community Preservation Act. The role also oversees affordable housing initiatives, compliance with deed-restricted units, long-range planning efforts, and multi-agency coordination to advance key community development goals.

Ideal candidates will have a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a range of community partners and have strong problem-solving abilities. Chinese, Russian, Korean, or Spanish language skills are desirable

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise professional staff within the Housing and Community Planning Division.
• Oversee planning and implementation of housing and community development programs and initiatives.
• Advise the Town Administrator and Select Board on housing, planning, and development policy.
• Assist with development and management of budgets, including CDBG and HOME funding.
• Initiate programs and policies that leverage federal, state, and local resources for affordable housing and community improvements.
• Manage affordable housing deed restrictions and oversee fair and compliant affordable housing lotteries.
• Support development, maintenance, and implementation of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.
• Coordinate local, regional, state, and federal planning initiatives.
• Oversee grant preparation, financial management, and compliance, including work with sub-recipients and advisory committees.
• Prepare RFPs, manage consultant work, and monitor project and program performance.
• Represent the Department at Town Meeting and public forums.
• Provide recommendations related to state and federal grant utilization, municipal and housing authority properties, and broader town-wide policies.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in planning or a related field and five to seven years of experience in public planning management, affordable housing, and grant-funded program administration; Master’s degree highly desirable; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Candidates should possess strong knowledge of urban planning and community development principles, affordable housing finance, CDBG administration, program and grant management, municipal regulatory processes, and GIS. The role requires excellent analytical abilities, leadership skills, communication proficiency, financial oversight experience, and the ability to navigate politically sensitive or complex community development issues.

A valid driver's license is required. AICP desirable.

Starting Salary Range: $111,742 – $117,816 plus a comprehensive benefits package, including four weeks vacation, pension, and excellent health and dental insurance coverage. Eligible for hybrid work schedule. Please apply with resume and cover letter. Position is open until filled, but applications received by May 18, 2026 will be prioritized.