What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Community Development & Housing Planner position at Berkshire Regional Planning Commission?
BRPC is seeking an experienced planner to lead housing and community development initiatives. Partner with Berkshire County communities to address housing needs through planning, funding, and implementation.
To Apply: After carefully reviewing the Job Ad and supplemental materials, submit an online application via our website. General questions and accommodation requests can be directed to work@berkshireplanning.org.
General Description
The Senior Planner leads housing and community development initiatives and provides planning services and technical assistance to municipalities throughout Berkshire County. The role helps communities assess housing needs, implement housing strategies, secure funding, and work with regional partners to preserve existing housing and create new housing opportunities.
This is a full-time, on-site, flexible schedule [CH1] [KB2] position. Core work hours (10 am to 4 pm) must be covered every workday unless otherwise agreed. Full-time staff must work a minimum of 35 hours per week, with occasional weekends and night meetings as required. This position reports to the Community Planning and Development Manager.
Primary Responsibilities
- Provide planning services to communities throughout the region, including housing needs assessments, housing action and production plans, and updates to zoning and other land use tools.
- Maintain a working knowledge of relevant state and federal housing programs and initiatives.
- Assist communities with implementing housing strategies, including assessing potential housing sites, managing pre-development activities, and establishing and managing affordable housing trusts.
- Identify funding sources to preserve and improve existing housing and create new housing opportunities.
- Prepare grant applications to help communities secure funding for housing and community development projects.
- Coordinate with housing advocates and nonprofit and for-profit developers to promote housing opportunities throughout the region.
Additional Responsibilities
- Collaborate with local, regional, and state organizations and agencies to share data and information related to housing and community development planning.
- Coordinate BRPC’s housing education programs and efforts.
- Act as a clearinghouse for housing-related bylaws and ordinances across the region.
- Coordinate housing and community development initiatives with economic development, transportation, and environmental investments and programs.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in planning, urban planning, housing policy, public administration or a closely related field.
- Two years of related experience, including at least 1 managing complex planning projects.
- Knowledge of state and federal housing laws, policies, and programs.
- Ability to develop and manage housing and community development grant applications.
- Ability to work independently, set priorities, and manage workflows.
- Ability to travel throughout Berkshire County, MA all times of the year to attend meetings, events, and training.
Preferred Qualifications
- LEED Certification preferred.
- AICP preferred.
- Preference will be given to applicants with direct experience in housing or community development planning or implementation.
Pay Range
As of July 01, 2026, the full pay range for this position is $67,039.00-$87,761.00 per year. The starting pay range is $67,039.00 – $77,400.00 per year, depending on education and experience. Market adjustments and merit raises are generally available in July each year. BRPC may not alter the pay range unless the position is re-posted.
Benefits
- MA State Retirement System
- · Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance
- Medical & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
- Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Holidays, Floating Holiday)
- Professional Development Funds
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
EEO/Smoke- And Drug-Free Workplace
BRPC is a smoke- and drug-free workplace that does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, age, or gender and actively seeks diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its hiring.
No telephone calls. Application review begins 11/06/2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
Pay: $67,039.00 - $77,400.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Loan forgiveness
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
- Wellness program
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Pittsfield, MA 01201
Salary : $67,039 - $77,400