The City of Baltimore, Department of Planning (DoP), Community Planning and Revitalization (CPR) Division is seeking a qualified individual to work closely with community stakeholders on neighborhood planning to leverage investment in the 21st Century Schools Initiative. The DoP is conducting a planning program for the neighborhoods around each of the new or renovated schools. The program is called INSPIRE, which stands for Investing in Neighborhoods and Schools to Promote Improvement, Revitalization, and Excellence. The successful candidate will work with community residents, parents, students, school staff district planners to develop plans for neighborhood investment in the quarter mile around each 21st Century school.
- Lead or assist with INSPIRE planning efforts, including creation and execution of a community engagement process, data analysis, strategy and recommendation development, agency coordination, document preparation, meeting facilitation, etc., as needed or assigned.
- Manage the implementation (process and budget) of community-selected projects in applicable INSPIRE areas, working with community stakeholders, City agencies, and external partners and contractors. Provide support, as needed, to partner community groups and schools seeking additional resources for project.
- Assess program progress, outcomes, and needs and to develop guidance materials for DoP staff working on plans.
- Work with other City agencies to track progress of adopted plan recommendations and to shape recommendations and verify support for plans being developed.
- Work with multiple District Planners to monitor, document and communicate about the status of INSPIRE plans that have been adopted by the Planning Commission.
- Layout or manage layout of INSPIRE plans, Recommendation Reports, information fliers, presentations, and other documents to complete plans.
- Help to develop communication materials including those for the website, program updates, DoP and other newsletter articles, presentations, and others as needed.
- Work with District Planners to recommend projects for inclusion in the City’s Capital Improvement Program.
- Work with District Planners and City agencies to prepare 21st Century school design comments for design and site plan meetings. Work CPR Division Chief and City agencies to follow up.
- Participate in quarterly 21st Century Coordinating Committee meetings, 21st Century meetings at schools, and other 21st Century meetings as needed.
- Contribute to the Community Planning & Revitalization team by assisting with Citywide planning projects, policies, or special projects, as assigned.
- Provide planning updates and information to elected officials, other agencies, community associations, and general public, including potential investors, non-profits and grant reading.
- Ability to work with the public and articulate planning issues to many different audiences.
- Demonstrated strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and carry out multiple projects.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to envision alternatives to the physical and social environments in which we live.
- Ability to analyze demographic information to discern trends in population, income, employment, and health.
- Knowledge of planning processes and project evaluation.
- Mastery of Microsoft Office software.
- Demonstrated commitment to promoting equity.
- Understanding of the social and environmental impact of planning decisions on communities.
- Self-motivated and results oriented.
- Strong social skills and a demonstrated ability to develop and strengthen relationships with a variety of people.
Minimum Education and Experience
Master's degree from an accredited college or university in urban or regional planning, sustainability, environmental studies, historic preservation, architecture, architectural history, nutrition, public administration, public health or a closely related field such as transportation and two years of experience in performing urban, regional, transportation, environmental, sustainability, food access, emergency or historic designation planning work.
To apply, visit Baltimore City’s Department of Human Resources website and apply to the City Planner II position by March 1.