Director Office of Planning and Development

Director of the Office of Planning and Development

Position is responsible for performing professional, supervisory, and administrative work for the City’s Office of Planning and Development. Work involves assessing proposals for land use and development; determining compliance with Zoning Bylaws and Subdivision regulations, other local regulations and applicable state and federal laws; planning long‑range projects; acquiring and administering grants; and recommending policies, standards or criteria. Performs all other related work as required.

Employee works under the administrative direction of the Mayor in accordance with municipal policies and objectives and local and state ordinances and statutes. Employee establishes short- and long-range plans and objectives, own performance standards, and assumes direct accountability for department results. Employee consults with the City Mayor where clarification, interpretation, or exception to municipal policy may be required. Employee develops departmental policies, goals, objectives, budgets, and is expected to resolve all conflicts that arise and coordinate with others as necessary.

Employee is responsible for the provision of Office of Planning and Development level supervision for full‑time employees and consultants/contractors who work at the same location and on the same shift. Employee has the authority to recommend hire and discharge, discipline staff, and evaluate all subordinates in the OPD. Employee is required to work outside of normal business hours on a daily basis at night or on the weekends, and may be contacted at home in response to important situations.

Employee has access to departmental confidential information including lawsuits against the City and official department personnel files.

• Administers the City’s land‑use processes; coordinates all planning board actions, ensures compliance with all statutory requirements, drafts and proposes amendments to the Zoning Bylaws as needed, prepares all required reports and maintains records.
• Provides professional advice and recommendations to the Planning Board; evaluates plans, subdivision regulations, and site‑plan reviews, applications for special permits for development, and decisions relating to all areas of community planning and development and the City’s zoning and sub‑division control regulations.
• Proposes projects, seeks grant programs for funding, writes and administers grant proposals and applies for and manages grants; oversees projects to ensure compliance with grant requirements.
• Provides administrative support to the Planning Board; prepares agendas for and attends meetings, researches applications and petitions, administers policies and procedures, and provides other information or assistance as needed to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the City’s Conservation Commission.
• Takes enforcement action necessary when violations of Planning Board approvals occur including the monitoring of all residential, commercial and industrial developments.
• Assists the City’s legal counsel in preparing Planning Board court cases and testifies at court hearings as required.
• Develops, implements, and administers various planning studies relating to land use, development, and infrastructure improvements; provides recommendations regarding City land‑use; writes and updates the City’s Master Plan.
• Provides technical advice and assistance to various boards/committees/departments, business community, and downtown revitalization groups as required.
• Serves as City and Planning Board liaison with various State and Federal officials regarding planning/development issues affecting the community.
• Works with developers, engineers, attorneys, and others involved with the development process; negotiates approval conditions and public infrastructure improvements with applicants.
• Provides information and assistance to other City departments and the public regarding zoning, site plans, subdivisions, and other topics; responds to inquiries or complaints and explains policies and procedures.
• Prepares and submits department’s annual operating budget, annual report for the Planning…