Assistant Planning Director

Assistant Planning Director – Town of Smithfield, RI

Position:
Assistant Planning Director
Department:
Planning & Economic Development
Employment Status:
Non-Union

Reports To:

Director of Planning & Economic Development

General

Summary:

This position functions as the Town’s senior professional planner and principal deputy to the Director of Planning and Economic Development. The Assistant Planning Director exercises substantial independent judgment in managing development review, long-range planning initiatives, policy development, and departmental operations. The position serves in an acting capacity in the absence of the Director as assigned and represents the Department before boards, commissions, the Town Council, other departments, and external agencies.

The Assistant Planning Director is responsible for co‑leading major planning initiatives, ensuring high-quality and timely administration of regulatory processes, supervising planning staff as assigned, and maintaining continuity of Planning Department operations. The position requires advanced professional judgment, strong written and verbal communication skills, and demonstrated leadership capacity in both policy and operational contexts.