Director of Planning and Development

Director of Planning and Development
City of Attleboro – JOB POSTING – OCTOBER 14, 2026

Position Summary:

The City of Attleboro seeks a qualified and experienced professional to serve as Director of Planning and Development. Under the direction of the Mayor and in accordance with the policies and decisions of the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Conservation Commission, the Director performs administrative, professional, and technical work in initiating, developing, coordinating, and implementing land use planning projects and policies for the City.

Duties And Responsibilities

Supervises and directs the operations of the Planning and Development Department, including the Planning Office, Community Development Office, and Economic Development Office.

Establishes departmental priorities and develops and implements policies, programs, and initiatives to advance the City's planning and development objectives.

Supervises and directs all departmental employees.

Provides technical and administrative assistance to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Conservation Commission.

Develops plans and implementation strategies addressing the City's physical development, including open space and recreation planning, economic development, capital improvements planning, and fiscal impact analyses.

Develops and analyzes municipal programs and evaluates their potential and actual impacts on the physical, economic, and sociological conditions of the region.

Prepares and updates the City's Open Space and Recreation Plan.

Drafts zoning amendments, zoning ordinances, and subdivision regulations.

Prepares the City's annual Capital Improvement Plan.

Reviews and updates the City's Comprehensive Plan and advises and assists the Planning Board with proposed amendments.

Prepares grant applications and reports on such applications to the Municipal Council.

Serves as a liaison between the City and state and federal agencies, regional planning agencies, and other regional organizations.

Provides staff support to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Conservation Commission for public hearings and day-to-day administrative and operational functions.

Provides technical assistance and professional guidance to the Planning Board on subdivision rules and regulations, plan reviews and evaluations, special permit applications, proposed zoning amendments, and other matters related to community planning and development.

Reviews site plans for compliance with applicable regulations and evaluates their potential impacts on municipal services.

Represents the Mayor on the Regional Planning Agency.

Assists and advises landowners, developers, and other interested parties regarding the interpretation and application of the City's zoning ordinances and subdivision rules and regulations, including application procedures and permit requirements.

Administers the City's annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

Serves as the City's liaison to the Attleboro Redevelopment Authority.

Coordinates and communicates with consultants, developers, contractors, engineers, and other stakeholders on planning and development matters.

Prepares and presents the Department's annual budget and maintains accurate and complete records of departmental expenditures and accounts.

Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications And Requirements

Education and Experience

A master's degree in urban or regional planning and four years of relevant experience; or

A bachelor's degree in planning, urban affairs, or a related field and six years of progressively responsible planning experience.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, and theories of land use planning.

Thorough knowledge of…