Job Description

Why You’ll Love Working Here

Working for the Department of Planning and Development means being part of a dynamic team dedicated to revitalizing and shaping the future of our community. You’ll have the chance to lead transformative projects, partner with local business and civic leaders, and contribute to making Claremont a vibrant place to live, work, and invest. If you thrive in a collaborative, fastmoving environment and are committed to excellence in public service, this role offers meaningful impact and strong professional growth.

Job Summary

Under the administrative direction of the City Manager, the Director of Planning & Development is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and overseeing the operations, programs, and strategic initiatives of the Planning & Development Department. The Director serves as a key advisor to the City Manager, exercises a high degree of independent judgment, and ensures departmental alignment with the City’s mission, long-range goals, and regulatory obligations. This position is designated as management for labor relations purposes and is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Director-Level Core Responsibilities

• Operate under the broad administrative direction of the City Manager, collaborating on long-range goals, policies, and strategic initiatives while independently managing day-to-day departmental operations.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction to ensure departmental programs, services, and resources are aligned with the City’s mission and priorities.
• Advise the City Manager and City Council on policy matters; prepare and present agenda items, reports, and recommendations.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate departmental policies, procedures, internal controls, and performance measures.
• Prepare, manage, and monitor departmental budgets and ensure responsible stewardship of public resources.
• Supervise, train, evaluate, and develop staff; recommend hiring, discipline, and organizational changes.
• Represent the City professionally with elected officials, regulatory agencies, community partners, and the public.
• Participate in cross-departmental initiatives and special projects as assigned by the City Manager.

Department-Specific Responsibilities – Planning, Development & Economic Development

• Direct and oversee citywide planning, zoning, land use regulation, permitting, and code enforcement functions.
• Lead and direct the City’s economic development strategy, including business attraction, retention, expansion, downtown revitalization, and redevelopment initiatives.
• Serve as the City’s primary representative and decision-making authority for development partnerships, development authorities, tax increment financing (TIF) districts, and economic development initiatives.
• Oversee preparation, implementation, and updates to the City’s Master Plan and related planning documents.
• Direct the full lifecycle of economic development grants and programs, including funding identification, application strategy, implementation oversight, compliance, and reporting.
• Oversee development-related marketing, branding, and promotional strategies to position Claremont as a competitive destination for investment and job creation.
• Integrate sustainable development practices, adaptive reuse strategies, and long-term community resilience considerations into planning and development activities.
• Provide strategic oversight and direction to business development staff and consultants to ensure alignment with Citywide objectives.

Desired Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning, public administration, community or economic development, or a related field, plus a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience, including supervisory responsibility, or any equivalent combination of education and experience. A master’s degree is preferred.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of municipal planning, zoning, land use law, economic development principles, grant administration, budgeting, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Ability to provide strategic leadership, exercise independent judgment, analyze complex policy and operational issues, develop and implement programs, communicate effectively with elected officials, staff, and the public, and manage competing priorities.

Skill in supervision, organizational leadership, public presentation, report preparation, budget management, and the use of modern office, planning, and data management technologies.

Supervision

Supervision Received: Works independently under the broad administrative direction of the City Manager.

Supervision Exercised: Exercises direct and indirect supervision over Planning & Development staff.

Licensing & Certification

Must maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.

Must maintain any required approvals and designations as required.

Tools & Equipment Used

Computer, Microsoft Office Software, accounting software, motor vehicle, telephone, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, etc.

Typical Work Environment

Inside: 75% Outside: 25%

Summary of Occupational Exposures

May be exposed to cleaning fluids, copier toner, etc., as well as exposure to construction equipment, sunlight, insects, domestic and wild animals, and all New England weather conditions.

Compensation & Benefits

This role is a Level/Grade 12 under the Merit Plan. The pay range for this position is $72,015.81 - $114,520.06 and will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience. The City offers a competitive benefits package, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

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