Planning and Economic Development Director

The town of Amherst seeks a Planning and Economic Development Director to serve as the town’s principal professional planner and take the lead on economic development initiatives. The Director oversees the administration of the land use planning and permitting, leads the development of both short- and long‑range planning projects and analyses. The Director will prepare and implement economic development plans, programs, and services, and work to identify, attract, and establish new business entities in the town for the purposes of tax base growth, job creation and preservation, and blight prevention.

Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in urban, rural, or regional planning or a related field, plus five to seven years of experience in municipal planning, and significant professional experience in economic development, marketing, and/or business administration; or any equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating the knowledge and ability to successfully perform above duties.

• At least five years of supervisory experience.

• Extensive knowledge of: planning programs and processes; municipal planning principles and techniques (e.g., land use planning, transportation, zoning, and aspects related to economics, demographics, sociological issues, and environment); local, state, and federal economic development loan, grant, and incentive programs; and business practices and economic development strategies and trends.

• Demonstrated skill in grant writing and administration.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a variety of audiences, to include architects, contractors, developers, business and property owners, residents, public officials, and town staff; and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the same.
• Ability to make formal presentations to a variety of audiences, including businesses, colleges, government and regional agencies, municipal boards, and town residents.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to self-motivate and work independently.
• Skill in the use of computers and appropriate software applications, such as GIS applications; skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment.

Annual salary range of $95,844- $128,806 depending on experience and/or qualifications. To view the full job description and to apply visit amherstma.portal.opengov.com/categories/1089

The town enjoys a long tradition of active, participatory, & professional government, and seeks a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community.