Planning Director

About Town of Salem:

The Town of Salem is a dynamic and fast-growing community in southern New Hampshire, ideally located with direct access to I-93 and close proximity to Boston, the seacoast, and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. As the 7th largest municipality in the state, Salem offers a unique blend of suburban charm and economic vitality.

Home to attractions like Canobie Lake Park and the expansive Tuscan Village development, Salem is a regional hub for shopping, dining, housing, and recreation. The town boasts excellent schools, including a strong Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, diverse housing options, and a high quality of life supported by accessible healthcare and abundant open space.

Recreational opportunities include the 5-mile Town Forest trail network and the expanding Salem Rail Trail, which connects to nearby communities and transportation corridors. Salem is proud of its strong support for veterans and Town Council-Town Manager form of government to guide its future growth.

With a commitment to fiscal responsibility, modern infrastructure, and community services, Salem continues to attract residents and businesses alike. Learn more at salemnh.gov.

The Town is seeking an experienced and knowledgeable Planning Director to lead the Planning Division within the Community Development Department. This position oversees municipal planning, zoning, subdivision, and site plan review; provides technical guidance to land-use boards, staff, applicants, and the public; and plays a key role in developing regulations, the Town's Master Plan, and community development initiatives.

:

FLSA: Exempt

Accountability: Reports directly to and is accountable to the Director of Community Development.

Affiliation: SPAA

What You'll Do

(This list is illustrative and not all-inclusive. Please refer to the full below for complete details.)

- Administer zoning, subdivision,



and site plan regulations; manages review of development applications ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal requirements
- Provides technical assistance to the Planning Board, Zoning Board, Conservation Commission and Historic District Commission, with the support of the Assistant Planner. Responsible for assisting applicants, reviewing plans, inspecting sites, and preparing meeting agendas.
- Responds to inquiries from property owners, engineers, developers, and the general public; explains zoning rules and regulations; explains procedures and assists applicants in navigating the development review process.
- Prepares or oversees updates to zoning ordinances, site plan regulations, and subdivision regulations; develops and implements the town's Master Plan, including data analysis, public engagement, and coordination with advisory boards.
- Apply for and administers State and Federal grants (i.e., Community Development Block Grants, and insures adherence to applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines).
- Serve on various citizen committees at the request of the Community Development Director and Town Manager.
- Performs other related work as required by and at the direction of the Community Development Director.

Requirements:

- Bachelor's degree in planning or related field and 5 years experience in municipal or regional planning, community development or similar setting. Master's degree in planning or related field is preferred and can substitute for a portion of professional experience. AICP certification preferred.




- Thorough working knowledge of accepted planning concepts and practices, including comprehensive planning, zoning, land use law, and development review.
- Effective written and oral communication skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
- This position requires attendance at scheduled evening meetings.
- Must be a self-starter with a high degree of initiative, ability to contribute to policy, and ability to address and resolve problems and undertake projects and tasks of varying complexity.
- Requires advanced contact with Town, Regional, State and Federal officials and continual contact with the public.
- Must have a working knowledge of Federal and State Laws relating to planning. Must have good oral and written communication skills, and grantsmanship skills. Experienced in subdivision and site development plan review.
- Experienced in writing land use controls and Master Plan development. Must have a valid New Hampshire driver's license.

For full details of requirements and other considerations, please see the full .

Additional Information:

What We Offer:

Starting pay at $91,327 and Benefits are provided by the Town and described in the SPAA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The Town of Salem is an equal opportunity employer.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates must complete a Town of Salem Employment Application and submit a resume and cover letter. Applications will be held in confidence. Candidates will be rated based on education, assessment, training, and experience related to the job requirements. Please provide complete and accurate educational and employment information. Pre-employment testing includes educational and criminal background checks.

Internal candidates may apply in accordance with the SPAA CBA through September 29, 2026. Closing Date: Open until filled.

📌 Planning Director (Salem)
🏢 Town of Salem
📍 Salem