The Director of and Community Planning leads the Town of Franklin's efforts in planning, land use, economic development, housing, conservation, hazard mitigation and permitting under the supervision of the Town Administrator.

The Director serves as primary author on most of the Town's Planning Documents, planning related grant applications, and Zoning Bylaw amendments. This position is responsible for guiding the Town's long-term vision, while ensuring that growth and development align with community goals and regulatory requirements, town bylaws and the town Master Plan which was recently approved in 2025.

The Director serves as a key advisor to the Town Administrator, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Design Review Commission, Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, Technical Review Committee and other relevant boards and committees, such as arts and culture, by providing technical expertise and policy recommendations on planning and development matters.

The Director supervises the Director of Conservation, Town Planner, Executive Assistant Affordable Housing coordinator and departmental Administrative Assistant. The Director must have the professional/technical expertise to perform the duties and requirements of the above roles during any short- or long-term absence.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, economic development or a related field
• Ability to provide strategic leadership and direction to advance the Town's planning and development objective; with thorough knowledge and substantial experience with all aspects of municipal planning
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious relationships with Town officials and departments, state/federal agencies, and the general public
• Prior experience with personnel management in a professional office; fostering a professional and collaborative work environment. Supervise and mentor the Town Planner, Executive Assistant/Affordable Housing Coordinator, Director of Conservation and Departmental Administrative Assistant
• Experience in budget development/ management, procurement, grant writing and public outreach, presentations and speaking
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive with the ability to learn and adapt to new technology
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communications and project management skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification