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Assistant Town Manager for Development

Department of Land Use, Housing & Development

Salary: $138,295 – $156,307 (Anticipated) | Up to $199,033 (Full Range)

Excellent Benefits Package

The REQUIRED Town of Lexington application form and cover letter must be received in the Town’s Human Resource Department. This position is open until filled with priority given to applications received by August 11, 2026.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

As a member of the Senior Management Team, develops long and short-term policies and programs to coordinate the Town’s land use and planning and permitting. Administers and enforces town and state bylaws, and regulations related to land use, natural resources, and planning. Collaborates with Town Manager. Acts as liaison to Town Counsel on issues of land use and litigation with boards or committees. Performs all other related work, as required.

Essential Functions

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

§ Develops long and short-term policies and programs to coordinate Town’s land use and planning and permitting. Administers and enforces town and state bylaws, and regulations related to land use, natural resources, and planning.

§ Collaborates with Town Manager. Acts as liaison to Town Counsel on issues of land use and litigation with boards or committees. Assists Town Counsel in preparation of litigation materials. May participate in settlement negotiations with land development litigation.

§ Formulates and implements successful Town Meeting strategies to ensure success for new housing and zoning initiatives for boards and committees.

§ Oversees Affordable Housing initiatives, including Affordable Housing Trust, buy-downs, Tenant based rental assistance, and housing-related grants. Acts as chief housing staff.

§ Oversees, leads, and implements major policy initiatives.

§ Analyzes problems, identifies alternative solutions, projects consequences of proposed actions, and recommends future action steps.

§ Provides oversight of Economic Development initiatives.

§ Provides oversight and ensures compliance with regulations for properties purchased or improved with Community Preservation Act funds.

§ Completes Requests for Proposals to attain new projects. Provides project management for variety of planning and land management tasks. Sets work priorities, ensures timeliness of task completion, and oversees contracts. Collaborates with consultants to ensure quality service.

§ Leads, guides, directs, and assists Division Managers, Town staff and the public in areas pertaining to planning, land development and permitting, land use, economic development, zoning, environmental and wetlands protection, open space conservation, historic preservation, and housing initiatives.

§ Mentors and develops professional capacity and knowledge of local government operations of department staff.

§ Provides support to and coordinates with the Regional Housing Services Office.

§ Prepares, presents, and monitors department’s annual budget.

§ Manages and completes applications for Federal and State grants.

§ Acts as staff liaison to Greenways Corridor Committee, LexFARM, and Housing Partnership Board.

§ Leads and/or delegates to interdepartmental Development Review Team.

§ Leads or delegates Permit Roundup.

§ Recommends changes in fee structure for publications and for departmental services.

§ Performs other similar or related duties, as required or as situation dictates.

Supervision

Supervision Scope: Performs varied and responsible complex functions requiring specialized and in-depth technical knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and initiative, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures.

Supervision Received: Works independently establishing and following department rules, regulations and policies; duties require the ability to plan and perform operations and independently complete tasks, setting deadlines and following prescribed time schedules.

Supervision Given: Supervises Conservation Director, Building Commissioner, Planning Director, Economic Development Director, Office Manager, and Administrative Assistant.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

Master’s Degree or equivalent plus executive-level management experience in multi-division department with accountability for fiscal and personnel management, and municipal land and development related functions, including planning and zoning, land use law, policy analysis, real estate development, housing and permitting, economic development practices, historic preservation, natural resource conservation, transportation and site planning, strategic planning and negotiating contracts and agreements, diplomatic relations and executive direction and guidance to volunteer boards and committees; and 7-10 years of experience in organizational executive management, city/town planning, environmental policy and development or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience are required. Computer literacy is required.

Special Requirements: Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License is required.

Preferred Qualifications: American Institute of Certified Planners. ICMA Credentialed Manager is encouraged.

Knowledge: Knowledge of organizational management, real estate development and financing. Knowledge of land use, zoning, housing, local and state environmental policy and regulations. Knowledge of urban and town planning practices and disciplines. Knowledge of state and local conservation, natural resources, historic regulations, building and zoning codes, environmental protection regulations, and principles and practices of economic development. Knowledge of public engagement techniques and Public Relations. Knowledge of principles of property tax assessment and appraisal. Knowledge and skill with preparing and administering budgets and preparing clear and concise administrative and financial reports. Knowledge to interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations. Knowledge of functioning of municipalities, local, city, town, and state government. Knowledge of best management practices for supervising, training, hiring, terminations, and discipline.

Ability: Ability to foster coordination and collaboration between Town and departments and within departments. Ability to interact appropriately and tactfully with customers. Ability to demonstrate understanding of department policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records. Ability to exercise diplomacy and problem-solving at local, regional and state level. Ability to work independently. Ability to set and follow detailed timetables and deadlines. Ability to multi-task. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to de-escalate and resolve conflicts. Ability to negotiate agreements. Ability to lead, persuade and guide others. Ability to foster organizational development. Ability to direct operations and to lead, motivate, and develop staff, volunteers, and officials. Ability to respond to community needs. Ability to improve permitting processes. Ability to manage conflicting priorities. Ability to demonstrate flexibility and to respond strategically in fast paced work environment.

Skills: Skill in strategic thinking and planning. Proficient skills to establish and maintain effective relationships with coworkers, boards, committees, and the public. Excellent customer service and organization skills. Proficient written and verbal communication skills. Proficient computer skills with MS Office Suite applications. Proficient skills with new and existing computer and software applications supporting departmental operations, including GIS, Internet, and cloud-based applications.

Job Environment

§ Work is performed in quiet office environment. Work is subject to fluctuations, and administrative deadlines. Work is with short timelines and overlapping deadlines. Employee routinely works weekday evenings and weekend days and evenings.

§ Operates computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine, and all other standard office equipment.

§ The employee has constant contact with the public, Boards/Committee chairs, Town Counsel, attorneys, consultants, contractors, residents, legislators, regional and state agencies, property owners, commercial landlords, business owners, real estate developers, builders, housing agencies, organization directors, trade associations, and permit applicants.

§ The employee has access to confidential information.

§ Errors could result in delays or loss of service, monetary loss, and legal ramifications.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pay Equity/Equal Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act Employer

APPLICATION PROCESS

All applicants are required to complete a Town application form, available from the Internet at www.lexingtonma.gov, email jobs@lexingtonma.gov, calling (781) 698-4590 or by visiting the Human Resources Department. Resumes may be attached to the application form as additional information, but cannot serve as a substitute for completing the required application form.

Questions regarding this hiring process should be addressed to the:

Human Resources Department, Town of Lexington

1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420

(781) 698-4590

Town of Lexington jobs

Assistant Town Manager For Development