Assistant Town Manager for Development (PDF)

Town of Lexington; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 138,295 - 156,307; Full time

Job summary

Town of Lexington seeks an Assistant Town Manager for Development to lead land use, housing, and permitting initiatives. The role coordinates policy, works with Town Counsel on litigation, and guides long-term planning to align with town goals.

The position requires a Master's degree with executive management experience in a multi-division department, AICP certification, and a Massachusetts driver’s license, with a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Qualifications

• Master's degree plus executive-level management in a multi-division department.
• 7–10 years in municipal planning, land use, housing, or development.
• AICP certification and MA driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Develops long- and short-term policies and programs to coordinate the Town's land use, planning, and permitting.
• Collaborates with the Town Manager and acts as liaison to Town Counsel on land use and litigation issues.
• Formulates and implements strategies to advance housing and zoning initiatives for boards and committees.
• Oversees Affordable Housing initiatives, including the Affordable Housing Trust and related grants.
• Oversees major policy initiatives; analyzes problems, projects consequences, and recommends actions.
• Prepares, presents, and monitors the department's annual budget and manages grant applications.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder relations

Communication

MS Office

GIS

Public engagement

Education

Master's degree

Executive management experience

AICP certification

Massachusetts driver's license

Tools

MS Office

GIS

Job description

Overview

Assistant Town Manager for Development, Department of Land Use, Housing & Development – Town of Lexington. Salary: $138,295 - $156,307 (Anticipated) plus up to $199,033 full range. Excellent benefits package. This is a full-time, ongoing position open until filled with priority given to applications received by August 11, 2026.

General Summary

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

Essential Functions

• Develops long- and short-term policies and programs to coordinate the Town\'s land use, planning, and permitting. Administers and enforces town and state bylaws and regulations related to land use, natural resources, and planning.
• Collaborates with the Town Manager and 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 strategies to advance housing and zoning initiatives for boards and committees.
• Oversees Affordable Housing initiatives, including the Affordable Housing Trust, buy-downs, tenant-based rental assistance, and housing-related grants. Acts as chief housing staff.
• Oversees and leads major policy initiatives; analyzes problems, identifies alternatives, projects consequences, and recommends actions.
• Provides oversight of Economic Development initiatives and compliance with Community Preservation Act funds for properties.
• Manages procurement and project management tasks (RFPs, contracts, grants) and collaborates with consultants to ensure quality service.
• Leads and assists Division Managers, staff, and the public in planning, land development and permitting, land use, economic development, zoning, environmental and wetlands protection, open space conservation, historic preservation, and housing initiatives.
• Mentors staff and supports regional collaboration (e.g., Regional Housing Services Office).
• Prepares, presents, and monitors the department\'s annual budget and manages grant applications.
• Acts as staff liaison to relevant committees and boards and coordinates with interdepartmental teams; may lead Permit Roundup and related initiatives.
• Recommends changes in fee structures for publications and 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, with judgment and initiative in open-ended situations.

Supervision Received: Works independently, following department rules, regulations and policies; plans and completes tasks within deadlines.

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 a multi-division department with accountability for fiscal and personnel management and municipal land and development-related functions (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). 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. Computer literacy required.

Special Requirements

American Institute of Certified Planners is required; ICMA Credentialed Manager is preferred. Valid Massachusetts Driver\'s License is required.

Knowledge

Knowledge of organizational management, real estate development and financing; land use, zoning, housing, environmental policy and regulations; urban and town planning; conservation, natural resources, historic regulations, building and zoning codes, environmental protection regulations; public engagement and public relations; property tax assessment and budgeting; interpreting Federal, State and local policies and regulations; functioning of municipalities and governing bodies; best practices for supervision and staff development.

Abilities

Ability to foster coordination among Town and departments; communicate effectively with customers; maintain detailed records; exercise diplomacy and problem-solving; work independently; set and follow detailed timelines; multi-task; maintain confidentiality; de-escalate and resolve conflicts; negotiate agreements; lead and develop staff and volunteers; respond to community needs; improve permitting processes; manage conflicting priorities; adapt to a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Strategic thinking and planning; establish and maintain relationships with boards, committees and the public; excellent customer service, organization, and communication skills; proficiency with MS Office and GIS, Internet, and cloud-based applications.

Job Environment

• Work is performed in a quiet office environment with fluctuating timelines and overlapping deadlines. Evening and weekend work may be required.
• Operates standard office equipment and maintains frequent contact with the public, Boards/Committee chairs, Town Counsel, attorneys, consultants, residents, and others.
• Access to confidential information; errors could result in delays, financial loss or legal ramifications.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. The role requires sitting; occasional standing and walking; color, depth and peripheral vision; ability to operate a keyboard and a vehicle; vision/hearing close to normal ranges or corrected.

Equity and Accessibility

Pay Equity/Equal Opportunity/ADA Employer.

Application Process

All applicants must complete a Town application form (online at www.lexingtonma.gov, via email [e-mail], by phone at [phone], or in person at the Human Resources Department). Resumes may be attached but cannot substitute for the required application form.

After the deadline, applications will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interviews. All applicants will be notified of their status as decisions are made. Individuals needing accommodations should contact the Human Resources Department.