Senior Planning Deputy Director – Growth & Policy

American Planning Association Massachusetts Chapter; North Smithfield (RI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Smithfield, RI seeks an Assistant Planning Director to lead development review, long-range planning initiatives, and policy development. This senior planner serves as deputy to the Director of Planning and Economic Development and may act in their absence.

The role requires strong judgment, excellent written and verbal communication, and demonstrated leadership in policy and operations. It oversees planning staff and ensures timely regulatory processes while representing the

Responsibilities

• Lead development review, long-range planning initiatives, and policy development.
• Represent the department before boards, commissions, the Town Council and external agencies.
• Supervise planning staff and ensure timely administration of regulatory processes.

Job description

Assistant Planning Director – Town of Smithfield, RI

July 16, 2026 by APA-MA Administrator

Position: Assistant Planning Director Department: Planning & Economic Development Employment Status: Non-Union Reports To: Director of Planning & Economic Development

Apply Here: https://smithfieldri.bamboohr.com/careers/40

General Summary

This position functions as the Town’s senior professional planner and principal deputy to the Director of Planning and Economic Development. The Assistant Planning Director exercises substantial independent judgment in managing development review, long-range planning initiatives, policy development, and departmental operations. The position serves in an acting capacity in the absence of the Director as assigned and represents the Department before boards, commissions, the Town Council, other departments, and external agencies.

The Assistant Planning Director is responsible for co-leading major planning initiatives, ensuring high-quality and timely administration of regulatory processes, supervising planning staff as assigned, and maintaining continuity of Planning Department operations. The position requires advanced professional judgment, strong written and verbal communication skills, and demonstrated leadership capacity in both policy and operational contexts.

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