Director of the Department of Planning and Development

Employment Opportunity – Town of Hartford, VT

Director of the Department of Planning and Development

June 9, 2026

The Town of Hartford, VT is seeking a highly skilled professional to serve as the Director of the Department of Planning and Development. This position is responsible for the efficient and effective operation, oversight, coordination and execution of administrative, technical and supervisory activities for all aspects of the Department, and provides strategic leadership and professional planning expertise for the Town. This includes advancing the Town’s planning initiatives, guiding growth and development in alignment with community goals as stated in the Town Plan and other documents. The Director reports to the Town Manager and supervises four staff people responsible for a broad array of subjects including Town current and long-range land use planning, zoning and related permitting, housing, community planning, historic preservation, transportation planning, community and economic development, conservation, hazard mitigation, and community resilience. The Department also provides administrative and program support for various Town appointed commissions, boards and committees related to these planning and development areas.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in urban or regional planning, community development or other relevant disciplines, at least 5 years of experience in a public setting including municipal experience, and at least 3 years of progressive supervisory or managerial experience. The ideal candidate must be detail oriented, self-motivated, well-organized; able to manage multiple priorities; and have strong communication, analytica and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with other staff and the public. Pay range is $42.61 to $59.61 per hour. Benefit package includes health insurance with generous HRA and $600 well-being rewards; dental insurance; life insurance; VMERS pension plan; discounted gym membership; vacation, sick, and personal days; and 14 paid holidays.

View a full Job Description (PDF).

Submit cover letter and resume to: Town of Hartford, Attn: John Haverstock, Town Manager, 171 Bridge Street, White River Junction, VT 05001 or jhaverstock@hartford-vt.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Job Details