Planning & Community Development Director (Town Planner)

The Town of Durham, New Hampshire (15,270 pop.), a university community in the heart of the NH Seacoast, is seeking an experienced municipal planning official to serve as its next Director of Planning & Community Development. The Director, often referred to as the “Town Planner” is a key member of the Administrator's leadership team and works closely with elected officials and department heads to carry out the Town's planning objectives. Durham is in New Hampshire's seacoast region, one of the most beautiful, desired locations in the state and is home to the University of New Hampshire with an enrollment of 13,750 students. Durham is located just one (1) hour north of Boston, MA, one (1) hour south of Portland, ME and is serviced by the Amtrak Downeaster. This is a high-impact executive position guiding the Town's planning and development strategy within a stable, collaborative management team, following the planned retirement of our longtime Director of Planning & Community Development in November 2026. The Town is seeking a talented, honest, and hardworking professional who is deeply committed to public service and thoughtful stewardship of public resources in a highly engaged university community.

Operating under a Town Charter with a Council-Manager form of government, the Director reports directly to the Town Administrator. The Director of Planning & Community Development serves as the Town’s professional planning official responsible for administering land use regulations, managing development review processes, and advancing the community’s long-range planning goals. The position serves as the Town's chief planning and development resource, providing technical and policy guidance to Town boards, staff, elected officials and the public to support orderly growth, environmental stewardship and high-quality development. The Director provides administrative oversight for assigned clerical or support staff and works closely with all departments to ensure accurate, transparent, and compliant operations. Durham is not a large organization with multiple layers of support staff; the Planning & Community Development office is lean, and the Director is expected to be both a strategic partner and a hands-on technical expert fully capable of performing the department's day-to-day administrative functions. The successful candidate will benefit from a thoughtful transition period as the current Director completes many years of service. The ideal candidate is an experienced public sector planning and community development professional who combines strong technical expertise in municipal planning principles and practices with a collaborative leadership style, political and organizational acumen, and a deep commitment to ethical public service. This position is well suited to a hands-on municipal leader who is comfortable functioning as both a working manager and a subject-matter expert in a lean, high-performing organization.

Bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, public administration, or a related field, and at least four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning. A master’s degree in planning or a related field is preferred. Municipal or public sector planning experience and AICP certification are strongly preferred. Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of required knowledge, skills and ability will be considered.

Salary range to $127,359; starting salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. A comprehensive benefits package is offered including health, dental, life, and disability insurance; paid leave; and participation in the New Hampshire Retirement System. The Town of Durham is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Full job description posted below.

To apply submit a resume and cover letter, in confidence, as a single PDF attachment to recruitment@mrigov.com by 8 AM EST on Monday, June 15^th, 2026, to be included in the first review of applicants. Resumes will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply early for full consideration.  Please note that the hiring process is being handled by Municipal Resources Inc.  Do not submit resumes to the Town of Durham.