Director of Planning, Zoning & Codes

Director of Planning, Zoning & Codes

Department: Planning and Zoning
Job Code: PZ/1
Reports To: Town Manager

Shape Hanover’s Future. Build a Community for Tomorrow.

The Town of Hanover is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Director of Planning, Zoning & Codes to lead the Town’s Planning and Zoning Department and help shape the community’s future.

In this leadership role, you will guide planning and zoning operations, develop long-range plans, support thoughtful growth and development, and help ensure that construction and development meet established standards for quality and safety. Your work will have a direct and lasting impact on how Hanover grows, develops, and serves its residents, businesses, property owners, and visitors.

This is an opportunity to combine professional planning expertise, municipal leadership, public service, and community vision in a role that helps set the direction for Hanover’s future.

Why This Role Matters

As Director of Planning, Zoning & Codes, you will help balance community goals, responsible development, public safety, and long-term planning. You will work with Town leadership, boards and commissions, property owners, developers, engineers, architects, elected officials, and members of the public to address complex planning and zoning matters.

Your leadership will help:

• Guide Hanover’s long-term growth and development.
• Support thoughtful and well-planned construction and redevelopment.
• Maintain standards that promote quality and safety.
• Provide professional guidance to Town leadership and public boards.
• Connect community planning with future needs and opportunities.
• Help residents, businesses, and development professionals navigate planning and zoning requirements.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities that support Town priorities.

What You’ll Do

As Director of Planning, Zoning & Codes, you will provide leadership for the department and oversee a broad range of planning, zoning, development, and community-focused initiatives.

Lead Planning and Zoning Operations

• Direct the overall activities and operations of the Planning and Zoning Department.
• Lead the Town’s planning efforts, including long-range, comprehensive, capital improvement, and acquisition planning.
• Develop and revise ordinances, policies, and regulations related to planning and zoning.
• Help implement Town policies and oversee enforcement efforts.
• Maintain current knowledge of professional, technical, and legal developments affecting planning and zoning.
• Coordinate department activities with other Town departments and outside agencies.

Help Shape Hanover’s Future

• Conduct and oversee professional planning studies and analyses that inform public decision-making.
• Provide technical assistance and professional recommendations to the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen.
• Prepare special analyses and reports as requested.
• Provide education and information to the public regarding the Town’s Master Plan, conservation programs, and other special projects.
• Conduct public awareness efforts related to building code and zoning ordinance enforcement.
• Help identify opportunities and secure grants that support Town priorities.

Support Boards and Commissions

• Oversee technical, professional, and administrative support for public boards and commissions.
• Oversee the preparation of board agendas, meeting minutes, and supporting materials.
• Ensure board members receive accurate and relevant information.
• Ensure board decisions are accurately recorded and posted.
• Assist with the application process for appointments to various boards.

Lead and Develop the Team

• Hire, train, direct, and evaluate department staff.
• Coordinate the work of professional and administrative employees.
• Provide leadership, direction, and support to the Planning and Zoning team.
• Foster coordinated efforts across the department and with other Town operations.

Serve as a Resource to the Community

• Answer questions from contractors, developers, engineers, property owners, and members of the public regarding planning and zoning issues.
• Investigate public complaints involving unsafe structures and zoning or code violations.
• Communicate clearly about planning, zoning, building, and development requirements.
• Work collaboratively to resolve problems and address complex issues.

Manage Department Resources

• Prepare the department budget.
• Monitor expenditures throughout the budget year.
• Identify opportunities to use resources effectively while supporting department and Town goals.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a knowledgeable municipal planning professional who can combine technical expertise with strong leadership, sound judgment, and effective communication.

You should have:

• A baccalaureate degree, preferably in a field related to the occupational area.
• At least five years of related experience, including supervisory experience.
• A valid New Hampshire driver’s license, or the ability to readily obtain one for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Knowledge of planning and zoning theories, principles, and practices.
• Knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
• Knowledge of Town zoning ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of building construction techniques and materials.
• Knowledge of state laws, local ordinances, and construction and trades codes governing inspection processes.
• Knowledge of the geography of the Town, including roads, streets, subdivisions, and zoned areas.
• Knowledge of legal terminology.
• Strong management and supervisory skills.
• The ability to direct municipal planning and zoning operations.
• The ability to read and interpret blueprints, maps, and aerial photographs.
• Budgeting skills.
• Computer and related drafting-equipment skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

A Role With Broad Community Impact

The Director of Planning, Zoning & Codes
works on a wide range of technical and administrative matters, making this a role where every day can bring a new challenge or opportunity. The position plays an important part in ensuring that construction in Hanover meets established standards for quality and safety while helping guide future growth.

You’ll collaborate with Town employees and leaders, property owners, developers, surveyors, architects, engineers, business leaders, real estate professionals, elected officials, and the public. Strong communication and the ability to exchange information, resolve problems, motivate personnel, and negotiate or settle matters are essential to success.

Leadership Responsibility

This position provides direct supervision to:

• Zoning Administrator
• Building Official
• Planner
• Building Inspector
• Administrative Assistant

The Town Manager establishes department goals and objectives, while the Director of Planning, Zoning & Codes exercises professional judgment in applying laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures and develops department guidelines.

Work Environment

The work is typically performed in an office setting as well as outdoors at construction sites. The position generally involves desk or table work, frequent lifting of light objects, occasional lifting of heavy objects, and the ability to distinguish between shades of color.

Make Your Mark on Hanover

If you’re ready to bring your planning expertise and leadership skills to a community where your work can influence both today’s decisions and tomorrow’s opportunities, we invite you to consider joining the Town of Hanover.

Lead with vision. Serve the community. Help shape Hanover’s future.