Assistant Town Manager/Director of Strategic Initiatives

ABOUT THE ROLE: In this leadership role, you'll play a crucial part in executing key initiatives, driving operational excellence, and overseeing critical departments such as Community Services, Human Services, Community Development and Planning, and SCTV. In this leadership role you'll also have the opportunity to step into the Town Manager's shoes when needed, making decisions that shape the growth and development of our vibrant community.

ACCOUNTABILITY: This position reports directly to the Town Manager.

REQUIREMENTS: (below is a summary, please see job description for full details.)
This position plays a pivotal role in planning, organizing, and managing municipal operations, budgets, policies, and special projects in close collaboration with the Town Manager. Key responsibilities include supervising staff, managing departmental performance, and supporting collective bargaining efforts alongside the Town Manager and Human Resources. The role also involves attending Town Council meetings, preparing agenda items, overseeing grant administration, and updating policies and procedures as needed.

Additional duties include leading Community Development initiatives, managing the Community Choice Aggregation Program (CCAP), and participating in committees focused on capital improvements. You will guide the Recreation Master Plan, ensure alignment with the Salem Master Plan and economic development objectives, and collaborate with developers, consultants, and community organizations. You will also respond to citizen inquiries, provide support on tax-related matters, and assist various town departments while representing the Town Manager when necessary.

This position further entails reviewing and responding to Right-to-Know (RTK) requests, acting as the RTK Specialist when required, and addressing inquiries, complaints, and suggestions from citizens, town departments, and media. Additionally, you will work with the Tax Collector on managing outstanding receivables and tax-deeded properties.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:A combination of training and experience equivalent to the following:
Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Public Administration, or Business Administration. Master’s degree in Public Administration or related field is preferred.
Four (4) to six (6) years of experience supervisory and management experience in community development and/or municipal management.
Thorough knowledge of the principals and practices of municipal government and comprehensive knowledge of state laws.
Experience with Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) and comprehensive budget management preferred.

WHAT WE OFFER: Competitive salary: $127,000–$135,000, dependent upon qualifications and experience. Benefits are provided by the Town and described in the Non-Affiliated Employees Benefits Guide, and includes the following:

Annual paid time off: 30 days of PTO; 12 holidays and 1/2-day on Christmas eve and New Year’s Eve.

Health, and Vision Insurance HSA:
Employee pays: $62.81/ week for family coverage.
$46.50/week for 2-person coverage.
$23.09/ week for single coverage.

Dental Insurance:
Employee pays: $12.40/ week for family coverage.
$5.43/ week for family coverage.
$0.00/week for single coverage.

If an employee already has qualifying insurance, the Town will pay $5,000 annually to waive coverage.

Disability Insurance: 70% of base wages for up to 26 weeks.

Life Insurance: Equal to base annual earnings.

New Hampshire Retirement System Group I: Defined benefit pension plan.

HOW TO APPLY: All applications for this position will be held in confidence. Qualified candidates must complete a Town of Salem Employment Application, submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@salemnh.gov. A rating of applicants will be based on education, assessment, training, and experience as it relates to the requirements for this position. Therefore, applicants must provide complete and accurate educational and employment information on your application. Pre-employment testing will include educational and criminal background check.

The Town of Salem is an equal opportunity employer.