Date of Posting: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Department: Planning
Job Title: Associate Planning Director
Appointing Authority: Mayor Jared C. Nicholson
Salary/Benefits
$95,000-$105,000, plus benefits including health and Lynn municipal retirement system
OVERVIEW
The City of Lynn seeks a dynamic, experienced urban planner to serve as an Associate Planning Director.
The Associate Planning Director will be responsible for a variety of planning initiatives across subject areas including transportation, housing land use, development review, environmental sustainability, and more. The work of the Associate Planning Director will engage a broad range of the City officials and community stakeholders including residents, businesses, institutions, property owners, workers, and students.
The City of Lynn is a growing, diverse Gateway City that boasts a vibrant, walkable downtown as well as iconic natural assets like the Lynn Woods and Lynn Harbor Park. The community is at a historic moment of investment, with both a strong pipeline of residential and commercial development as well as a portfolio of transformation and infrastructure projects. Our award-wining comprehensive plan, Vision Lynn, guides our work, as well as strong relationships with elected officials and community members. This position will report directly to the Chief of Planning and Community Development.
Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Setting long-range planning objectives.
• Continuing the implementation of Vision Lynn. In collaboration with the Planning Director, pursue the creation of plans, projects, and programs that support the implementation of Lynn’s comprehensive plan.
• Supporting meaningful community engagement with our diverse community. This will include proactive, strategic communications about projects and priorities and creative, multilingual opportunities for community members to participate in work planning—not only when it’s a requirement, but throughout all phases of project work. The Associate Planning Director will attend and present at public meetings.
• Sustaining relationships with community leaders, elected officials, state and federal partners, and other City departments and agencies active in Lynn, including the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation of Lynn, Lynn Water and Sewer Commission, Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development.
• Project manage plans, grants, and other initiatives as assigned. The Associate Planning Director will identify, apply for, and implement grants or other funding sources to support key planning work.
• Provide data analysis and mapping as needed.
• Assist in the administration of the Planning Department.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or related field and at least three years of related work experience.
• Considerable knowledge of the theory, principles and techniques of the planning profession.
• Proficiency working with Microsoft Office and GIS software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience conducting community engagement initiatives.
• Experience with project management, grant management, and other fundamental skills necessary to conducting municipal planning work.
• Ability to manage a variety of projects in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in urban planning.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Advanced knowledge of GIS software and demonstrable quantitative analysis skills.
• Experience working in a municipal government.
• Bilingual/bicultural candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
• Experience managing or supporting transportation and other infrastructure projects.
• Experience reviewing development projects and participating on a Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals as a member or staff support.
• When applicants are substantially similar in terms of qualifications, preference will be given to candidates who have resided in the City of Lynn for a continuous twelve-month period prior to the date of posting.
How To Apply
A completed application, including cover letter, can be submitted via:
- Email ([email protected])
- Regular Post
- In-Person at Human Resources, Room 307 in Lynn City Hall
If submitting via e-mail, please include the “JOB TITLE” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with priority consideration extended to candidates who apply on or before Friday, November 20th.
Job Title: "Associate Planning Director"
Closing Date: Open Until Filled (Application review begins the week of November 23rd)
* When applicants are substantially similar in terms of qualifications, preference will be given to candidates who have resided in the City of Lynn for a continuous twelve-month period prior to the date of posting.
The City of Lynn is an Equal Opportunity Employer!
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If you have any questions about the application process or need assistance, please call (781) 598-4000 or email us at [email protected].