General Purpose
The Director of Strategic Development advances the Town and Village of Woodstock’s long-term economic vitality and community development goals by coordinating infrastructure planning, capital projects, and strategic investment initiatives. The position identifies funding opportunities, develops partnerships, and works with municipal departments, state and regional agencies, property owners, developers, and businesses to support infrastructure improvements, expand housing opportunities, encourage private investment, and promote responsible growth.
Benefits
Woodstock, Vermont offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, vibrant community and relaxed lifestyle. The picturesque landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, skiing, and biking foster a balanced work-life environment. Woodstock’s strong sense of community encourages networking and collaboration. Its charming downtown features local shops, restaurants and cultural events. Additionally, the town’s commitment to sustainability and local business creates an inspiring atmosphere for innovation and growth.
Benefits of working for the Municipality of Woodstock include:
• A culture of public service and a commitment to work-life balance.
• Competitive wages.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance. The Municipality pays 93% of health insurance costs and 100% of other insurance premiums for the employee and their family, based on the stated FY27 benefits.
• Vermont Municipal Employees Retirement System (VMERS), including employer and employee contributions.
• 10 days of paid vacation earned per year.
• 15 days of paid sick leave earned per year.
• 12 paid holidays per year.
• Two paid personal days per year (16 hours).
• Short-term disability, long-term disability, life, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Wellness benefit covering 75% of an eligible quarterly membership at the Woodstock Recreation Center Fitness Center or Woodstock Athletic Club.
• Employee development, including reimbursement for 100% of eligible direct course or program costs under the Municipality’s current policy.

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Position Overview
The Town and Village of Woodstock are seeking a strategic, collaborative, and results-oriented professional to advance infrastructure investment and economic development initiatives. Reporting to the Municipal Manager, this position will coordinate the planning and development of priority infrastructure and capital projects, identify funding and financing opportunities, and work with municipal departments, consultants, state agencies, property owners, and developers to move projects forward.
A primary focus will be supporting increased water system capacity and development of a new wastewater treatment facility, helping establish the infrastructure needed to support housing, redevelopment, and responsible economic growth. The position will also support business retention and expansion, public-private partnerships, and long-term capital planning to ensure municipal investments align with Woodstock’s community and economic development goals.
Key Responsibilities
Infrastructure Planning and Capital Projects
• Coordinate planning and development of water system capacity improvements, the proposed wastewater treatment facility, and other priority municipal infrastructure projects.
• Develop and maintain a multi-year project plan outlining priorities, estimated costs, funding needs, and timelines.
• Coordinate with municipal departments and leadership to integrate infrastructure projects into capital planning and budgeting.
• Advance projects from initial planning and feasibility through funding, permitting, procurement, and implementation.
• Coordinate with engineers, consultants, and partner agencies to manage project scope, schedules, progress, and challenges.
• Identify infrastructure needs and opportunities affecting housing, commercial development, redevelopment, and long-term growth.
• Align infrastructure investments with municipal priorities, land use plans, development needs, and available resources.
• Provide project updates and recommendations to the Municipal Manager and other decision-makers.

Funding, Finance, and Partnerships
• Identify and pursue grants and other funding opportunities for infrastructure, housing, and economic development projects.
• Research state and federal funding programs, municipal financing options, and other resources to support municipal priorities.
• Coordinate grant applications, funding agreements, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Work with municipal leadership, finance staff, and external partners to evaluate project costs, funding needs, and financial feasibility.
• Explore public-private partnerships and other financing strategies to advance municipal projects.
• Coordinate consultant procurement and project-related agreements in collaboration with the Municipal Manager and appropriate municipal officials.

Housing, Business, and Economic Development
• Work with property owners, developers, and municipal departments to advance housing, redevelopment, and private investment opportunities.
• Support local business retention and expansion by identifying business needs and connecting businesses with available resources.
• Build relationships with businesses, developers, government agencies, regional organizations, and community partners to advance shared priorities.
• Monitor development trends, funding programs, and policy changes that may benefit Woodstock.
• Support public engagement and communication related to infrastructure and economic development initiatives.

Work Planning and Performance
• Develop annual work plans and performance measures aligned with municipal goals and priorities.
• Track project progress, funding secured, challenges, and outcomes to inform municipal leadership and future priorities.
• Prepare reports, project summaries, and presentations to support municipal decision-making.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills
An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, engineering, business, economics, finance, community development, or a related field, and at least five years of relevant experience in infrastructure or capital project coordination, planning, real estate development, economic development, or a related area.
• Experience coordinating complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, budgets, timelines, and funding sources.
• Knowledge of municipal infrastructure planning, capital improvement programs, housing development, real estate feasibility, public-private partnerships, or economic development.
• Ability to identify funding opportunities and develop grant applications, project budgets, and financing strategies.
• Ability to review financial projections, feasibility studies, and funding proposals.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and negotiation skills, including the ability to work effectively with technical professionals, developers, public officials, businesses, and community partners.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to work independently while keeping municipal leadership informed.
• Familiarity with Vermont municipal government, state and federal infrastructure funding programs, and regional economic development resources is desirable.
• Ability to attend evening meetings as needed.

Supervision and Working Relationships
This position reports to the Municipal Manager and works collaboratively with municipal departments, elected and appointed officials, consultants, state agencies, developers, businesses, and community partners. The position coordinates planning, funding, and project development; responsibility for technical design, construction oversight, and day-to-day operation of municipal systems remains with the appropriate departments and qualified professionals.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $80,000 to $95,000 annually, based on experience.