HANOVER — The town is preparing to hire a deputy town manager who can assist with municipal business across the board, and possibly take over for town manager Rob Houseman in the future.
The Selectboard approved a job description for the role earlier this month.
The full-time position involves reporting to the town manager, and providing management and oversight to various departments and programs, including Planning, Zoning and Codes; Parks and Recreation; Information Technology; and Etna Library, the description states.
Additionally, the deputy town manager will assist the town manager in budget and capital planning, implementing Selectboard policies, communication, special projects and organizational development.
As Hanover moves forward with capital improvement and undertakes larger projects, such as the South Main Street construction, there’s a need for someone who can serve in an additional leadership role, said Houseman, especially with the amount of work department heads already take on.
Currently, Houseman allocates time to managing Ledyard Park construction and the Girl Brook Path, to make sure the town sees them through to the end.
“It’s very unusual for that level of involvement in a construction project by the town manager, but the reality is we’re stretched already,” said Houseman.
The town manager currently has 11 direct reports, and there are 180 town employees. Houseman and the Selectboard have said they’d benefit from an additional person to focus on engagement.
“This will enable better, more frequent management interactions,” Houseman said of the new position.
Additionally, Houseman noted that, at 63, he’s aging out of the role that he started in 2024. A deputy town manager could help ensure a succession plan for the future, with training underway long before Houseman steps down, likely within the next couple of years.
“This town deserves a smooth, functional transition with the opportunity to keep significant projects moving forward,” said Houseman.
The deputy will also serve as acting town manager in Houseman’s absence.
“The position is intended to preserve institutional knowledge, build executive leadership capacity, and reduce organizational vulnerability associated with future leadership transitions,” the description states.
Still, serving as deputy town manager does not automatically ensure the candidate will succeed Houseman, as the Selectboard appoints the town manager.
Hanover is a “lean organization,” said Houseman, meaning a department head may be in the field doing work while also designing projects and taking on other responsibilities. The town does not have a communications person, so a deputy town manager could also streamline public outreach.
The job has not yet been posted, and the salary is undetermined.
The Valley News reported upon Houseman’s permanent appointment in 2024 that he earned a salary of $172,000.
While the Selectboard hires the town manager, the town manager is responsible for hiring and firing all employees, including someone in a deputy role.
Department heads and officials on various boards will play a role in the deputy hiring process, said Houseman, with the possibility of a public session. There could be as many as three different teams in the interview process.
“We try to put together a series of interviews that would tease out the qualities we’re looking for, and their ability to address the community’s needs,” said Houseman.
The minimum qualifications of the role include a Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, public policy, finance, management or a related field; seven years of experience in municipal government, public administration or a comparable governmental organization; significant management or supervisory experience; and experience managing complex projects and working with town officials and the public.
