Director of Community Development

Community Development Director

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the Community Development Department including planning, building and safety, and code enforcement; formulates departmental policies, goals, and directives; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and with intergovernmental, regulatory agencies, and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the City Manager in areas of expertise; and performs related duties, as assigned. Provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager. Serves as a member of the City's Executive Management Team.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. First review of applications will take place the week of August 25, 2025. An application via NEOGOV is required; a resume and cover letter are highly recommended, as the quality of these materials will be part of the screening process to determine who moves forward.

Typical Qualifications

Experience : At least seven (7) years of increasingly responsible administrative government experience in planning, building, housing, or a related field, including five (5) years of management and supervisory experience. While public sector experience is preferred, private sector experience will also be considered. A minimum of five (5) years of management and supervisory experience is required.

Education : Bachelor's degree from an accredited College or University with major course work in urban or regional planning, public administration, architecture, or a related field, or a related field. In the absence of a Bachelor's degree, a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience with a minimum of five (5) years of management and supervisory experience will be considered.

Licenses and Certifications : Possession of a State of California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's vehicle insurance program.

Knowledge of : Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned functional area. Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, and project management. General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area. Theories, principles, and contents of General Plan, land use, zoning, land development, and urban planning regulations, natural resource protection, and environmental laws. Principles and techniques of conducting site planning, architectural review, subdivision design, land use, and other analytical studies, evaluating alternatives, and making sound recommendations. City codes, ordinances, standard operating manuals, personnel policies and procedures, and applicable memoranda of understanding. Practices, principles, procedures, regulations, and techniques of City planning, zoning, and land development. Community involvement methods and practices. Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff. Principles and practices of personnel management, including training, supervision and performance evaluation. Pertinent knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules, codes and regulations.

Ability to : Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards. Provide administrative and professional leadership for the Community Development Department that reflects the City's Strategic Plan. Analyze and assess programs, policies and operational needs and make appropriate recommendations and adjustments. Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns and needs. Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of lower-level staff. Delegate authority and responsibility. Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals. Prepare clear and concise administrative and operating procedures and policies. Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques. Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with contractual obligations. Effectively administer a variety of community development programs and administrative activities. Perform and negotiate cost / benefit analyses. Plan, analyze, and evaluate programs and services, operational needs, and fiscal constraints. Excel in making effective public presentations to elected bodies, business groups, and the public on development projects, and state legislation affecting planning and zoning laws. Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, community groups, and various business, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations. Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials. Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports. Direct the establishment of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems. Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks. Interpret and apply applicable federal, state and local policies, laws, rules and regulations. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City departments and those contacted in the course of work. Maintain mental capacity and tact that allows for effective interaction and communications with others. Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.