ABOUT THE POSITION
The Deputy Director of Community Development-Planning is an essential member of the Community Development Department management team. This position will work closely with the Director of Community Development and other Division Managers to achieve the goals of the community through a collaborative efforts. The position requires a business-friendly approach, a creative problem-solving mind-set, and a focus on quality customer service. The Deputy Director of Community Development - Planning reports to the Director of Community Development whose Department includes the Divisions of Planning, Building and Safety, and Code Enforcement.
The deadline for the first review of applications is 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early. Applicants that submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.
The City of Downey is a dynamic, thriving community with a diverse land use base, encompasses 12.41 square miles and is home to over 113,000 residents. It is centrally located in the heart of Los Angeles County, about 15 miles from Downtown Los Angeles and 5 miles from Orange County. Downey is the tenth most populous city is Los Angeles County with new high profile developments and key planning projects on the horizon.
The Deputy Director of Community Development - Planning position is a key leader in the department who reports directly to the Director of Community Development and may fill in during her absence. Under general direction, the Deputy Director of Community Development - Planning is tasked with managing the day-to-day operations of the Planning Division while also providing lead support for projects and administrative duties across divisions.
The City of Downey is seeking a future-focused Community Development professional with a relentless passion for excellence. The ideal candidate will be excited about the opportunity to take a key management role in a multi-faceted department that thrives on achieving goals as a team. Considered a visionary in the industry, this individual will have a reputation for advancing activities that support a collective vision and enhance community pride. An inspiring and hardworking leader who has mastered the art of helping others see what’s possible, the ideal candidate will be of the highest integrity and considered a role model in the profession. This person will have the ability to approach day-to-day operations with an optimistic can-do attitude and a constant eye toward results and continuous improvement. Familiarity with technology and tools that support contemporary business practices and maximum efficiency, coupled with a track record that reflects data-driven decision making and the delivery of exceptional outcomes, will be expected. Proven success with modernizing systems and processes and other significant change efforts will also be considered favorably.
The individual selected will be a unifying mentor and team builder who prioritizes people and the needs of the team. Known for being enthusiastic about people and their work, this person will also be an outstanding people manager capable of fostering an inclusive culture that is also characterized by high standards, accountability, and trust. The ideal candidate will be a highly engaged and motivating manager who is generous with recognition and feedback, and supportive of innovation and creative problem solving. This person will know how to foster healthy internal debates to arrive at the best outcomes as one cohesive team.
*The position title is currently “City Planner” and is anticipated to be updated to “Deputy Director of Community Development – Planning” to align with the assigned duties. The position title change is expected to take place during the budget approval process by July 1, 2024.* This position is classified as an “Executive, Mid-management, Confidential Exempt” position.
The City offers a competitive benefits package, including 100% City-paid medical insurance coverage up to the CalPERS Kaiser Plan (2024 rates) with the option of selecting an HMO or PPO plan; dental and vision insurance; voluntary deferred compensation plans; group life insurance ; 12 paid holidays per calendar year; optional health and dependent care flexible spending accounts; behavioral wellness program, a generous tuition reimbursement program, city-paid professional memberships and trainings; and a "9/80" work schedule.
Effective the start of the pay period that includes April 1, 2025, employees will receive a four percent (4.0%) across the board pay range increase.
This position is FLSA exempt, non-represented, and serves in an "at-will" capacity. Salary and benefits are established by City Council Resolution for classifications designated as Executive, Mid-Management, Confidential/Exempt.EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification.
- Oversees the municipal planning operations of the City and is responsible for the management and supervision of the professional and clerical staff of the Planning Division.
- Conducts employee evaluation, training, staffing development and discipline; track and evaluate program goals and objectives for the Planning Division.
- Manages the Planning Counter functions, while assuring exceptional customers service.
- Processes private development projects through the City's project review system, in coordination with other City Departments.
- Manages the City's Inter-Departmental Development Review Committee.
- Administers the City Zoning Code, Specific Plans, Master Plan, General Plan, and other development related ordinances and regulations.
- Ensures that the public and development community receive complete and courteous service and ensures that the Planning Division works cooperatively with other departments.
- Assists with the management of Planning Commission meetings and agenda processes by preparing and overseeing the preparation of agenda reports and supporting reports for the City Planning Commission.
- Assist with the preparation of City Council reports and other meetings, as needed.
- Prepares reports and makes presentations to the City Council on planning items.
- Assists in the development of the annual budget and maintains financial accountability for the Planning Division.
- Evaluates and implements updates to Divisions or Department's policies, procedures and practices to improve services and increase efficiencies.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:
Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Architecture, Urban Planning or related field is required. A Master's degree is desirable.
Experience: Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in planning. Three (3) years in a supervisory capacity is desirable. A combination of public and private sector experience is acceptable.
Knowledge of: Principles, methods and practices of city planning; thorough knowledge of laws and ordinances affecting the planning development and zoning processes; familiarity with the fundamentals of economic, engineering, municipal finance, sociology and other related subjects as applied to city planning; principles of organization, administration, budget and personnel management.
Ability to: Communicate effectively orally and in writing; work with members of the public, elected and appointed officials, and business persons; deal with stressful situations and solve complex problems; supervise and coordinate the technical research required in the planning process; present the technical information clearly and concisely to lay groups and the general public, orally and in writing; analyze and supervise the systematic compilation of technical and statistical information and to prepare technical reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by the work; and identify, coordinate and resolve a wide variety of interests in the development of land use policy.
License: A valid California Class C Driver's License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions may be required.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.
PHYSICAL TASKS/ABILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Work is performed in an office environment with moderate noise levels; duties require the ability to speak, hear, touch and see. In addition, may be required to travel on business related trips via auto, train or airplane and walk thru construction projects, vacant property, and large buildings. Also required is the ability to exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area to another; occasionally bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing and pulling (drawers opened and closed to retrieve and file information); occasionally lifting and carrying materials that weigh less than 20 pounds. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter, or calculator; requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as typing on a keyboard, filing, data entry and/or use of a personal computer or other office equipment and supplies; may involve sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time.
Selection Process: Selection/Testing Process:
All applications and supplemental information will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted at the time of filing to determine the level and scope of the applicant's qualifications for the position. All information submitted is subject to verification.
For consideration, an on-line employment application and supplemental questionnaire is required to be completed and submitted by the application deadline. An attached resume will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application. Failure to complete all the information requested may result an application being removed from consideration.
Applicants who most closely meet the desired qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of an appraisal examination (weighted 100%).
The appraisal examination may consist of performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, computer skills, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical exam, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.
Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.
