Job Abstract

The Economic and Development Services Director is a key member of the City Manager’s Executive Team who works directly with the Assistant City Manager as a public-facing ambassador. The Director plans, organizes, and oversees the department’s operations and programs. The Director is responsible for the City’s integrated development review processes, code enforcement, housing programs, and community and economic development activities. The Director will provide advice and assistance to the City Council and City Manager and is responsible for strategic planning for business growth and economic development; open space protection; neighborhood preservation and revitalization; community involvement in the planning process; land use planning, zoning and development regulations; integrated development and building plan review; community engagement and communications; personnel management; and fiscal and budget management. To achieve these tasks, the Director must be an enthusiastic, collaborative, and detailed-oriented individual, as well as an inclusive, visionary and strategic leader who confidently interacts with Council members, Commissioners, residents, developers, community stakeholders, businesses, and city staff.

To be successful in the position, the Economic and Development Services Director should have a background in, and knowledge of, California planning and zoning laws, land use planning and implementation, building and safety responsibilities, and experience with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). As a leader of a large department with multiple disciplines, the Director must have a proven track record for prioritizing and managing a diverse workload and efficiently moving projects through the development process. This position also requires a combination of education and work experience relevant to performing the tasks carried out by an Economic and Development Services Director. The typical background includes graduation from a 4 year college or university with major course work in urban planning, public administration, or a related field and at least 3 to 5 years of extensive and progressively responsible experience 1) in the fields of urban planning, redevelopment, economic development and/or closely related fields; 2) as a Director or Assistant/Deputy Director, and as a supervisor; and 3) in a similarly complex community and organization. A Master’s degree and certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) are also preferred. An equivalent combination of training, certification and experience may also be considered.