COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Salary : $179,737.20 - $218,471.76 Annually
Location : City of Coachella City Hall - 53990 Enterprise Way Coachella CA 92236, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2025-00048
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 04/02/2025
Closing Date: 5/2/2025 6:00 PM Pacific

Description
***DISCLAIMER: The City reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.

The finalist must pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background check.

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the Development Services Department, including planning, building and safety programs and projects; housing and economic development; directs and administers the planning operations and activities of the City, which include current, advance, and environmental planning, building plan check, permitting, and inspection; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and with intergovernmental and 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 work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from the City Manager. The work provides for a wide variety of independent decision-making, within legal and general policy and regulatory guidelines. Exercises general direction and supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a Department Director classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Development Services Department, including short and long-term planning, development, and administration of departmental policies, procedures and services. This class provides assistance to the City Manager in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, municipal functions and activities, including the role of an elected City Council, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the department with those of other departments and outside agencies and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives and for furthering City goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.
Examples of Essential Functions

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assumes full management responsibility for all Development Services Department programs, services, and activities, including current, advance, and environmental planning, building plan check, permitting, inspection, housing and economic development programs and activities.
• Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; establishes, within City policy, appropriate budget, service, and staffing levels.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department's annual budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements adjustments as necessary.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Contributes to the overall quality of the department's service by developing, reviewing, and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and City needs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
• Meets with developers, engineers, property owners, contractors, and other agencies to discuss merits and concerns of development proposals; provides various parties with guidance on how to proceed; oversees negotiations and agreements regarding environment-related issues, rights-of-way, and open space easements, and financial participation; discusses status of development projects with applicants.
• Directs, coordinates and oversees the development and updating of the General Plan; provides general plan and code interpretation as needed; provides analysis, recommendations, and implementation of policies and procedures; develops and presents recommendations on a variety of permits, maps, ordinances, zone changes and applications.
• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine City needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
• Represents the department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
• Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies and procedures as appropriate.
• Participates in and makes presentations to the City Council, Planning Commission, and a variety of other boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of community development and other services as they relate to the area of assignment.
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the areas of redevelopment, housing and economic development.
• Provides advisory support and acts as a liaison to citizen committees and community partners to facilitate the delivery of economic development and housing programs and services.
• Maintains and directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files.
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect City or departmental operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
• Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the City Manager.
• Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
• Performs duties of a disaster services worker in event of an emergency.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Public agency budget development, contract administration, City-wide administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs; principles and practices of municipal government administration.
• Theories, principles, and contents of General Plan, land use, zoning, subdivision, 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.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Methods, procedures and processes used in code compliance programs.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Technical, legal, financial, and public relations problems associated with the management of community development programs.
• Methods and techniques for the development of presentations, contract negotiations, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the department and assigned program areas.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the department and the City.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost effective manner.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, and technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with stipulations; effectively administer a variety of community development programs and administrative activities.
• Conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the City and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, 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.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in community development, urban planning, civil engineering, or a related field and seven (7) years of management and/or administrative experience in community development, urban planning, and project administration, including five (5) years of supervisory experience. A Master's degree in a related field is desirable.

Licenses and Certifications:
Valid California class C driver's license with satisfactory driving record and automobile insurance.
Physical Demands/Environmental Elements/Working Conditions

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
The City of Coachella offers an excellent benefits program for full-time employees that includes:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement plan through CalPERS. Classic Member 2%@60; New Member 2%@62. The City of Coachella does not participate in the Social Security program, except for the mandatory Medicare contribution for all regular positions.
• Life Insurance/Short Term Disability/Long Term Disability
• Employee Paid Supplemental Insurance Programs
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Flexible Spending Account
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Vacation
• Sick
• Holidays
• Administrative Leave
• 4/10 Work Schedule

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process, Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a Bachelor's degree equivalent from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in community development, urban planning, civilengineering or a related field? A Master's degree in related fields is highly desirable. If so, be sure to include it in the education section of your application.

• Yes
• No

03

This position requires 7 years of management and/or administrative experience in community development, urban planning, and project administration. How many years of directly related, increasingly responsible, public sector experience do you have working with Community Development Department? Your response must be supported in the employment history section of your application.

• 7+
• 5-6
• 2-4
• Less than 2
• None

04

This position requires five (5) years of supervisory experience. List your years of experience below. Be sure to include it in the education section of your application.

• 5+
• 2-4
• Less than 2
• None

05

Describe a recent accomplishment in a municipal or private setting that resulted in economic growth and/or improvements to the community or company. Please include a description of your role, management skills you applied, and results achieved.
06

Describe in detail your professional experience directing the development and implementation strategic plans, goals, objectives, policies and procedures for a department.
07

How do you go about setting a positive management tone and provide guidance and motivation to staff?
08

Briefly discuss your professional experience working with each of the following, including years of experience and your role and responsibilities:a. Elected Officialsb. Citizen boards and committees
09

What successful strategies have you used to build and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers (peers and subordinates), elected officials, citizens and contractors?
Required Question