City of Pleasanton, CA
Salary : $154,392.00 - $231,576.00 Annually
Location : Pleasanton, CA
Job Type: Full-Time, Regular
Job Number: 202500039
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 07/21/2025
Closing Date: 8/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: MGMT
Shape the Future of a Thriving Community
Pleasanton is seeking a visionary planning professional to join its leadership team as the Assistant Director of Community & Economic Development . This is a unique opportunity to help guide one of California's most desirable cities, ranked #2 in the nation for quality of life on the U.S. Social Progress Index.
As the Assistant Director, you'll play a key role in aligning land use, zoning, and permitting with the City Council's strong focus on economic development , strategic growth, and long-term community sustainability. You will oversee current and long-range planning , manage high-profile development projects, and work closely with the Planning Commission and City Council to help shape policy that impacts residents, businesses, and the built environment.
This newly rebranded department and leadership role reflect Pleasanton's commitment to innovation, economic vitality, and excellent customer service.
The Ideal Candidate
We're looking for a dynamic, collaborative leader with extensive planning experience, sharp political acumen, and a commitment to public service. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to navigate complex policy issues, mentor and inspire staff, and build meaningful partnerships both inside and outside the organization.
The successful candidate will be:
Competitive candidates will possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, city planning, architecture, public administration, engineering, or a closely related field. They will also bring at least six years of progressively responsible experience in professional urban planning, including a minimum of two years in a supervisory or management role. Candidates with a strong foundation in planning policy, development review, and team leadership-particularly in a local government setting-will be well-positioned for success in this role.
Location : Pleasanton, CA
Job Type: Full-Time, Regular
Job Number: 202500039
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 07/21/2025
Closing Date: 8/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: MGMT
Shape the Future of a Thriving Community
Pleasanton is seeking a visionary planning professional to join its leadership team as the Assistant Director of Community & Economic Development . This is a unique opportunity to help guide one of California's most desirable cities, ranked #2 in the nation for quality of life on the U.S. Social Progress Index.
As the Assistant Director, you'll play a key role in aligning land use, zoning, and permitting with the City Council's strong focus on economic development , strategic growth, and long-term community sustainability. You will oversee current and long-range planning , manage high-profile development projects, and work closely with the Planning Commission and City Council to help shape policy that impacts residents, businesses, and the built environment.
This newly rebranded department and leadership role reflect Pleasanton's commitment to innovation, economic vitality, and excellent customer service.
The Ideal Candidate
We're looking for a dynamic, collaborative leader with extensive planning experience, sharp political acumen, and a commitment to public service. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to navigate complex policy issues, mentor and inspire staff, and build meaningful partnerships both inside and outside the organization.
The successful candidate will be:
- A confident and inclusive leader with strong interpersonal and facilitation skills
- A collaborative partner with a passion for public service and community impact
- An effective communicator and problem solver , able to translate complex issues into clear guidance and action
- Resilient under pressure , with the ability to navigate competing priorities and maintain composure in sensitive situations
- A seasoned manager who leads with empathy, accountability, and a team-oriented mindset
Competitive candidates will possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, city planning, architecture, public administration, engineering, or a closely related field. They will also bring at least six years of progressively responsible experience in professional urban planning, including a minimum of two years in a supervisory or management role. Candidates with a strong foundation in planning policy, development review, and team leadership-particularly in a local government setting-will be well-positioned for success in this role.
- Management Pay and Performance Plan - This plan provides an opportunity for individuals to earn up to 20% above their control point for continued exceptional performance over time.
- Medical Insurance - Choice of one of four comprehensive health plans (available only in specific geographic areas of Northern California).
- Dental Insurance - City paid, including $2,000 maximum orthodontic benefit.
- Life Insurance - Twice annual salary to maximum $100,000.
- Long-Term/Short-Term Disability - 60% of salary to maximum benefit of $10,000 monthly for LTD. (employee paid)
- PERS Retirement
- Deferred Compensation Program - Two deferred compensation programs are available from which to choose, allowing employees to maximize contributions to their retirement accounts on a pre-tax basis. Management employees are eligible to participate in both programs concurrently.
- Vacation Leave - First through fourth year accrued at 6.667 hours per month; fifth through ninth year accrues at 10 hours per month; and progressing with years of service.
- Administrative Leave - Seven days per year, paid if not taken. City Manager may authorize an additional three days per year based on performance.
- Tuition Reimbursement - Job related courses from accredited college or universities reimbursed at California State University East Bay current tuition rate.
- Holidays - Eleven fixed holidays per year plus seven floating holidays.
- Paid Sick Leave -Twelve days per year.
- Employee Assistance Program
- Section 125 Flexible Benefit Program