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Community Development Director

GovernmentJobs.com, Cerritos, California, United States, 90703

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Community Development Director

The City of Artesia is seeking a qualified and enthusiastic candidate to fill the position of Community Development Director! The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking, results-driven professional with a deep passion for community planning, development, and revitalization. This individual is a strategic and collaborative leader with a proven track record of managing diverse projects, fostering stakeholder relationships, and navigating complex regulatory environments. This is a high-level executive role with hands-on responsibilities. The successful candidate will be a working director, fully engaged in leading strategic initiatives and supporting day-to-day operations within the Community Development Department. The position oversees Planning, Building, Code Compliance/Enforcement, and Parking Enforcement and works closely with other departments to implement the City's vision for growth and quality of life. A strong background in urban planning is required, and experience in code compliance, code enforcement, and parking enforcement is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will bring technical expertise and strong leadership skills to guide staff, streamline processes, and foster a proactive approach to community development and regulatory compliance. Key attributes of the ideal candidate include: Visionary Leadership:

Ability to develop and implement innovative strategies that support sustainable growth, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization. Technical Expertise:

In-depth knowledge of planning, zoning, housing, code, parking enforcement, environmental regulations, and experience managing complex development projects and funding opportunities. Operational Oversight:

Proven experience managing daily operations, evaluating performance metrics, and mentoring staff across multiple functional areas. Collaborative Spirit:

Demonstrated success in building strong relationships with residents, businesses, developers, and regional partners to support inclusive and community-centered development. Clear Communication:

Skilled at presenting complex information in a professional, accessible manner to elected officials, community members, and cross-departmental teams. Problem-Solving Focus:

A pragmatic and solutions-oriented approach to addressing challenges while balancing community needs and regulatory requirements. Commitment to Excellence:

A passion for public service and dedication to enhancing the City's livability, safety, and long-term prosperity. The ideal candidate will embrace the City of Artesia's mission and values, bringing integrity, innovation, and enthusiasm to this critical leadership role. If you are looking for a dynamic opportunity to shape the future of a diverse and growing community, this is your chance to make a lasting impact! The City of Artesia offers a competitive benefits package, including a hybrid/remote work option, a 9/80 work schedule, and an Employer-sponsored health reimbursement account of $600 annually. Duties and Responsibilities: Commits to honoring the City of Artesia's Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Commitments. Plans, organizes, directs, and manages all activities of the Community Development Department. Plans, organizes, directs and evaluates the work of professional planners engaged in the development and administration of plans for the orderly and attractive development of the community. Develops, implements and maintains department goals, objectives, priorities, procedures, and work plans. Oversees the selection, training, and evaluation of department personnel. Provides leadership and direction in the development of short and long-range plans and projects. Administers and oversees the management of a variety of planning, economic development, building, housing, development, and grant agreements. Oversees a variety of programs related to neighborhood and housing preservation, code compliance, property management, fair housing, and neighborhood revitalization. Oversees the use of federal Community Development Block Grant funds and compliance with federal regulations. Oversees and directs the production of maps, reports, and special projects. Directs and participates in the preparation, revision, and implementation of the general plan, specific plans, and other comprehensive plans. Directs and oversees the preparation of reports and recommendations on modifications to various ordinances and resolutions related to the city's operational policies and procedures. Administers and oversees the review of planning submittals, issuance of building permits, building inspections, and record keeping activities related to county contract services. Meets with property owners, developers, engineers, architects, and contractors related to potential development and entitlement procedures. Directs and participates in the preparation of recommendations on revisions to zoning, subdivision, and sign ordinances and miscellaneous sections of the city code. Oversees the Planning Commission and presents planning commission recommendations to the City Manager and, as directed, to the City Council. Prepares, administers, and reviews the annual departmental budget. Works with other city departments to review and provide directions on the planning, permitting, and building inspection related to capital improvement projects and other city developments and projects. Attends meetings and participates with county, regional, state, and federal government agencies. Addresses civic, professional, and public groups and organizations on community development matters. Serves as staff advisor to the City Manager, Planning Commission, and City Council. Directs staff and participates in the preparation of reports and recommendations regarding proposed policies on land use, city public and private improvements, zoning, zone changes, and annexations. Supervises the maintenance and proper destruction of departmental records. Coordinates activities with other city departments and relevant outside agencies. Performs related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Theory, principles, and practices of municipal planning, zoning, building and safety, housing, and community code enforcement; principles, practices, and techniques of economic development in a public agency setting; State and County regulations relating to subdivisions, annexations, zoning, housing, and land use; physical design, demographic, environmental, economic, and social concepts as applied to municipal planning, community and economic development, and housing; techniques used in planning and housing research and in the development and implementation of a general plan; regulations governing the use of Community Development Block Grant funds, and the use of Housing Set Aside funds; implementation of housing rehabilitation programs; budgetary best practices in the development and administration of the departmental budget; principles, practices, codes, and laws related to building inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings; principles of organization, administration, supervision, and training of department staff and personnel; grant writing and administration; contract negotiation and administration; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; and effective customer service techniques. Plan, organize, and direct an effective municipal community development program; analyze and interpret data pertaining to planning, zoning, building, housing, code enforcement, and economic development; supervise and coordinate the technical research required in the economic review process; prepare ordinances and formulate land use policies; direct and evaluate the city's building plan check, inspection, and permit program and activities; direct and evaluate the city's neighborhood preservation program; prepare clear and comprehensive reports; present and defend programs and proposals before councils, commissions, and public groups; direct, organize, supervise, evaluate, and train subordinate staff and take effective personnel action; communicate effectively, both orally or in writing; deal with stressful situations and solve complex problems; establish and maintain cooperative and effective work relationships with public and private officials and with members of the general public contacted in the course of work; Effectively speak and communicate in large and small public settings; create and make effective presentations; carry out effective interpersonal communication. Minimum Qualifications: Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major work in urban or regional planning, public administration, or a closely related field. A Master's degree is desirable. Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience in the implementation and development of major commercial and housing developments; five years of professional city, county, or regional planning, building inspection, and/or economic development experience; and three years in a managerial and supervisory capacity. Required Licenses and/or Certificates: Possession of a valid Class "C" California Driver's License is required. An incumbent is required to possess a valid Driver's License and maintain an acceptable driving record. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.