Community Development Director

The City of Petaluma seeks a dynamic and knowledgeable Director of Community Development to lead the Community Development Department (Department), overseeing the Planning, Building, Code Enforcement, and Housing Divisions. The Director will build and shape this new department and will oversee 11 staff and a budget of approximately $6 million. The ideal candidate should bring several years of experience in city planning, along with public and business administration. This candidate will have an ability to understand current planning and process details, the nuances of meeting the community and developers’ needs, and interpret local, state, and federal building and zoning codes, regulations, and laws to make effective decisions. These winning technical strengths combined with the ability to communicate effectively, demonstrate emotional intelligence and political savvy, and a desire to improve the customer service experience will ensure efficient management of the day-to-day department and staff needs. If you want to shape the future of the Community Development Department and bring your innovative ideas to fruition, apply today!

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THE JOB / THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Director of Community Development will oversee the Community Development Department and directly collaborate with the Department’s 11 staff, City Manager, other department directors. They will provide their team with strong direction about objectives, policies, and priorities of the Department. The Director will be fiscally savvy, as they are responsible for developing the Capital Improvement Program budget along with the Department’s $6 million budget. Serving as a consultant on community development issues is an integral part of this role, as is working directly with community stakeholders. The Director will evaluate land-use proposals, ensure compliance with building codes, and oversee other technical aspects of this Department. They will have strong public speaking skills, giving many presentations to City Council, Planning Commission, Historic and Cultural Preservation Committee, Public Art Committee, and a variety of boards and commissions. It is important that the Director manages simultaneous projects while delegating priorities to their team.

The ideal candidate will be a professional, dedicated, and enthusiastic leader. They will see challenges as opportunities for improvement and champion innovation and risk taking in staff. They have a solid understanding of zoning, planning, environmental, and development regulations. The Director will put in place cutting-edge planning strategies, work with experts in the field, and create an inclusive and collaborative Department culture. The Director will also ensure their team builds trust with the community, inspires creative thinking, and makes planning decisions that are fair, educated, and well-informed.