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Planning & Community Development Director
City of South Pasadena / 1414 Mission South Pasadena, CA 91030
Posted on: July 12, 2021
Application Deadline: 08/05/2021
Job Description
This is a unique opportunity to lead the Planning and Community Development Department through a transformative time for the department and city. Following a series of forward-thinking actions by the City Council, including the adoption of an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance and updates to the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance, the City and community look forward to adopting updates to the Housing Element, General Plan, Downtown Specific Plan which are nearing completion. Community discussions are underway and the department staff is growing to accommodate the new local housing initiatives while preserving the historic character and high-quality design that make the City of South Pasadena a special place to live and work. Looking ahead, the department is poised to implement new housing and economic development strategies to support the city’s existing community of businesses, welcome new ones, and facilitate the development of much-needed and inclusive housing.
The Planning and Community Development Director plans, manages, oversees, and directs the general organization, supervision, financial management, and efficient operation of the Planning and Community Development Department, which includes Planning, Building, Arts & Economic Development and Code Enforcement functions; coordinates activities with other City officials, departments, outside agencies, contractors, organizations and the public; provides responsible and complex staff support to the City Manager and City Council; and performs other related duties as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is a single-incumbent managerial and professional class in the Planning and Building series. This class is designated as “at-will” and is exempt from the classified service; the incumbent shall serve at the pleasure of the City Manager. This is the administrative department-head level class responsible for the overall operation of the Planning and Community Development Department, including planning, building, arts & economic development, code enforcement, and ten full-time staff. This classification is distinguished from the lower-level classes in the job series in that this is the highest level with overall responsibility for departmental operations. The incumbent is expected to exercise independent judgment, wisdom, common sense, and initiative in establishing effective departmental operations consistent with City Council policies and administrative guidelines established by the City Manager. The incumbent also functions as a member of the City’s executive management team and participates actively in addressing issues of concern and of a confidential nature to the Department and the City.
Examples of Duties
The duties listed below are examples of the work typically performed by employees in this class. An employee may not be assigned all duties listed and may be assigned duties that are not listed below:
Directs a wide variety of administrative and staff duties and assignments; confers with the City
7/6/2021 Job Bulletin
https://agency.governmentjobs.com/spasadenaca/default.cfm?action=jobbulletin&JobID=3134819 2/5
Manager on departmental policies and improvement programs;
Develops, implements and maintains departmental goals, objectives, policies and procedures;reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures for improving organizational performance, enhancing services and meeting goals; ensures that goals are achieved.
Accepts full responsibility for all Planning and Community Department activities and services, including the management of current and long-range planning, arts & economic development, filming, housing programs and initiatives, development application review, zoning administration, code enforcement, building plan check and inspections, and permit processing; manage and administer contracted services.
Plans, directs and develops the Department’s work plan; assigns work activities and responsibilities to appropriate department personnel; reviews and evaluates organizational effectiveness and productivity; identifies and resolves problems and/or issues, which at times may not have a direct impact on area of specialization.
Serves as a resource for department personnel, City staff, other organizations, and the public; coordinates pertinent information, resources and work teams necessary to support a positive and productive environment; coordinates activities with other City officials, departments, outside agencies, and the public.
Attends and participates in professional and community meetings; stays current on issues relative to the field of planning and building, community development, arts and economic development and related service delivery responsibilities; responds to and resolves sensitive and complex community and organizational inquiries, issues and complaints.
Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.
Oversees the selection, training and evaluation of programs for all Planning and community development personnel; provides or coordinates in-service training; identifies and resolves staff deficiencies; fulfills discipline procedures; reviews the work of department personnel to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
Prepares, manages and coordinates the development of the Planning and community development Department budget; prepares forecasts of necessary funds for staffing, materials and supplies; presents, justifies and defends programs, operations and activities; monitors and approves expenditures; discusses and resolves budget issues with appropriate staff; implement adjustments as necessary.
Consults with and advises the City Manager, and other City officials regarding formulation of and implementation of plans, policies, and procedures relating to urban land use, building development, arts & economic development strategies and programs, housing programs and initiatives, analysis of public real estate transactions and related activities within the City.
Serves as principal advisor to the City’s Planning Commission, Cultural Heritage Commission, and the Design Review Board; provides leadership in recommending and implementing policies pertaining to long-range planning, development application review, neighborhood revitalization, building and safety, and code enforcement issues.
Directs maintenance of a comprehensive general plan and specific plans for City development;coordinates housing and economic development programs; administers and enforces land use, building construction, health, safety, and nuisance ordinances, and prepares proposed code revisions as needed.
Provides professional advice and assistance to business leaders, developers, and various community groups and agencies regarding the City’s environmental, general planning, and economic and community development programs.
Directs the preparation of environmental, demographic, land use, economic indices, planning
7/6/2021 Job Bulletin
https://agency.governmentjobs.com/spasadenaca/default.cfm?action=jobbulletin&JobID=3134819 3/5
and building construction/alteration laws and related data. Ensures that all programs are administered in strict accordance to the law.
Establishes and maintains liaison with various federal, state, and local governmental agencies on building, planning, environmental and economic and community development matters. Works closely with owners and developers to ensure compatibility with City’s arts, housing, economic and community development objectives. Makes presentations to the City Council, staff, city manager and the public.
Performs other related duties, as assigned.
Required Experience / Skills / Education
Education/Experience:
Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for acceptable job performance, such as: A bachelor’s degree with major course work in urban planning, public or business administration or a related field, plus five years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning, community and economic development, or housing program administration, including two years as a top or executive level manager of a large a municipality. A Master’s Degree in a related field is highly desirable.
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of Planning, Building, Community and Economic Development Housing programs and initiatives management; principles of administration, organization and municipal government operations; principles, objectives, and practices of environmental and urban planning, building construction regulatory activities, and related community development activities; knowledge of laws pertaining to subdivision, annexation, and land use consistent with various building codes; knowledge of legal procedures involved in enforcement of building, and use and housing codes; knowledge of municipal budgets and revenue sources; methods and techniques of supervision, training and motivation; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; current and latest technological advances within the profession; best practices to provide for and ensure efficient service delivery; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Ability to:
Plan, direct, manage and coordinate the work of the Planning and Community Department; develop and administer sound departmental goals, objectives, policies and methods for evaluating achievement and performance levels; generate new and creative ideas as a result of visionary and strategic thinking; develop, present and administer a program budget; facilitate group participation and consensus building; plan, organize, train, evaluate and direct work of assigned staff; interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications.
Application Instructions
Please apply online at government jobs
