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Community Development Director
City of Highland / Highland, CA
Posted on: August 28, 2026
Application Deadline: October 5, 2026
Job Description
The City of Highland is conducting a statewide search for an experienced urban planning professional to serve as their next Director of Community Development. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and solution-oriented member of the City’s executive team. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated deep and effective understanding of urban and suburban environments, economic development strategies, and outstanding communication skills. The previous Director announced his retirement after 28 years with the City and half of that time serving in the role of Director, which created this unique opportunity for an energetic, forward-thinking professional to lead and manage in a collaborative environment. The City of Highland is a financially stable city that has proven resilient in economic downturns, and its entrepreneurial spirit ensures that it takes maximum advantage of economic opportunities. City services are delivered with the assistance of over 43 full-time staff, a 2026-2027 Adopted Budget of $80.1 million.
The new Community Development Director will have exceptional management, interpersonal, and communication skills, with a hands-on and proactive approach to addressing a broad range of urban planning, economic development, and development related challenges. The ideal candidate will have a strong desire to work in a team environment and will be a trendsetter with the ability to use their experience in urban planning to create and execute strategies that shape innovative solutions to critical issues regarding housing, commercial and economic development. The successful candidate will also value relationships and be known as a manager of people who encourages innovation and problem solving yet holds people accountable for quality work. It is very important that the new Director possesses a commitment to excellent customer service.
The annual salary for this position is up to $212,000 annually, dependent on qualifications and experience. The City offers a comprehensive benefits package including CalPERS retirement.
Required Experience / Skills / Education
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in municipal planning and community development, including two (2) years in a supervisory capacity.
Education: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban and regional planning or a related field. Master’s degree is desirable.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, with the recruitment closing on Monday, October 5, 2026. Electronic submittals are strongly preferred to [email protected], and should include a compelling cover letter, comprehensive resume, and 5 professional references. Confidential inquiries welcomed to Mr. Fred Wilson, Ralph Andersen & Associates, at (916) 630-4900.
Detailed brochure available at https://ralphandersen.com/jobs/community-development-director-highland-ca/.
