Program Development Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Description POSITION REINSTATED AS PART OF FY 26/27 BUDGET PENDING FINAL CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL. ANTICIPATED START DATE OF MONDAY, JULY 6, 2026. DEFINITION To plan, direct, manage and oversee the activities and operations of the Community Development Department including building inspection and compliance, planning, economic development, and housing programs; to coordinate assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general administrative direction from the City Manager or designee. Exercises direct supervision over professional contract providers and management, supervisory, technical and clerical staff. Duties ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential Functions: Assume full management responsibility for all department services and activities including building inspection and compliance, planning, economic development and housing operations; recommend and administer policies and procedures.

Manage the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies and priorities for each assigned service area. Establish, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly. Plan, direct and coordinate, through subordinate level staff, the Community Development Department's work plan; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.

Assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct and implement changes. Select, train, motivate and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures. Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the department budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.

Oversee building inspection, building plan check, and permit activities and ensure compliance with appropriate laws, ordinances, and regulations. Receive, review and prepare reports and recommendations on various land planning and development proposals and projects for presentation to the Planning Commission and City Council. Research land use and planning issues as requested by the public, staff and other departments and agencies; draft ordinances and amendments.

Provide planning and zoning information to developers, the business community and the public; answer questions and respond to complaints. Explain, justify and defend department programs, policies and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues. Represent the Community Development Department to other departments, elected officials and outside agencies; coordinate assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.

Provide staff assistance to the City Manager; participate on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of community development and urban planning. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.

Perform related duties as required. Qualifications Experience: Six years of increasingly responsible community development experience including three years of management and administrative responsibility. Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, Construction Management, or a related field.

Knowledge of: Operations, services and activities of comprehensive community development program. Principles and practices of community development administration. Principles and practices of various programs within the Community Development Department including building inspection and compliance, planning, economic development, and housing programs.

Principles and practices of program development and administration. Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation. Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.

Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications. Principles and methods of directing staff to provide excellent customer service.

Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations. Ability to: Manage and direct a comprehensive community development program. Develop and administer departmental goals, objectives and procedures.

Analyze and assess programs, policies and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments. Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns and needs. Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of lower level staff.

Delegate authority and responsibility. Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.

Identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns and needs. Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques. Process and prepare reports and recommendations on various community development projects.

Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports. Prepare and administer large and complex budgets. Develop long range planning goals.

Keep a positive, can-do attitude. Interpret and apply applicable Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting software applications.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Additional Information WORKING CONDITIONS Environmental Conditions: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with some travel to different sites; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends and may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings.

Physical Conditions: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.