Come join the City of Santa Rosa as Director of Planning and Economic Development!

Starting salary up to $194,150

The Benefits of City Employment: 
In addition to offering a challenging, rewarding work environment and an excellent salary range of up to $194,150, the City of Santa Rosa provides a generous suite of benefits. We offer retirement through CalPERS, your choice of Kaiser HMO, Anthem EPO, and Anthem PPO, employer paid dental and vision, employer paid basic and AD&D life insurance, retiree health savings account, flexible and dependent care spending accounts. More information regarding benefits associated with this position can be found in the Unit 10 MOU and on our Miscellaneous Employee Benefits Page.

Additional Benefits Include:

• 11 paid holidays annually, plus 1 to 3 "floating holidays" per year depending on hire date and years of service
• $500 Annual wellness payment
• Flexible schedule (9/80) available with management approval
• Administrative leave, up to 80 hours per fiscal year, in addition to vacation and sick leave
• City of Santa Rosa is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

About the Position:
Under the administrative direction provided by the City Manager this leadership role plans, coordinates, and directs the planning, development engineering, building and economic development functions for the City and provides highly responsible, professional staff assistance. This position is also responsible for direct and indirect supervision of management, professional, technical and support staff.

About the Department: 
Planning & Economic Development provides a wide range of development services to the community, developing long range plans for the growth of Santa Rosa and reviewing development proposals for consistency with those plans. For more information about the department please click the following link: Planning & Economic Development

The Successful Candidate:
The successful candidate will be an experienced and knowledgeable professional in various areas of planning and economic development. The candidate will demonstrate knowledge of principles and practices of economic development, including land use, the ability to develop and maintain policies, and be skilled in leading a team effectively .

 

Additional Requirements:
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are considered essential for this job classification:

• Assume full management responsibility to lead, develop and implement the planning, engineering, building, and economic development program goals, funding, objectives, policies and priorities;
• Develop and implement policies and procedures relating to the operation, maintenance, long range planning, and fiscal management of the department operations;
• Oversee the city wide economic development program and provide strategic direction on economic development priorities;
• Present reports and recommendations to the City Manager and City Council;
• Represent the City to local, state and federal legislative and regulatory bodies;
• Represent the City in development and land use matters;
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff;
• Supervise the preparation and administration of the department budget;
• Coordinate department activities with other City departments, outside agencies and organizations;
• Participate in city wide strategic planning activities;
• Participate and present reports in public meetings;
• Oversee the enforcement and compliance of building and zoning ordinances through the Chief Building Official  and delegation to staff;
• Meet with a variety of citizens, governmental representatives, technical experts, and developers on physical issues facing the City including traffic, facilities design, subsidized housing sites, parking, commercial development, zoning, and neighborhood improvements;
• Serve as the principal advisor to the Planning Commission, Design Review Board, Cultural Heritage Board, Design Review Board, and Waterways Advisory Committee;
• Research, analyze and recommend policy approaches to legislation and urban development and improvement;
• Oversee resolution of difficult planning, building, development engineering or economic development and administrative policy questions;
• Oversee the role of the Environmental Coordinator and Zoning Administrator through delegation to staff;
• Perform related duties as assigned.

 

Required Qualifications

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of economic development, comprehensive urban planning and building code enforcement; policy development processes and implementation approaches; economics and statistics; research methods and sources of information related to urban growth and development; statutes relating to general plans, environmental matters, zoning and land divisions; principles of organization, administration, budget and personnel management.

Ability to: Develop and maintain policies and programs pertaining to a large department' plan assign and coordinate the work of management, professional, technical and clerical personnel; recognize and deal with newly emerging attitudes in environmental and economic impact of urban planning;, planning and zoning programs to the general public; provide technical and effective advice and assistance to boards, commissions and committees; communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; identify and coordinate a wide variety of interests in the development of land use policy; establish and maintain effective relationships with City officials, other governmental agencies, citizens and the public.

Experience and Education

Experience: Eight years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, community development, urban and environmental planning, or redevelopment including five years in a supervisory management capacity;

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban or regional planning, civil engineering, public or business administration or a related field. A master's degree is desirable.

Additional Information

 

The City of Santa Rosa is committed to building a workforce reflective of our community and establishing a lasting culture of equity and belonging within our organization. Our collective talents and expertise contribute to high-quality public services that support a vibrant, resilient, inclusive City for our community and visitors. We celebrate a diverse workforce and welcome all qualified candidates to apply. The City of Santa Rosa is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.