Salary: $158,038.40 - $225,305.60 Annually
Location : City Hall - 200 Civic Center Mission Viejo, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2324-42
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 06/04/2024
Closing Date: 6/24/2024 3:00 PM Pacific
Description
City of Mission Viejo Invites Applications for
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
$158,038 - $225,305 annually
APPLY BY: 3:00 P.M., JUNE 24, 2024

The City of Mission Viejo is seeking an experienced and motivated leader to join our team as our Director of Community Development. The City is committed to promoting public health, safety and general welfare by preserving or enhancing the high quality of life in Mission Viejo. Reporting to the City Manager, the successful candidate will have excellent teambuilding and interpersonal skills and will assume management responsibility for all services and activities of the Community Development Department, including current planning, advance planning, code enforcement, CDBG administration, and building plan check and inspection administration.

This department head classification oversees, directs and participates in all activities of the Community Development Department and provides assistance to the City Manager in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, municipal functions and activities, including the role of an elected City Council, and the ability to develop, oversee and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the department with those of other departments and agencies and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department

This position requires the ability to exercise a high level of independence and the use of sound independent judgment, discretion, along with political sensitivity and acumen. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives and for furthering City goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.

Strategic goals for the department include:

• In coordination with the City Manager's Office and the Public Services and Administrative Services departments, identify and make recommendations for any planning issues related to implementation of the next steps for the Core Area Vision Plan.
• Implement the goals and policies of the newly adopted Economic Development Element, particularly facilitating business outreach and development through community partnerships and business-friendly events.
• In coordination with the City Manager's Office, Recreation & Community Services, Police Services, and Administrative Services departments and other governmental agencies and non-profit organizations, continue working collaboratively to develop regional solutions for homelessness and affordable and transitional housing needs using Building Homes and Jobs Act (SB-2) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.
• Implementation of the City's certified Housing Element for the period 2021-2029.

Please click on the below link for more information regarding this position and to view the recruitment brochure:
APPLY BY: 3:00 p.m., June 24, 2024. Applicants are required to apply on-line directly by visiting the City's website at
Job Related and Essential Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Public agency budgetary, contract administration, citywide administrative practices; and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Principles, practices and procedures related to city and regional planning, particularly as related to the urban planning and redevelopment processes and of funding sources for affordable housing and redevelopment projects.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.
• Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political and other elements related to city planning.
• Applicable laws, codes and regulations.
• Computer applications related to the work, including Microsoft Office, Project, City permitting software, and basic GIS concepts and applications.
• Theories, principles, and contents of General Plan, land use, zoning, subdivision, building and planning regulations, planning and environmental laws and related City, County, State, and Federal laws and ordinances, such as CEQA.
• Principles and techniques of conducting site planning, architectural review, subdivision design, analytical studies; evaluating alternatives and making sound recommendations.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with government agencies, community groups and various business, professional, regulatory and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Safe driving principles and practices.
• Safe work practices

Skill in:

• Developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards and internal controls for the department and assigned program areas.
• Interpreting, applying and explaining complex laws, codes, regulations and ordinances.
• Selecting, training, motivating and evaluating the work of staff and training staff in work procedures.
• Conducting effective negotiations and effectively representing the City and the department in meetings with developers, governmental agencies contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory and legislative organizations.
• Developing, recommending, interpreting, and applying the City's General Plan and Development Code.
• Preparing and administering large and complex budgets; allocating limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Directing the maintenance of and maintaining accurate records and files.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures and other written materials.
• Making accurate arithmetic, financial and statistical computations.
• Using English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Using tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Operating modern office equipment including computer equipment; operating related software applications, including word processing, spreadsheet operations and other related areas including research and statistical analysis.
• Operating a motor vehicle safely.

Experience and Training and License/Certificate
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration or a related field and six (6) years of supervisory or administrative experience in planning, building and safety, redevelopment and/or public administration in a municipal setting. Possession of a Master's Degree in a field noted above and certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) are highly desirable and may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
License:
Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.
Benefits Overview
The following description is a general overview of the benefits provided to City of Mission Viejo benefit eligible employees. For specific details, please review the Human Resources Policies, Management and Budget Policies, Administrative Regulations, and official plan documents, or contact the Human Resources office at 949.470.3060.
Employees of the City are currently covered under the (CalPERS). While the City does not participate in the Social Security System, federal mandate requires new employees to contribute 1.45% of wages to Medicare insurance coverage.

Retirement
Employees Hired On or After January 1, 2013, Who Are CalPERS Members -
A CalPERS member hired by the City of Mission Viejo within less than a six (6) month break in CalPERS covered service, will participate in the 2% at 60 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. Employees are required to contribute the full 7% member contribution, plus an additional 1.5% towards the employer rate.
A CalPERS member hired by the City of Mission Viejo with a six (6) month or more break in CalPERS covered service, will participate in the 2% at 62 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. The employee pays the full member contribution, which is variable. The contribution rate for new members is 50% of the normal cost rate which is subject to change. The current member contribution is 7.0%. Employees also contribute 1.5% towards the employer rate.
Employees Hired On or After January 1, 2013, Who Are Not CalPERS Members -
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, will participate in the 2% at 62 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. The employee pays the full member contribution, which is variable. The contribution rate for new members is 50% of the normal cost rate which is subject to change. The current member contribution is 7.5%. Employees also contribute 1.5% towards the employer rate.
Employer's Contribution Rate -
Beginning July 1, 2021, the employer's normal cost contribution rate is 9.82%, which reflects the employee pick-up of 1.5% of the employer rate.
Retiree Benefits
Employees Hired On or After December 2, 2006 -
The City's Supplemental Health Account for Retired Employees (SHARE) Plan is a defined contribution health reimbursement plan, which is intended to help employees offset post-retirement healthcare costs by allowing employees to contribute pre-tax dollars from their current wages with an additional contribution from the City, into an account that can be accessed upon retirement. To be eligible for the full benefits of the SHARE Plan, an employee must reach age 55 with a total of 15 years of service with the City of Mission Viejo.
The Plan requires mandatory contributions from both the employee and the City. Contributions to the Plan will commence for an employee beginning with the first pay period that occurs after the eligible employee's completion of one year of service with the City. Eligible employees will be required to contribute 1.5% of their salary. Deductions will be pre-tax and will be taken from each paycheck.
Starting the same date, the City contribution will be $100 per month ($50 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time employees, $75 per month ($37.50 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time equivalents of .750 to .999, and $50 per month ($25 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time equivalents of .500 to .749, after the completion of the waiting period. This program is administered by ICMA-RC.

Payday
The City issues paychecks on a biweekly basis (), every other Friday. Benefits are deducted from paychecks twice a month.
Holidays
The City observes ten (10) paid holidays, including a Winter Closure at City Hall and the Corporation Yard between December 26th and December 31st. Employees also have one (1) floating holiday per year, which is credited annually on January 1st (on the employee's hire date in the first year) and cannot be carried-over.
Comprehensive Annual Leave
Provides employees with paid time off for rest and relaxation, personal or family illness, bereavement, and personal business. For non-exempt classifications, 19 days annual accrual during the first year, increasing to 30 days beginning in year ten, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions. For exempt classifications, 24 days annual accrual during the first year, increasing to 35 days beginning in year ten, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions.
Jury Duty Leave
Employees are granted up to 30 paid days for jury service.
Cafeteria Plan
The City offers a "cafeteria style" flexible benefits plan, with a provided by the City for all regular and probationary full-time and part-time employees. The benefits plan is covered under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code allowing employees to pay monthly benefit premiums on a pre-tax basis. Benefit coverage begins the first day of the month following thirty-days (30) of continuous regular employment.
Medical Insurance
The City contracts with to employees, plus their qualified dependents. Employees are required to participate in the City group medical plan.
Dental Insurance
The City contracts with Delta dental for dental coverage for employees, plus their qualified dependents. There is a choice among two plans, Delta PPO and Delta Care PMI.
Vision
The City contracts with Vision Service Plan (VSP) for vision coverage for employees, plus their qualified dependents.
Life Insurance
The City contracts with Voya to provide term life insurance for employees in an amount equal to two (2) times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $300,000. The City pays the full cost of the monthly premium. If you need more than the Basic Life insurance the City provides, you may purchase additional coverage by enrolling in the Supplemental Term Life (STL) and AD&D insurance programs.
Short and Long Term Disability
The City contracts with Voya to provide both short and long-term disability insurance coverage to the employee, in a benefit amount up to 66% of the employee's salary. The City pays the full cost of the monthly premium.
Flexible Spending Account
You can set up one Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health care expenses and another to pay for the cost of caring for your dependents while you are at work. The Health Care Spending Account is a tax-free way to pay any qualified out-of-pocket expenses associated with medical, dental, and vision care for yourself and any family members who are legal dependents. You may contribute between $180 and $2,500, pre-tax, annually to this account. The Dependent Care Spending Account allows you to pay for child or elder care expenses on a tax-free basis. You may contribute between $300 and $5,000 annually towards this account. Both types of accounts are administered through
Employee Assistantance Program
The City contracts with CONCERN to provide short term counseling benefits, as well as life management services and referrals, to employees, their dependents, and any other members within their household. The City pays the full cost of the monthly premium.
Deferred Compensation
A voluntary deferred compensation plan is available through Nationwide. The City matches contributions up to $150 per month.
College Savings Plan
The City offers payroll deductions to a qualified 529 plan. This voluntary managed by ScholarShare, is a flexible college savings program that helps make saving for a child's higher education easier.
Wellness Program
The City offers free membership, with some restrictions, to the City's Recreation and Tennis Centers for employees and their resident family members.
Tuition Reimbursement
Once probation has been successfully completed, the City offers tuition reimbursement to employees for qualified classes and/or programs up to $1,250 per fiscal year, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions. Pre-approval by the employee's supervisor and the City Manager is required.
Technology Loan Program
Once probation has been successfully completed, an interest-free technology loan is available to employees in an amount up to $3,500, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions.
Flexible Workplace Program
The Flexible Workplace Program allows an employee to enter into an agreement to schedule portions of their work week away from their regular worksite. Participating employees will work a full workday, but program participation allows times and number of hours in the office to be scheduled differently between individual days of the week. The City Manager must approve all Flexible Workplace Program applications. Program participation is a benefit and not an entitlement and is approved on a case-by-case basis.
01

Your responses to the following supplemental questions and your ability to follow instructions will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position and will be used in conjunction with your application to evaluate your experience, knowledge and skills. Do not refer to your application and/or resume when completing these questions. Do you understand and acknowledge these instructions?

• Yes
• No

02

Please describe your experience with and knowledge of policies, procedures, services, and activities related to the operation and administration of a community development department such as zoning, building, & environmental regulations, advanced & current planning, permit inspection, code enforcement, and economic development. If you do not have any direct experience or knowledge in one or more of these areas, please describe how you intend to educate yourself in those areas.
03

Please describe your experience with development and implementation of department goals, objectives, policies, and procedures. Please attach a copy of a policy or procedure you developed and wrote, if you have one.
04

Please describe your management style. Please include examples of how you train, motivate, and evaluate staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
05

One of the essential functions of this position is to meet with business leaders, the public, and representatives of other governmental agencies to discuss projects and concerns. Please describe your experience in the following:•Making presentations•Facilitating meetings•Resolving inquiries and complaints
06

In your opinion, what are the essential qualities that a Community Development Director should possess for the growth of our organization?
07

Frequent and transparent communication with our residents, developers, business leaders, City Council and Commissioners is an important strategic goal. Please tell us about your experience regarding communication with community and governing bodies and about your particular communication style. Please provide a specific example where you had to get a message out about a sensitive issue and how you gauged the success of your communication.
08

Describe your experience and knowledge of developing and implementing a certified Housing Element. If you do not have any direct experience, please describe how you intend to educate yourself in this area.
Required Question