Community Development Director

About the Department
The Community Development Department is responsible for guiding the physical development of the City. This is achieved through the preparation and implementation of the General Plan and supporting ordinances, administering the development and building permit approval process including the application of the California Building Standards Code, inspecting all in-progress construction projects, and ensuring compliance with the City’s health, safety, and environmental codes as they relate to the physical environment. The Department provides staff support to the Planning & Zoning Commission, the Housing Advisory Commission and the Climate Action Committee.

The Community Development Department consists of three divisions: Building, Planning and Zoning, and Sustainability and it is staffed by seven full-time employees.

Under the general administrative direction of the City Manager, the Community Development Director is a member of the City’s executive team and will oversee the professional, technical, administrative, and supervisory aspects of all Community Development Department programs, including current and long-range planning, environmental planning, building permitting and inspections, and affordable housing. 

The Community Director will be responsible for implementing the City’s General Plan and zoning policies and will manage the departmental budget. The position will coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and the public, fostering cooperative working relationships with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies, as well as various public and private groups. The Community Development Director will be capable of effectively presenting to the City Council, the community and other stakeholders, and will provide highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the City Manager and City Council in areas of expertise.

For more information about the position and duties, please click HERE to view the full job description.

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:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in Urban and Regional Planning, Geography, Public Administration or a related field. 
• A master’s degree in urban planning, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred. 
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience involving planning, zoning, and community development matters within local government, including several years in a supervisory capacity.
• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or a related organization is highly desirable.

Ideal Candidate

• A motivated and innovative local government professional who can lead a dedicated team of employees.
• A strategic thinker and thrive in a collaborative and problem-solving environment.
• Demonstrate exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Excel in administering inclusive and collaborative community planning efforts.
• Must have the ability to simultaneously manage several priorities, analyze plans, specifications, and proposals as well as review and approve projects and plans for conformance with laws, codes, regulations, standards, and deadlines.
• Effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with all the people contacted during their work.

The closing date is at 5:00PM on Thursday, April 17, 2025.  If you are interested in pursuing this career opportunity, please apply on-line immediately. Be sure to upload a compelling cover letter, resume and list of four professional references when applying. (References will not be contacted until after an interview takes place).

Following the closing date, applicants with the most relevant qualifications will be contacted for a preliminary interview with the recruiter. Candidates deemed to be the best qualified will be invited to participate in the panel interviews and a meeting with the City Manager. The City anticipates making an appointment in a timely manner, once negotiations, background and reference checks are completed.

Please do not hesitate to contact Penny Ha, Human Resources Director via email at pha@albanyca.org, if you have any questions regarding this position or the application and selection process.

The information listed above is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.  The City of Albany is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against race, color, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, sex origin or disability.  In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department .

Salary : $180,190 - $229,965