Community Development Director

City of Lemoore•Lemoore, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position plans, directs, manages, and oversees the activities and operations of the Community Development Department, including building inspection and compliance, planning, economic development, and housing programs. The role involves coordinating activities with other departments and outside agencies, and providing administrative support to the City Manager. The position is reinstated as part of the FY 26/27 budget, pending final City Council approval, with an anticipated start date of Monday, July 6, 2026.

Requirements

Six years of increasingly responsible community development experience including three years of management and administrative responsibility.
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.
Knowledge of principles and practices of community development administration.
Knowledge of principles and practices of various programs within the Community Development Department including building inspection and compliance, planning, economic development, and housing programs.
Knowledge of principles and practices of program development and administration.
Knowledge of principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Knowledge of principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Knowledge of office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
Knowledge of principles and methods of directing staff to provide excellent customer service.
Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to manage and direct a comprehensive community development program.
Ability to develop and administer departmental goals, objectives and procedures.
Ability to analyze and assess programs, policies and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments.
Ability to identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns and needs.
Ability to plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
Ability to delegate authority and responsibility.
Ability to select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Ability to identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns and needs.
Ability to research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
Ability to process and prepare reports and recommendations on various community development projects.
Ability to prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Ability to prepare and administer large and complex budgets.
Ability to develop long range planning goals.
Ability to keep a positive, can-do attitude.
Ability to interpret and apply applicable Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.
Ability to operate office equipment including computers and supporting software applications.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Responsibilities

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.