Community & Economic Development Director

The first review of applications is Thursday , September 12, 2024 . Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early. Applicants that submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

DEFINITION

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the Community and Economic Development Department including planning, economic development, housing, code enforcement, animal control, and building and safety functions; formulates departmental policies, goals, and directives; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and with intergovernmental, regulatory agencies, and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the City Manager in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives administrative direction from the City Manager. Exercises direct supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a department director classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Community and Economic Development Department, including short- and long-term planning as well as development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. This class 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, City functions, and activities, including the role of the 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 outside agencies, and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives, and for furthering City goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.

EXAMPLE OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assumes management responsibility for all Community and Economic Development Department programs, services, and activities including the planning, economic development, housing, code enforcement, animal control, and building and safety functions.
• Manages and participates in the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; establishes, within City policy, appropriate budget, service, and staffing levels.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department's budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements budgetary adjustments as necessary.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees on performance issues; responds to staff questions and concerns; makes discipline recommendations to the Director of Community and Economic Development.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative, and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Contributes to the overall quality of the department's service by developing, reviewing, and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and City needs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
• Monitors legal, regulatory, technology, and societal changes and court decisions that may affect the work of the department; determines equipment acquisition, training programs, and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of services to the community in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.
• Creates and updates long-range planning documents such as the City's General Plan and other assigned plans; prepares modifications to General Plan Elements, the Zoning Code, and other applicable ordinances and policies.
• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine City needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
• Recruits and provides services to businesses and those who wish to develop in the City with relocation.
• Serves as a technical advisor to the Planning Commission, City Council, and City staff; prepares and coordinates reports and presentations; ensures timely action on City Council and Planning Commission matters; makes recommendations to the City Council and Planning Commission on planning issues.
• Oversees the Planning Commission and functions as the liaison with the City Manager's Office concerning development issues.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates the activities of the City's Planning Commission; coordinates with other City departments; maintains significant contact with developers and assures development projects benefit the City.
• Assists the Director of Community and Economic Development with the research, planning, and implementation efforts designed to achieve economic development objectives as set forth by the City Council and City Manager.
• Assists the Director of Community and Economic Development with the formulation of economic development policies and their implementation.
• Meets with internal staff and others including, but not limited to, developers, architects, realtors/brokers, business owners, and landlords to develop new programs or change existing policies to attract and retain new and expanding business.
• Serves as arbitrator/mediator between staff and private sector interests such as developers to ensure equity and avoid costly delays.
• Makes presentations to businesses seeking to relocate or expand in the city.
• Participates in and oversees staff responsible for preparation of grant applications and comprehensive technical, feasibility, and administrative reports and studies.
• Formulates agendas and provides staff support to City Council and commissions; provides policy interpretations and staff support to the board agencies as required.
• Represents the department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
• Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Participates in and makes presentations to the City Council and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of planning, economic development, housing, code enforcement, animal control, and building and safety.
• Directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files.
• Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the Director of Community and Economic Development.
• Responds to complex and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
• Serves as a spokesperson for the Department at a variety of community events, meetings, and other public relations activities.
• Ensures staff observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Principles and practices of strategic plan development.
• Principles and practices of budget administration.
• Principles and practices of contract management.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Principles, practices, and procedures of public administration in a municipal setting.
• Functions, authority, and responsibilities of an elected City Council.
• City codes, ordinances, standard operating manuals, personnel policies and procedures, and applicable memoranda of understanding.
• Practices, principles, procedures, regulations, and techniques of City planning, zoning, and land use.
• Principles and practices of organization, administration, and personnel management.
• Community involvement methods and practices.
• Methods and techniques of developing technical and administrative reports, and business correspondence.
• Methods and techniques for the development of presentations, contract negotiations, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Applicable Federal, State and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Theories, principles, and contents of General Plan, land use, zoning, subdivision, and urban planning regulations, natural resource protection, and environmental laws.
• Principles and techniques of conducting site planning, architectural review, subdivision design, land use, and other analytical studies, evaluating alternatives, and making sound recommendations.
• Technical, legal, financial, and public relations challenges associated with the management of community and economic development programs.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Work with the Director of Community and Economic Development to develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership for the department.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, and technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility.
• Select and supervise staff; provide training and development opportunities; ensure work is performed effectively; and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the City and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Effectively administer a variety of community development programs and administrative activities.
• Arbitrate/mediate between staff and private sector interests to ensure equity and avoid costly delays.
• Perform and negotiate cost/benefit analyses.
• Plan, analyze, and evaluate programs and services, operational needs, and fiscal constraints.
• Make effective public presentations to elected bodies, business groups, the general public, and City staff.
• Effectively represent the City and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Direct the establishment of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

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:

Education:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in economics, planning, public administration, or a related field.

Experience:

Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible managerial or administrative government experience in economic development, planning, building, housing, code enforcement, or a related field, including five (5) years of management experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License to be maintained throughout employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

E-Verify:

The City of El Monte is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees in the United States.