Community Development Director

AAME; Delano (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AAME seeks a seasoned Community Development Director to lead the City of Delano's planning, building, and code enforcement programs. The role oversees departmental planning, budget development, contract administration, and staff supervision, while collaborating with the City Manager, City Council, and Planning Commission on growth and policy initiatives.

The incumbent will prepare staff analyses, present findings, and guide complex planning studies to support sustainable development within the

Qualifications

• Knowledge of city planning principles and practices.
• Knowledge of California Uniform Building Codes and regulations.
• Ability to develop and administer municipal budgets.
• Experience supervising public-sector staff.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop City goals and department priorities.
• Plan, organize and direct Community Development Department programs.
• Monitor efficiency and effectiveness of programs.
• Supervise, train and evaluate department staff.
• Prepare staff analyses and reports for City Council.
• Manage contracts and agreements related to department responsibilities.
• Prepare and present analyses to Council and public.

Skills

City planning

Budgeting

Supervision

Research methods

Reporting

Negotiation

Communication

Leadership

Auditing

Public speaking

Tools

PC software

Job description

Closing date: November 11, 2026.

Under direction, plans, organizes and directs the activities of the Community Development Department that provides current and advance planning; plan checking, building inspection, and code enforcement services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists in the development of City goals, objectives, and priorities for the City.
• Establishes departmental programs consistent with and supportive of these goals, objectives, and priorities.
• Plans, organizes, and directs departmental programs.
• Oversees and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the department’s programs.
• Participates in the selection and assignment of department employees and provides for the supervision and training of all personnel.
• Assigns directs, evaluates, rewards, and disciplines those employees directly supervised in accordance with City policy.
• Assures that department employees are instructed in job safe practices.
• Researches and develops suggested changes to the department budgets.
• Prepares City Council agenda items for review and approval by the City Manager.
• Negotiates with outside entities concerning the establishment of approved contractual relationships with the City concerning those matters under department cognizance.
• Administers these and other City contracts that relate to and are within the scope of department responsibilities.
• Authorizes purchase of departmental materials and equipment.
• Provides professional staff assistance, technical support, and advice to the City Manager and other department heads.
• Drafts correspondence in response to public inquiries; monitors department program activities for compliance.
• Prepares staff analysis and reports on various projects and programs.
• Presents analysis in both oral and written form through Council and other public presentations
• Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates all the activities of the Community Development Department.
• Conducts studies relevant to department & divisional programs and activities.
• Prepares recommendations relating to future growth and development.
• Works closely with the City Manager, City Council, and serves as staff to the Planning Commission.
• Meets with developers and business owners planning projects in the City.
• Prepares, implements and administers the City’s General Plan.
• Administers contracts for general plan update.
• Prepares staff reports and makes recommendations relating to future growth and development.
• Investigates and makes reports on subdivision plans, zone variances, conditional use permit, and processing of zoning applications.
• Performs a variety of other duties as assigned.

Disclaimer- This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed. In other cases, related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of PC’s and related software.
• Principles and practices of city planning, and the physical social and economic implications involved in planning.
• Research methods, including statistical analysis, governmental organizations, and public utilities systems as related to planning.
• California Uniform Building Codes and regulations pertaining to construction and code enforcement.
• Urban planning processes, building design, and construction management.
• Advanced principles of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Supervisory principles and practices as they relate to the public sector.

Skilled in:

• Preparing graphic presentations and technical reports.
• Accurately collecting and effectively utilizing data.
• Preparing, revising and interpreting a sound planning and zoning programs.
• Understanding land use planning, building and real estate development.
• Providing skilled analytical and management staff support to the City Manager.
• Conducting complex planning and development studies evaluating alternatives and making effective recommendations.
• Reading, interpreting, and applying complex procedures, policies, rules and regulations.
• Negotiating and representing City interests.
• Preparing clear, accurate, and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Communicating with employees, the public, and representatives of other agencies.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Operate a PC and related software
• Maintain effective working relationships
• Devise, install and maintain comprehensive planning, building and code enforcement systems, and train subordinates in their implementation.
• Plan, organize and direct the activities of several units engaged in a variety of planning, building, and City development services.
• Devise and operate effective internal auditing procedures.
• Oversee comprehensive planning, building, and City development programs.
• Organize, assign, direct, review and evaluate the work of staff.
• Represent the City in meetings with representative of public and private organizations and the public.
• Be consistent in meeting employment obligations by reporting on time and working full workdays and workweeks, as assigned.