Community Development Director

City of Highland; Highland (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Highland seeks an experienced Director of Community Development to lead its municipal planning, housing, and economic development initiatives. You will join the executive team, guide staff, and translate complex regulations into actionable strategies that support a vibrant, sustainable community.

The ideal candidate brings five years of municipal planning leadership, two years supervising teams, and a master’s degree in a related field.

Qualifications

• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in municipal planning and community development.
• Two (2) years in a supervisory capacity.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; Master’s degree desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage urban planning, development, and economic development initiatives.
• Collaborate with executive team and city staff to implement strategies and ensure quality customer service.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Urban planning

Economic development

Staff supervision

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The City of Highland is conducting a statewide search for an experienced urban planning professional to serve as their next Director of Community Development. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and solution-oriented member of the City’s executive team. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated deep and effective understanding of urban and suburban environments, economic development strategies, and outstanding communication skills. The previous Director announced his retirement after 28 years with the City and half of that time serving in the role of Director, which created this unique opportunity for an energetic, forward-thinking professional to lead and manage in a collaborative environment. The City of Highland is a financially stable city that has proven resilient in economic downturns, and its entrepreneurial spirit ensures that it takes maximum advantage of economic opportunities. City services are delivered with the assistance of over 43 full-time staff, a 2026-2027 Adopted Budget of $80.1 million.

The new Community Development Director will have exceptional management, interpersonal, and communication skills, with a hands-on and proactive approach to addressing a broad range of urban planning, economic development, and development related challenges. The ideal candidate will have a strong desire to work in a team environment and will be a trendsetter with the ability to use their experience in urban planning to create and execute strategies that shape innovative solutions to critical issues regarding housing, commercial and economic development. The successful candidate will also value relationships and be known as a manager of people who encourages innovation and problem solving yet holds people accountable for quality work. It is very important that the new Director possesses a commitment to excellent customer service.

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in municipal planning and community development, including two (2) years in a supervisory capacity.

Education: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban and regional planning or a related field. Master’s degree is desirable.