Deputy Director, Community Development & Growth

City of Arcata; Arcata (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision coverage

Health insurance opt-out option

Management leave (14 days)

Vacation accrual and longevity pay

Deferred compensation contributions

Job summary

City of Arcata seeks a Planning Director to lead Planning, Economic Development, Housing, and Building Divisions within the Community Development Department. You will supervise staff, manage budgets, secure funding, and guide long-term goals and priorities.

Responsibilities include coordinating contracts, environmental compliance, and interagency collaboration, with a focus on community development and affordable housing initiatives.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field and at least five (5) years progressively responsible experience.
• Experience in community development, housing, planning and/or economic development, including supervisory and budgetary experience.
• Substitution of additional related experience for education is allowed.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, coordinate, manage, and supervise assigned personnel and activities within Planning, Economic Development, Housing, and Building Divisions.
• Develop goals, policies, priorities, and procedures to improve service delivery and efficiency.
• Oversee daily functions and programs across divisions, including grant, loan, and program funding activities.
• Prepare contracts, RFPs, scopes of work, and environmental documentation; ensure compliance with CEQA/NEPA.
• Staff supervision, training, performance evaluation, and budget administration.
• Coordinate with City Council, committees, and external partners; respond to inquiries and maintain public notification.
• Manage and administer Division budgets; pursue grants and other funding sources.
• Represent the department in meetings after hours or travel as needed.

Skills

Urban planning

Budget management

People management

Grant administration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Planning or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

City of Arcata seeks a Planning Director to lead Planning, Economic Development, Housing, and Building Divisions within the Community Development Department. You will supervise staff, manage budgets, secure funding, and guide long-term goals and priorities.

Responsibilities include coordinating contracts, environmental compliance, and interagency collaboration, with a focus on community development and affordable housing initiatives.