Deputy Director of Development Services - Community Development

City-of-El-Cajon,-Ca; El Cajon (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of El Cajon is seeking an experienced Deputy Director of Development Services to guide the Community Development Division, including Planning, Building and Housing. The role partners with residents, businesses, developers and City leadership to shape how the community grows and develops, ensuring executive-level coordination and strategic direction.

The Deputy Director provides leadership, administrative judgement, and acts as the Director when required, influencing policy and services

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in planning, architecture, engineering, public administration, or related field.
• Graduate degree in planning or public administration highly desirable.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in community development, planning, construction, or related field.
• At least two years of managerial and/or supervisory experience.
• AICP certification highly desirable; ICC Building Official certification within 12 months if designated; Fire Marshal certification within 12 months if designated.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Community Development Division including Planning, Building, and Housing functions.
• Provide strategic direction and administrative judgement across City departments and external partners.
• Represent the City at public, community and professional meetings; may serve as Acting Director when needed.
• Oversee coordination with residents, businesses, developers, City leadership and regional partners.
• Attend evening meetings as required and influence policy implementation.

Job description

The Opportunity:

As the sixth largest city in San Diego County, El Cajon is seen as a leader among cities and a wonderful location to live, work and play. The City prides itself on a workplace culture that empowers employees to support a strong work-life balance and professional development. The City offers extensive benefits plans, defined retirement, wellness incentives, and much more. Ultimately, El Cajon is a shining example of a local government that provides exceptional municipal service with an innovative mindset.

The Position:

The City of El Cajon is currently searching for an experienced and collaborative leader to help guide the work of its Development Services Department. This position provides an opportunity to lead the programs that directly influence how the community grows and develops while working closely with residents, businesses, developers, City leadership, and regional partners. The Deputy Director of Development Services plans, organizes, and directs the functions, programs, and operations of the Community Development Division including Planning, Building, and Housing. The ideal candidate will demonstrate confidence, initiative, professionalism, and political acumen while ensuring that the needs of the City are met. The Deputy Director works closely with the Director of Development Services and is expected to provide strategic direction, sound administrative judgement, and effective coordination across City departments and external partners. The Deputy Director represents the City at public, community and professional meetings and may serve as Acting Director of Development Services in the absence of the Director.

The Recruitment Process:

Applications will be screened and the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process, which includes a Qualifications Appraisal Interview. Qualifications Appraisal Interviews are tentatively scheduled for November 18, 2026. Successful candidates will be placed on an eligible list for employment consideration for at least six months.

Why Join El Cajon?

The Development Services Department brings together disciplines that shape projects from initial concept through review, permitting, construction, and completion. The Deputy Director has the opportunity to work across these functions while leading the City’s Community Development programs and helping improve how the City serves residents, businesses, and the development community. The position offers a combination of organizational leadership, community engagement, development services, policy implementation, and staff development, with the opportunity to have a direct and visible impact on El Cajon.

Please visit our website to view the full job description: Deputy Director of Development Services

Community Development Division:

• Provides technical assistance to residents, developers, City Council, Planning Commission and other City departments;
• Interprets and applies requirements of City ordinances, state and federal laws, resolutions, agreements, statutes, and other documents and data;
• Represents the City in assigned regional working groups related to building, planning, housing and community development;
• Reviews all assigned division reports, resolutions, ordinances and presentations;
• Attends substantial number of evening meetings;
• Evaluates proposals for planning consulting services;
• May be designated as the City’s Building Official;
• May be designated as the City’s Fire Marshal consistent with the City’s adopted code and delegation of authority;
• May serve as ex-officio member and secretary to the General Constructions Appeals Board.

Deputy Director of Development Services – Community Development:

Education: Educational achievement equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in planning, architecture, engineering, public administration, or a related field. A graduate degree in planning or public administration is highly desirable.

Experience: At least five years’ progressively responsible experience in community development, planning, construction, or related field including at least two years’ experience at the managerial and/or supervisory level.

License or Certification: American Institute of Certified Planners certification is highly desirable. The incumbent may be designated as the City’s Building Official. If designated, International Code Council (ICC) Certified Building Official certification is required within 12 months of designation. The incumbent may be designated as the City’s Fire Marshal consistent with the City’s adopted code and delegation of authority. If designated, California State Fire Training Fire Marshal certification, or equivalent fire prevention and code enforcement credentials is required within 12 months of designation.