El Paso, TX – Director of Planning & Inspections

GovHRUSA; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 144,000 - 265,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of El Paso is seeking an accomplished Director of Planning and Inspections to guide a department shaping growth, development, economic mobility, and quality of life.

Reporting to a Deputy City Manager, the Director oversees planning, land development, building permitting and inspections, customer service, licensing and special events, and City real estate functions. The role requires strategic leadership and a focus on efficient processes and strong collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) in Policy Analysis, Urban or Regional Planning, Urban Design, Business or Public Administration, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field.
• Eight years of relevant professional experience, including six years in a managerial role.
• A valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License or equivalent is required by the date of appointment, and residency within the City of El Paso is required by the date of employment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, land development, building permitting, inspections, licensing, customer service, and special events.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership for development processes, customer service, organizational improvement, and collaboration across the City and community.
• Lead department strategy, budget, performance management, organizational development, and workforce leadership.
• Coordinate with City leadership, Mayor and Council, developers, businesses, community organizations, regulatory agencies, and the public.

Skills

Leadership experience

Municipal planning knowledge

Public engagement

Change management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The City of El Paso, TX (pop . 683,012) is seeking an accomplished, forward-thinking Director of Planning and Inspections to lead a department that plays a critical role in shaping the City's growth, development, economic mobility, and quality of life.

Reporting to a Deputy City Manager, the Director oversees planning and land development, building permitting and inspections, customer service, licensing andspecial events, and City real estate functions. The Director will provide strategic and operational leadership while advancing efficient development processes, strong customer service, organizational improvement, and effective collaboration across the City and community.

The Position

The Director will provide leadership for the City's development-related functions, including:

• Planning, zoning, subdivisions, long-range planning, and land-development policy


• Residential and commercial permitting, plan review, inspections, and code interpretation


• Customer service, pre-development assistance, and interdepartmental development coordination


• City real estate, land, easements, rights-of-way, leasing, and property compliance


• Department strategy, budget, performance management, organizational development, and workforce leadership


• Communication and coordination with City leadership, Mayor and Council, developers, businesses, community organizations, regulatory agencies, and the public

The Ideal Candidate

The City seeks a collaborative, solutions-oriented executive who combines strong technical knowledge with strategic leadership and a commitment to exceptional public service.

The successful candidate will bring:

• Significant leadership experience in planning, development, inspections, building services, or a closely related field


• Strong knowledge of municipal planning, land development, zoning, development review, and building and zoning codes


• Demonstrated success improving processes, customer service, and organizational performance


• The ability to lead change while valuing employee expertise, collaboration, accountability, and professional development


• Excellent communication, relationship-building, conflict-resolution, and public-engagement skills


• Experience using data, technology, and performance measures to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree, with a Master's preferred, in Policy Analysis, Urban or Regional Planning, Urban Design, Business or Public Administration, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field, and eight years of relevant professional experience, including six years in a managerial role.

Candidates must also demonstrate effectiveness working with corporate, education, not-for-profit, and community organizations. A valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License or equivalent is required by the date of appointment, and residency within the City of El Paso is required by the date of employment.

About El Paso

The City of El Paso, with a population of approximately 683,012, is one of Texas' most distinctive and welcoming communities, a vibrant borderland city where the American Southwest, Northern Mexico, and the Chihuahuan Desert come together. Known as the Sun City, El Paso offers more than300days of sunshine annually, a rich cultural identity, celebrated cuisine, mountain and desert recreation, a vibrant downtown, and a comparatively affordable cost of living.

Framed by the Franklin Mountains and connected by history, commerce, and family ties to New Mexico and Mexico, El Paso combines the reach and opportunity of a major city with the pride, hospitality, and authenticity of a close-knit community.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range is $143,897.45 – $265,326.28 annuallyand the anticipated hiring range is $190,000 to $210,000. The benefits package includes medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, paid time off, holidays, parental and shared leave, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, and retirement benefits. Optional benefits include a Health Savings Account, deferred compensation 457(b) plan, tuition assistance, training and certification resources, and other programs. Visit elpasotexas.gov/careers/benefits/ to learn more about the City's employee benefits.

Relocation assistance is subject to City approval and will be addressed with the successful candidate.

Application Process and Recruitment Schedule

The position is open until filled; however, first review of applications will occur on September28,2026.

For more information about the City of El Paso, please visit: https://www.elpasotexas.gov/

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled