Description
DEFINITION
Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates and provides direction and oversight for the Planning and Code Enforcement Division of the Community Development Department including current, advanced and environmental planning, land use, and enforcement of municipal and building codes and the Local Coastal Program; participates in the development of policies and strategies for department operations; manages the effective use of department resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex professional assistance to the Community Development Director, the City Council, the Planning Commission and others in areas of expertise; performs related duties as assigned.

IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a seasoned and strategic leader with deep expertise in municipal planning, urban development, and community engagement. Must possess a strong understanding of zoning, general plans, housing, site planning, and coastal development, with the ability to lead complex planning initiatives and manage cross-functional teams.
This individual demonstrates a solid command of organization and management principles, excels at policy development, and is experienced in budget administration, contract oversight, and regulatory compliance. They are an effective communicator—both written and verbal—capable of making persuasive public presentations and fostering productive relationships with City officials, staff, developers, and the community.

Technically proficient and detail-oriented, the candidate brings a collaborative, customer-focused approach and a commitment to high standards, innovation, and continuous improvement in public service.

Leadership & Supervision:
A proven leader who can effectively select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and professional growth. Skilled in building cohesive teams and ensuring high-quality service delivery through clear performance standards and constructive feedback.

Program & Project Management:
Experienced in administering intricate planning, redevelopment, and housing programs with minimal oversight. Able to develop and implement goals, policies, and procedures that align with organizational priorities and regulatory requirements.

Analytical & Technical Expertise:
Possesses strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate data, interpret regulations, and develop sound recommendations. Capable of preparing clear, detailed staff reports and communicating complex information effectively to a wide range of audiences.

Public Engagement & Communication:
An articulate communicator who engages effectively with the public, elected officials, developers, and partner agencies. Comfortable making public presentations, interpreting zoning and planning codes, and resolving community concerns with professionalism and tact.

Strategic & Forward-Thinking:
Adept at evaluating service delivery methods and recommending innovative improvements. Demonstrates strategic thinking and sound judgment in balancing community development goals with regulatory compliance and practical implementation.

Organized & Self-Directed:
Highly organized with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, and meet critical deadlines independently. Brings initiative and discretion to all aspects of work, including site visits, policy interpretation, and stakeholder engagement.

Collaborative & Ethical:
Builds strong working relationships and represents the department with integrity in all interactions. Displays a high level of professionalism, respect, and a commitment to public service values.

Examples of Duties
• Assumes management responsibility for the Planning and Code Enforcement Division including current, advanced and environmental planning, land use, and enforcement of municipal and building codes and the Local Coastal Program; assists with planning, directing, and coordinating the department’s work plan and priorities for assigned programs.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the division; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Assists in managing and participating in the development and administration of the department’s budget; assists with the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; assists with monitoring and approving expenditures; oversees and implements budgetary adjustments,
as necessary.
• Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and reviews with the Director.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Directs the implementation of policies, regulations and codes relating to land use, including the City’s General Plan, Local Coastal Program, specific plans, zoning, annexations and other pertinent ordinances and policies.
• Oversees the preparation and administration of the City’s General Plan, Local Coastal Program, Zoning Ordinance and specific plans; makes recommendations for amendments or modifications as appropriate.
• Manages preparation of environmental impact reports; assures compliance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for all City activities/projects.
• Oversees code enforcement field inspections, evaluates, and makes recommendations; participates in resolving code enforcement related issues as necessary.
• Manages and oversees application and permit review on planned residential, commercial, and industrial projects, use permits, variances, and zoning changes; ensures customer service performance measures are met.
• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine City needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates
contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
• Serves as a liaison for the division with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces, as necessary; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
• Provides highly complex staff assistance to the Community Development Director; develops and reviews staff reports related to planning activities and services; may present reports to the Planning Commission, City Council and other commissions, committees, and boards; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to planning activities.
• Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to division programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Participates on a variety of boards, commissions, committees, and task forces; attends and participates in professional groups and committees; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of planning and code enforcement.
• Confers with engineers, developers, architects, a variety of agencies and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating planning and zoning matters; provides information regarding City development requirements.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to problems and complaints from citizens in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Reviews, interprets, and analyzes new and proposed legislation; determines effect of legislation on operations and programs of the Community Development Department; advises Director of findings; takes appropriate action in order to ensure compliance with existing rules and regulations;
proposes legislation if appropriate.
• Conducts site inspections, including determining if projects are in compliance with laws, regulations, and ordinances; makes recommendations regarding changes.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as required.
Typical Qualifications
Knowledge of:
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the Community Development Department.
• Administrative principles, practices, and methods including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Municipal planning principles, techniques, practices, and procedures including knowledge of general plans, zoning ordinances, specific plans and development standards and practices.
• Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political and other elements related to City planning.
• Site planning and architectural design principles.
• General concepts of architecture, landscaping, grading, drainage, and traffic and transportation engineering as they relate to the process of urban planning.
• Local coastal planning.
• Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to municipal planning and administration.
• Practices of researching issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Principles of contract administration and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Administer complex, technical and sensitive current planning, development, redevelopment, housing, property acquisition and related programs in an independent and cooperative manner.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Provide administrative, management and professional leadership for the Planning and Code Enforcement Division.
• Receive and respond to a variety of questions from the general public, contractors and developers; interpret planning and zoning programs, policies, processes, codes and regulations.
• Conduct complex research, compile technical and statistical information to evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Identify and respond to Planning Commission and City Council issues and concerns.
• Make effective public presentations.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively representing the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups and various business, professional, and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
• Read and understand technical drawings, plans and specifications and make effective site visits.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Supplemental Information
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration or a related field.

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

Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record to be maintained throughout employment.
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Need an Accommodation? If you have questions or need special accommodation with the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at (310) 456-2489 ext. 488. The City of Malibu is an equal opportunity employer.