Community Development Director
Any combination of education and training demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:
Education A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the field of city or regional planning, civil engineering or a related field. A Master's Degree in a related field is desirable. Experience Six years of responsible professional experience in urban planning or engineering, including four years of management and supervision of technical management staff. License and Certificate Possession of a valid California State Class C driver's license and satisfactory driving record at time of hire.
The Community Development Director plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the programs, services, and activities of the Community Development Department. The Director provides executive leadership across these functions while empowering division leaders and professional staff to effectively manage their respective areas. Key responsibilities include establishing departmental priorities and performance expectations; developing and mentoring staff; facilitating collaboration across divisions; evaluating and improving operational processes; overseeing departmental personnel and administrative matters; managing the Department’s budget; and ensuring high-quality, responsive service to internal and external customers.
The Director also serves as a key advisor to the City Manager, City Council, Planning Commission, Architectural and Preservation Commission, and Traffic and Transportation Commission. The position requires an individual who can translate complex technical and regulatory issues into clear information, provide thoughtful recommendations, and effectively facilitate discussions involving competing interests and viewpoints.
Key priorities for the incoming Director will include
Leadership & Staff Development. Provide visible, consistent leadership to the Department’s management and professional staff. Establish clear expectations, provide meaningful feedback and coaching, support employee development, and effectively address personnel and performance matters when they arise.
Process Improvement & Customer Service. Evaluate existing development review and departmental processes to identify opportunities for greater efficiency, consistency, coordination, and transparency. The Director will be expected to bring a solutions-oriented approach while balancing customer service with regulatory requirements and the City’s established standards.
Technology Modernization. Help lead Community Development’s implementation of a new permitting system in partnership with Information Technology. The Director will play an important role in ensuring the implementation is not simply a technology project, but an opportunity to evaluate workflows, streamline processes, and improve the experience of staff and customers.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement. Build productive relationships with residents, applicants, developers, businesses, consultants, community organizations, and other stakeholders. Claremont has an engaged community, and the Director must be comfortable listening to concerns, explaining complex processes and requirements, managing expectations, and navigating challenging or competing interests professionally.