assistant community development director - Ventura, United States - City of Ventura, CA

Description

Salary: $152, $204,734.19 Annually

Location : Ventura, CA

Job Type: Full-Time Regular

Job Number: 24BF-M14-1

Department: Community Development Department

Division: Community Development Administration

Opening Date: 04/02/2024

Closing Date: 4/30/2024 5:30 PM Pacific

THE POSITION

The Assistant Community Development Director serves as the second in charge and a key business partner for the Community Development Director in overseeing the department's diverse range of activities. The Assistant Director will assist in planning, directing, managing, and overseeing the Department's operations. These duties may include current and long-range advance planning, design review, environmental review, growth management, building and safety, code compliance, and housing programs and functions. The City's newly hired Community Development Director will help determine the precise responsibilities associated with the role in consultation with the candidate selected after assessing his/her experience and interests in alignment with Department priorities.

This position is designated as "at will," serving at the pleasure of the appointing authority, and is subject to discharge without cause and right of appeal.

WHO YOU ARE

The ideal candidate will be a high-energy professional who is comfortable leading and managing in a dynamic environment. Offering impressive depth in modern urban planning principles and practices, he/she will be an outstanding mentor and people manager who is committed to continuous improvement and exceptional customer service.

This talented professional will have the demonstrated ability to assist the Director with creating and maintaining a training culture committed to developing staff with a focus on excellence in delivering services and work products. The individual selected will possess a general knowledge of building and safety and housing functions. Previous experience working with elected and appointed officials, community members, developers, and other external stakeholders is essential for success in this new position.

The ideal candidate will be an exceptional verbal and written communicator with outstanding interpersonal skills. An approachable professional who welcomes community engagement and interaction, he/she will also be a highly skilled facilitator who is adept at exploring possibilities and guiding collaborative problem-solving. A history of building productive internal and external relationships that support organizational goals will be needed.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Community Development Department is supported by an FY budget of $15.2 million, with 45 FTEs structured into six divisions: Planning, Permit Services, Housing Services, Code Enforcement, Building and Safety, and Administration.

Planning: The Planning Division, part of the Community Development Department, is responsible for creating goals and policies for sustainable future development in the city and ensuring that all proposed and current development complies with those goals.

Permit Services: Permit Services - Submit your application or view the various permits and documents needed to get your project started.

Housing Services: The City of Ventura provides for numerous community development, and affordable housing activities through the Redevelopment Agency, federal grants including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs, and the city's Affordable Housing Program.

Code Enforcement: Code Enforcement serves our community with compassion to promote safe and clean neighborhoods, preserve property values, and support economic vitality through education and compliance.

Building & Safety: The Building and Safety Division oversees all phases of new building construction and performs a variety of inspections. The head of the division is the Chief Building Official.

The Community Development Department's major multi-year programs include:

•Updating the General Plan to establish long-term growth and maintain the wonderful and unique character of Ventura;

•Completing a comprehensive Local Coastal Program (LCP) amendment;

•Developing and finalizing a Homelessness Plan that includes a Housing Services Report and

•Improving the City's Historic Preservation process.

To view a map of Current Development Projects in the City, from New Applications to those Under Construction, Visit

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information on the position's duties and responsibilities, refer to the job description on the City's Career Page at or by clicking here: Assistant Community Development Director.

THE SCHEDULE

• Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. - Application Deadline. Applications must be submitted by this date to be considered for the position.
• Week of May 6, 2024 - Candidates will be notified by email of their status by this date.
• Week of May 13th or 20th - Oral Panel Interviews are tentatively scheduled for this timeframe. Qualifying candidates will be notified by email if they are invited to the panel interview process.
• Department Selection Interviews will be held promptly after the oral panel interviews have been completed. Qualifying candidates will be notified by email if they are invited to the panel interview process.
• May 24, 2024 - Candidates will be notified of the outcome of the interview by this date.

The timeline dates are subject to change. Candidates will be notified as necessary.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The City offers a total compensation package that includes both a generous salary and other benefits

• SALARY: $152,786 - $204,734Annually DOQ
• BENEFITS: Refer to the benefits tab on the job posting for specific information on City benefits.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this exciting assistant director-level opportunity, please complete an online City Job Application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline, Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. Candidates must attach a cover letter and resume to their online application.

If you have questions about the recruitment process, please contact Bill Friedel at

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO QUALIFY

A combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, public administration, business administration, or related field and five years of increasingly responsible experience in urban planning, community development, or related experience including two years of administrative and supervisory experience. A master's degree is desirable.

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities will be consideredqualifying.

License: Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required.

Certification: Possession of certification as a Certified Planner from the American Institute of Certified Planners is highly desirable.

APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS

YOUR APPLICATION

Submit an online City job application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline at Your application should show all your relevant education, training, and experience. A Resume and cover letter must be attached to your application, but they will not be accepted in lieu of a completed job application and supplemental questionnaire. Submitting an incomplete application or supplemental questionnaire may disqualify you from further consideration in the recruitment process.

DEADLINE TO APPLY:

Applications and supplemental questions will be accepted until Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.

APPLICATION REVIEW:

All applications and supplemental questionnaires submitted will be screened according to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. Candidates will be reviewed, and only those determined to be most qualified based on experience, training, and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Candidates will be notified about their status after the filing deadline.

INTERVIEW DATES AND INFORMATION:

A select number of candidates will be invited to a qualifying panel interview process that is tentatively scheduled for the Week of May 13th or 20th. Select candidates will be notified of specifics after the filing deadline.

The department selection interviews will be scheduled promptly after the oral panel interviews. Candidates selected to proceed will be notified.

The Eligibility List established for this classification may be used to fill other regular and temporary vacancies at the discretion of the City.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need an accommodation in a selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date of the position you are interested in. The Human Resources address is 501 Poli Street, Room 210, Ventura, CA 93001, , e-mail:

THE ORGANIZATION

The City of Ventura operates under the Council/ Manager form of government under a charter adopted by voters in 1934, with an elected seven-member City Council. This full-service municipality is supported by 11 major City departments: City Manager, City Attorney, Finance, Information Technology, Human Resources, Community Development, Parks & Recreation, Fire, Police, Public Works, and Ventura Water. The City's Adopted FY 2023/2024 Operating and Capital budget totals approximately $428.8 million. The City Council and the City Manager are dedicated to the highest standards of integrity, public service, and innovative approaches to governing.

To learn more about the City of Ventura, please visit and view the FY Adopted Budget.

CITY OF VENTURA

The City of Ventura is located just north of Los Angeles County and south of Santa Barbara County and is frequently considered one of America's most desirable places to live. The City is a full-service municipality founded in 1782, incorporated in 1866, and serves nearly 110,000 residents within its 32 square miles. With nearly 700 employees, the City is dedicated to delivering key services to our businesses, residents, and visitors to ensure Ventura remains a fiscally stable, economically vibrant, safe, clean, and desirable community.

Locals and visitors enjoy Ventura's impressive park system that includes 32 parks and historic sites, and more than 800 acres of open green space. The City offers a remarkable year-round climate, friendly people, and a spectacular coastline. Ventura is an exciting location for a variety of outdoor activities, such as biking, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, surfing, whale watching, and windsurfing. Other activities include the Channel Islands National Park, championship golf, world-class shopping, wine tours, and more. Learn more about the City of Ventura at

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

The City of Ventura values human rights, goodwill, respect, inclusivity, and equality and recognizes that the City derives its strength from a rich diversity of thoughts, ideas, and contributions. As leaders in public service, we aspire to be an employer of choice by promoting an organizational culture that reflects these core values. We seek to attract, develop, and retain a talented and dedicated workforce where people of diverse races, genders, religions, cultures, political affiliations, and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that empowers our employees to provide the highest level of service to our community of residents and businesses; they're counting on us.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and local law. We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce. We welcome you to join our team

Direct Deposit: Paychecks are automatically deposited to employee accounts.

Employment Information:

Right to Work: Before employment, candidates must submit documentation verifying their legal right to work in the United States.

Background Check: A pre-employment verification of background, references, and medical examination will be conducted. A drug screening may be required for some positions. Applicants for positions using a City vehicle may be required to submit a DMV report.

Probationary Period: This is an 'At Will' position, subject to discharge without notice or right to appeal.

Deferred Compensation: The City contributes $442 per year to at 457 Plan, and will match $1650 per year contributed by the employee, for a total benefit of $2092 per year.

Medical & Dental Insurance: Up to $665 monthly towards a selection of plans. Medical and dental insurance is effective the first of the second month after date of hire.

Optional Benefits: $495 monthly, which may be applied toward medical insurance premiums. Cash-out option is not available.

Vision Insurance: City paid coverage provided for employees and their dependents. Vision insurance is effective the first of the second month after date of hire.

Life Insurance: City paid term life insurance equal to the employee's annual salary, and dependent life insurance of $2,000 per dependent.

Disability Insurance: City paid short and long-term disability coverage.

Retirement:

Tier I - 2% @ 55/Single Highest Year of Compensation for Classic CalPERS members who worked for the City prior to December 31, 2012 and are returning to City employment. Employees make a 7% member contribution, and may be subject to compensation limits per Section 401(a)(17) of the IRC.

Tier II - 2% @ 60/3-Year Final Compensation Period for Classic CalPERS members with less than a six-month break in service from another CalPERS or CalPERS'-reciprocal agency. Employees make a 7% member contribution, and may be subject to compensation limits per Section 401(a)(17) of the IRC.

Tier III - 2% at 62/3-Year Final Compensation Period for New CalPERS members. Employees make a 6.25% member contribution, and are subject to compensation limits per Government Code Section Additional details regarding the City's retirement plan will be provided to candidates during the job offer process.

Social Security: CalPERS members do not participate in Social Security retirement so there is no payroll deduction. Receiving a CalPERS benefit may affect your Social Security upon retirement. For further information contact a Social Security office or

Medicare: Employees participate only in the Medicare portion of Social Security. There is a 1.45% payroll deduction for this benefit.

Vacation: 3 weeks per year, increasing to 4 weeks after 5 years of service, for managers. Four weeks per year for Department Heads.

Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.

Winter Holiday Break:18 hours of Winter Holiday time. City Hall closure December 25th to January 1st.

Administrative Leave: Up to 80 hours per year.

Sick Leave: 96-hour-bank upon employment and additional accruals of 2 hours semi-monthly after 6 months of employment.

Annual physical examination: City-paid annual physical examination.

Auto allowance: $275 per month for Managers.

Tuition Reimbursement: $2,500 per fiscal year for tuition and books for course taken at accredited institution.

Student Loan Forgiveness: The City currently qualifies as an eligible employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Direct Deposit: Paychecks are automatically deposited to employee accounts.

Flexible Workweek: A 9/80 workweek is available for some positions.

Wellness Program: A comprehensive program is available, including on-site gym, exercise classes, downtown/beach-walking routes, weight loss, and tips on nutrition and healthy lifestyle.

Professional Development: The City of Ventura is a LinkedIn Learning organization. LinkedIn Learning online classes are available with a library of more than 13,000 courses taught by real-world experts. Users can download certificates and customize learning paths that match their roles and competencies.

01

The qualifications for this position require a combination of training, education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, public administration, business administration, or related field.

Please indicate your highest level of education completed below.

• Doctoral degree
• Master's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Associate degree
• Some College
• High School Diploma/GED

02

For the degree completed and selected above, please list your major area of study (e.g., urban or regional planning, environmental planning, public administration, business administration, etc.).
If you have no degree mark N/A.

03

Briefly describe your leadership style and your experience in managing a new team.

04

Briefly describe your philosophy on training and fostering a culture of collaboration and teamwork.

05

Discuss your experience making complex presentations to elected officials or large audiences.

06

I certify that my responses are true and complete, and any misstatements of material facts, or failure to answer questions will subject me to disqualification from the testing process and/or dismissal from employment.

• Yes
• No

Required Question