Who We Are
The City of Beverly Hills has a long-standing reputation for providing superior customer service to residents, businesses, and visitors. This characteristic, combined with outstanding staff in all departments, has been a hallmark of success for this high-performance organization. The municipal government (approximately 1,000+ full-time and part-time employees) provides the highest quality safety services, recreational, municipal services, and physical environment.

What We Do
The Community Development Department guides the planning, development, and preservation of the City of Beverly Hills. The department is composed of six divisions (Administration, Code Enforcement, Special Events and Filming, Building and Safety, Planning, and Rent Stabilization) and provides staff support to three commissions (Architectural and Design Review, Cultural Heritage, and Planning). Community Development is responsible for the review and processing of all private development projects to ensure compliance with the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Building Code including planning entitlements, zoning and plan review, permits, and inspections. The department preserves the community's character and high quality of life through code enforcement and historic preservation programs and administration of the Rent Stabilization Ordinance.

Who We're Looking For
The City of Beverly Hills is looking for an experienced urban planner and manager to be its next Assistant Director of Community Development/City Planner. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in a municipal planning department, including managing complex development projects, leading long-range planning efforts, supervising planners, and managing operations. This role supports three commissions and oversees the processing of high-profile project applications. The ideal candidate will be comfortable regularly communicating and interacting with commission members, demanding applicant teams, community stakeholders, and the public. The City Planner leads a group of 19 dedicated and hard-working professionals that manage a considerable caseload and pride themselves on providing exceptional customer service. We are looking for a candidate who thrives in a fast-paced setting where they will be regularly expected to think critically to solve problems, make decisions, and provide policy direction. The ideal candidate will also be expected to serve as an effective leader and mentor to their team in a high-pressure environment.

Detailed Job Description:

Assistant Director of Community Development/City Planner Job Description

Selection Process
The selection process may include any combination of the following:

• Résumé and Cover Letter Review
• Training and Experience Review
• Oral Interviews (NOTE: The first round of interviews are scheduled for Monday, October 6, 2025)

Proof of EducationEEO StatementExempt At-Will Status
Employees in this position are at-will and exempt from the Civil Service pursuant to Beverly Hills Municipal Code Section 2-5.206. At-will employment is defined by Labor Code § 2922.

Disaster Service Workers
DEFINITION
To assist the Director of Community Development in managing and directing the Community Development Department; to plan, organize, and direct the activities of the Planning Division; and to provide highly complex staff assistance to the Director of Community Development.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Director of Community Development.
Exercises direct supervision over assigned management, professional, and administrative support staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist the Director of Community Development in managing and directing the Community Development Department; assume the duties of the Director of Community Development in the director’s absence.
• Assist in developing department goals and objectives; assist in the development and implementation of department policies and procedures.
• Lead the City's land use planning and development programs including current planning, long range planning, urban design, historic preservation, and major projects.
• Develop and implement Planning Division work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
• Direct the work of the professional, technical, and clerical personnel in the Planning Division.
• Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures as required; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the department.
• Interpret codes and regulations; establish and implement policies and procedures.
  Identify new and innovative practices within the planning profession and integrates these into the operations and policies of the City of Beverly Hills as appropriate.
• Guide updates to the General Plan, the municipal code, and other policy and legal documents as appropriate.
• Work in coordination with the City Building Official on activities and programs of the two divisions to accomplish the Department's mission, goals, and objectives.
• Coordinate the development review process with other divisions and departments.
• Manage the work and operations of the Planning Commission, Architectural and Design Review Commission, and Cultural Heritage Commission.
• Provide policy direction to applicants regarding development projects and consistency with the goals and policies of the City's planning documents.
• Respond to policy and technical inquiries of decision makers regarding planning issues.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.
• Represent the City to outside groups and organizations and at meetings such as the Chamber of Commerce; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
• Ensure participation in and compliance with mandated regional and state planning programs.
• Prepare the division budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; administer the approved budget.
• Participate in management programs initiated by the City Manager's office, as assigned.
• Facilitate staff and commission retreats, community meetings, and inter-jurisdictional meetings.
• Assist new or existing staff in learning departmental practices and protocols, methods, and procedures.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
Six years of progressively responsible planning experience in a municipal planning organization; including two years of management responsibility.

Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, architecture, economics, geography, public policy or related field.
A Master’s degree is highly desirable.

License and Certificate
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is highly desirable.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License.
Knowledge of:
State planning laws and case law.
Principles and practices of municipal planning.
Negotiation and mediation skills.
Collaborating with community groups.
Project management practices in complex development projects.
Principles and practices of policy development and implementing.
Contract management.
Municipal finance.
Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.
Principles and practices of business correspondence and report writing.
Pertinent local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and laws.
Principles and practices of budget development, implementation, and monitoring.
Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
Standard office procedures, methods, computer equipment, and related software applications.

Ability to:
Organize, direct, and implement a comprehensive City planning program.
On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations, and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve department related issues; remember various rules and procedures; and explain and interpret policy.
Prepare and administer a budget.
Supervise, train, and evaluate personnel.
Interpret and explain department policies and procedures.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Represent the interests of community members who are uninformed in local planning requirements.
Mentor staff in the planning profession.
Translate concerns into action items for improvement.
Actively participate in professional organizations including attendance at conferences and workshops, speaking on a panel, holding elected offices, etc.
Ability to understand the culture of the organization and community and provide leadership appropriate to Beverly Hills.
Develop and foster positive working relationships with community leaders, developers, land use attorneys, community organizations.