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Assistant Director of Community Development/City Planner
Assistant Director of Community Development/City Planner at City of Beverly Hills – Beverly Hills, California
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About This Position
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 DescriptionSelection Process
Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the job bulletin at the time of submission unless specified otherwise.
When an application is being reviewed, only information included in the Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills sections of the application will be considered to determine whether an applicant meets the minimum qualifications.
Résumés and cover letters are required and will be reviewed when screening for minimum qualifications.
Résumés and cover letters are not accepted in lieu of a complete job application.
Required supplemental attachments (i.e. diplomas, degrees, certifications or transcripts, etc.) must be included as part of the original application and may not be emailed separately unless explicitly stated otherwise or approved to be submitted separately.
Applications must have clear, concise, and complete information regarding their qualifications for the position, including detailed responses to all supplemental questions, if applicable.
Incomplete applications will not be considered or reviewed.
If you have problems creating a user account or submitting your online application, please review the online applicant guide or contact NEOGOV applicant support directly at 855.524.5627 (Please note: Applicant Support hours are Monday through Friday, 8am - 5pm Pacific Time and, depending on call volume, may be an automated voicemail system or live support).
The utilization of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) during any step in the selection process will be grounds for disqualification.
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 Education
If educational units, a degree, transcripts, or certificate is required, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your Government Jobs account at the time of application and before the closing date unless specified otherwise by Human Resources. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.
If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE).
Note: Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification or disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Conviction History
As a finalist for a job, you will be contacted to schedule a fingerprinting appointment and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice(DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction (or arrest, in limited circumstances) conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you are a finalist. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with the City.
The City of Beverly Hills will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the City of Beverly Hills is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov.
The City of Beverly Hills is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible work environment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, driver’s license status or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to assist with the application, examination or interview process, please contact our Human Resources department at humanresources@beverlyhills.org. Please note that this request must be made at least three business days prior to any test or interview in the selection process.
The City of Beverly Hills is compliant with SB1100 which amends California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibiting employers from requiring a driver's license in certain job postings.
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
All City of Beverly Hills employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
NOTE: The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
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.