About The Position
** Please Click HERE to Access the Director of Community Development Brochure **
This recruitment will close on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The applicants that best meet the needs of the Community Development Department may be invited to the next phase of the recruitment.
Under the direction of the City Manager, the Director of Community Development plans, organizes and directs the activities of the Community Development Department to design and implement economic development and marketing strategies and programs that will attract, retain and expand the City's commercial, retail and business base, as well as manage and oversee the day-to-day operations of the housing, planning, code enforcement and building & safety activities of the City.
Class Characteristics
The Director of Community Development is responsible for the management and direction of all community development, housing, planning, code enforcement, and building & safety activities. The Director of Community Development is a member of the Executive Management Team of the City.
Supervision Received
Works under the general administrative direction and supervision of the City Manager.
Supervision Exercised
Exercises direct supervision over all divisions of the Community Development Department, including Housing, Planning, Code Enforcement, and Building & Safety.
Examples Of Essential Functions
The following functions are typical for this classification. The incumbent may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
Assume full management responsibility for all department services and activities including planning, organizing and directing all internal support functions for all of the divisions within the Community Development Department; recommend and implement policies and procedures.
Set goals and objectives consistent with City Council and Successor Agency policies and directives;
Assist new and existing businesses, developers and other public and private entities in the investment in or expansion of operations within the City;
Establish and administer the budget of the Community Development Department;
Prepare action plans and work schedules and ensure their timely implementation;
Direct the agenda and activities of all employees of the Department, including those responsible for City Housing, Planning, Code Enforcement, and Building & Safety;
Evaluate or review evaluations of staff's performance against established goals and objectives; make all decisions regarding the hiring, discharge, discipline, promotion and transfer of Community Development staff.
Minimum & Desirable Qualifications
Education and Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. A typical way of obtaining the knowledge and abilities would be: graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, urban planning, or related field and five (5) years of professional management experience in directing urban planning, economic development or housing programs, preferably in a public or similar organization providing such services. A Master's Degree in Public Administration of Business Administration is desirable.
License/Certification/Special Requirements
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record at time of appointment and throughout employment in this position is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Knowledge of: the demographics, economic and social concerns of the City, combined with effective management and administrative skills; budget preparation and expenditure control, are also essential. Fluency in oral and written Spanish, in addition to English, is highly desirable.
Skill and Ability to: be an effective public speaker with the ability to present information to the City Manager, City Council, Successor Agency, commercial retail and business leaders and representatives; possess effective problem solving and reconciliation skills; be able to lead and motivate others, and to set manageable goals and objectives.
Other Important Information
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderately loud when outdoors. Incumbents are not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Application Packets Must Include: A fully completed online employment application which:
- A complete resume covering at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience).
- Cover letter.
- A minimum of three (3) professional references.
- Responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
- Must be specific in describing your qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.
- Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any phase of the application or selection process must advise Human Resources and make such a request during the application process. Every effort will be made to provide a reasonable accommodation where requested.
Selection Process: All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.
- Preliminary Interviews: March 6, 2025
- Recommendation of Candidates: March 13, 2025
- Final Interview Process: March 20, 2025
Pre-employment Process
- The City supports a Drug-Free Workplace.
- All potential employees are required to successfully complete a thorough background investigation, fingerprinting, and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening).
- New employees must complete a verification form designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America.
Hiring of Relatives: Relatives of existing employees by blood or marriage will not be eligible for employment with the City if potential supervision, safety, security, or morale problems exist; or if potential conflicts of interest exist. Relatives include an employee's parents, children, spouse, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and step relationships.
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of South Gate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability (mental or physical), medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy), sexual orientation (including homosexuality, bisexuality, or heterosexuality), or military or veteran status in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.
The City of South Gate
The City of South Gate is a busy urban community consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial development, spread over 7.41 square miles. It is currently ranked the 59th largest city in California with a population of approximately 97,000. Strategically located along the 710 freeway, the City is just 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.
Appointed & Top Management Positions' Benefits
Benefits for Appointed and some Top Management Positions vary and are based on contract agreements between the employee and City Council.
Benefits Typically Include The Following
- Vehicle Allowance
- City pays $500 per month as an automobile allowance.
- Technology Allowance
- City pays $120 per month toward communication expenses in lieu of providing a cell phone.
- Administrative Leave
- 100 hours annually to a maximum accumulation of 200 hours. Employee may cash out up to 40 hours of administrative leave annually.
- Vacation Leave
- 120 hours to 200 hours annually (based on years of service) with a maximum leave accumulation of 350 hours annually. Employee may cash out up to 40 hours of vacation annually.
- Sick Leave
- 120 hours annually of sick leave.
- Deferred Compensation
- City shall match employee contribution up to $550 per month.
- Holidays
- 130 hours of holiday leave (10 holidays) per year including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
- Retirement CalPERS
- Current PERS Members - 2.7% at age 55 (5 year vesting period)
- New PERS Members – 2.0% at age 62 (5 year vesting period)
- Retiree Medical Insurance
- $300/month stipend plus CalPERS fee, at retirement with 20 yrs of qualifying City service and continued CalPERS medical enrollment in retirement.
- Life Insurance
- City provides $100,000 of life insurance.
- If employee elects to participate in long-term disability insurance, City provides 50 % of the cost.
- Health Insurance
- City contributes up to $1,000 per month plus 1% of salary toward medical and dental insurance. Opt out for health coverage is up to $900 per month deposited into employee's deferred compensation account. City pays Vision insurance premium for employees and up 2 dependents.
- Medical & Dental Opt Out
- Opt out of health coverage is up to $900 per month deposited into deferred account.
- Superior Vision Insurance
- City pays Vision insurance premium for employee and up to 2 dependents at HMO rate.
- Allowance
- City will pay $225 per month for achieving a Master's Degree or higher from a fully accredited university.
- Fitness
- Employee is entitled to a family membership at the South Gate Sports Center at no cost, which includes access to golf course and swimming pool.
- Tuition Reimbursement
- City pays up to $3,500 for university or recognized professional organization (American Planner Associate, etc.) annually with pre-approval by City Manager.
01
I understand that an incomplete application may lead to disqualification from the recruitment process and I have supplied all the applicable information in my application. Examples of incomplete/inaccurate information leading to disqualification include, but are not limited to noting incorrect department, leaving dates of employment blank, not attaching requested copies of certificates, leaving duties blank or noting "See Resume," etc.
02
Did you graduate from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, urban planning, or a related field?
03
If you selected "Yes" to Question #2, please indicate the academic institution that awarded your bachelor's degree and the area of study. If you answered "No," to Question #2, please indicate N/A.
04
Do you currently possess a Master’s degree in public or business administration, urban planning, or a related field?
05
Do you have five (5) years of professional management experience in directing urban planning, economic development or housing programs, preferably in a public or similar organization providing such services?
06
If you answered "Yes" to Question #5, please list your previous and current experience. Please include name of employer(s), position(s) held, duration of employment, and duties assigned. If you answered "No" to Question #5, please indicate N/A.
07
Summarize your progressively responsible supervisory and administrative experience in Community Development. In your summary, include the size of the organization and annual budget.
08
Describe your experience working with partners and stakeholders including: elected officials, community organizations, regional partners, executive team, and City support staff.
09
Describe your experience implementing technological changes to enhance service delivery.
10
Are you a CalPERS retired annuitant?
11
A resume, cover letter and three (3) professional references are required to be submitted as attachments when submitting your application. Please confirm that you have added your resume, cover letter and three (3) professional references.
