Planning & Development Director

Salary : $215,208.00 - $261,588.00 Annually
Location : Corona, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Benefited
Job Number: 2026-21-03
Department: Planning and Development Department
Opening Date: 04/09/2026


DESCRIPTION


Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the Planning and Development Department including planning, engineering, building, and compliance inspections; formulates departmental policies, goals, and directives; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and with intergovernmental, regulatory agencies, and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the City Manager in areas of expertise; and performs related duties, as assigned. Receives administrative direction from the City Manager. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.


This is a department director classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Planning and Development Department, involving the development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. This class provides assistance to the City Manager in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires experience and knowledge of land use development and the required regulatory practices; knowledge of public policy, City functions, processes, and activities, including the role of the City Council and appointed Commissions, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the department with those of other departments and outside agencies, and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives, and for furthering City goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan within general policy guidelines.
Community A City whose heritage spans more than a century, the City of Corona, located in Riverside County, California, encompasses around 40 square miles and has a vibrant, culturally diverse population of approximately 168,100 residents. Residents of Corona enjoy a variety of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities that provide a first-rate quality of life for its residents and visitors. Within an hour's travel time, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy such winter activities as snowboarding and skiing, and such summer activities as surfing, boating, or simply relaxing on a beach. Corona's economy is strong and getting stronger; more than 84,000 people work here. Our retail, commercial, and housing areas are expanding, and office development continues to be strong.

The Organization The City of Corona is a General Law city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. Policymaking and legislative authority are vested in the City Council, consisting of a Mayor and four Council Members. Members of the City Council are elected by District to a four-year term. The Mayor is selected by the Council and serves as the presiding officer for one year.

The City is organized into the following departments/organizational units: City Manager's Office, Community Services, Economic Development, Finance, Fire, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal and Risk Management, Planning & Development, Police, Public Works, and Utilities. Oversight of these departments is divided between the City Manager and two Assistant City Managers.

The City's total operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026 is $422.7 million with a General Fund operating budget of $231.3 million. Corona enjoys a workforce of more 1,000 dedicated employees who provide high-quality services to its residents and visitors each day.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES


Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assumes full management responsibility for all Planning and Development Department programs, services, and activities including planning, engineering, building, and compliance inspections.
• Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; establishes, within City policy, appropriate budget, service, and staffing levels.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department's budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements budgetary adjustments, as necessary.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Contributes to the overall quality of the department's service by developing, reviewing, and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and City needs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
• Monitors legal, regulatory, technology, and societal changes and court decisions that may affect the work of the department; determines equipment acquisition, training programs, and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of services to the community in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.
• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine City needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
• Creates and updates long-range planning documents such as the City's General Plan, Climate Action Plan, General Plan Housing Element, and other assigned plans; prepares modifications to General Plan Elements, the Zoning Ordinance, and other applicable ordinances and policies.
• Oversees and participates in the activities of the City's Planning and Housing Commission and the Historic Preservation Board; functions as the liaison with the City Manager's Office concerning development issues; maintains significant contact with developers and ensures development projects benefit the City; serves as a technical advisor to the Planning and Housing Commission, Historic Preservation Board, City Council, and City staff; participates in and makes presentations to the City Council and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions.
• Serves as project manager for complex planning projects, including analyzing and evaluating site plans, performing technical review for project plans and applications, reviewing environmental documents, ensuring mitigation is properly implemented, and making recommendations.
• Represents the department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
• Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the areas of responsibility.
• Directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files.
• Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the City Manager.
• Responds to the most complex and difficult inquiries and requests for information; provides information and resolves service issues and complaints; represents the department with other City departments, other agencies, civic groups, developers, and the public.
• Serves as a spokesperson for the department at a variety of community events, meetings, and other public relations activities.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Principles and practices of strategic plan development.
• Principles and practices of managing and administering complex budgets.
• Principles and practices of contract management.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Principles, practices, and procedures of public administration in a municipal setting.
• Functions, authority, and responsibilities of an elected City Council.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Theories, principles, and contents of General Plan, land use, zoning, land development , and urban planning regulations, natural resource protection, and environmental laws.
• Principles and techniques of conducting site planning, architectural review, subdivision design, land use, and other analytical studies, evaluating alternatives, and making sound recommendations.
• City codes, ordinances, standard operating manuals, personnel policies and procedures, and applicable memoranda of understanding.
• Practices, principles, procedures, regulations, and techniques of City planning, zoning, and land development.
• Community involvement methods and practices.
• Methods and techniques for the development of presentations and information distribution.
• Methods and techniques of developing technical and administrative reports and business correspondence.
• Research methods and techniques.
• Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership for the Planning and Development Department that reflects the Vision, Purpose, and Values of the City's Strategic Plan.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, and technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Effectively administer a variety of community development programs and administrative activities.
• Perform and negotiate cost/benefit analyses.
• Plan, analyze, and evaluate programs and services, operational needs, and fiscal constraints.
• Excel in making effective public presentations to elected bodies, business groups, and the general public on development projects, and state legislation affecting planning and zoning laws.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, community groups, and various business, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Direct the establishment of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

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

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban or regional planning, public administration, architecture, or a related field.

Experience:

• Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible administrative government experience in planning, building, housing, or a related field, including five (5) years of management experience, preferably at a Deputy Director or Director level.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYEES CITY PAID BENEFITS

For a complete explanation of benefits, benefit eligibility and restrictions, please refer to the current City Council Resolution Governing Compensation and Benefits of Non-Represented Executive Group Employees. Any information contained herein that may conflict with the provisions of the Resolution, the Resolution shall prevail.

RETIREMENT: Employees are covered by the Public Employees' Retirement System. The City does not participate in Social Security and the City pays the employees mandatory contribution to the Medicare Program.

The City offers two retirement formulas based on the employee's current CalPERS membership status. The 2.7% @ 55 for miscellaneous or 3 % @ 50 for safety, single highest year of service retirement formula will be applied to employees hired prior to January 1, 2013, and those current CalPERS members with no significant break in PERS-qualified employment. The 2% @ 62 for miscellaneous or 2.7% @ 57 for safety, three-year average retirement formula will be applied to those employees with a significant break in PERS-qualified employment and those who have not formerly been a member of CalPERS or another retirement program with which CalPERS has a reciprocal relationship.

All employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, will be subject to CalPERS membership review for applicability of PEPRA.


ANNUAL LEAVE & HOLIDAYS: Employees will receive 230 Hours (8.85 hours per pay period) of paid leave earned during the first year of service. Additional annual leave accrual rates earned after one year of service, are based on criteria established in the Resolution.

Additionally, there are 13 (10 hour) paid holidays (130 hours) per calendar year.
IN LIEU LEAVE: The City will provide executive leave for exempt Executive Group employees in lieu of other compensation for overtime. Exempt Executive Group employees shall receive 40 hours of In Lieu Leave at the beginning of each quarter (January 1 - March 31, April 1 - June 30, July 1 - September 30, and October 1 - December 31) based on a calendar year.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION (457) PLAN: To supplement retirement, employees can make voluntary salary deferrals to a Nationwide plan. Employee contribution limits are defined by law.

AUTO ALLOWANCE/ASSIGNED CITY VEHICLE: Eligible classifications designated by the City Manager may receive up to a $480/month auto allowance or an assigned City-maintained vehicle.

BILINGUAL PAY: The Bilingual Pay Program provides an increase of $322.50 per month for those members demonstrating the ability to both understand and effectively communicate in a language other than English that the City Manager has determined is necessary for the effective or efficient operation of the City. To become qualified, an Association member must be certified by the Human Resources Department after successfully passing an oral conversational test established by Management. Employees must re-certify every three (3) years to be eligible to receive bilingual pay by passing the certification test.

LONGEVITY PAY: After 5 years of service $1,400.00 annually. After 10 years of service $1,600.00 annually. After 15 years of service $1,800.00 annually. After 20 years of service $2,000.00 annually.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The City currently offers Kaiser and Blue Shield HMO plans as well as several Anthem Blue Cross PPO plans through CalPERS. For plan information, click the link below.
The City provides a Medical Allowance to Members to be used for the purpose of purchasing mandatory health coverage offered through PEMHCA for the Member and his or her eligible dependents. The Medical Allowance shall consist of the following: (1) the Base Contribution Rate, plus (2) an amount equal to the difference between the Base Contribution Rate and the following amounts, as applicable:

1. $978 per month for Members electing Employee only coverage;
2. $1,956 per month for Members electing Employee plus one dependent coverage; or
3. $2,579 per month for Members electing Employee plus two or more dependents coverage.

In lieu of receiving the Medical Allowance and Medical Difference (if applicable), a Member may elect to receive a monthly allocation to the Cafeteria Plan according to the following schedule:


(1) $600.00 for Employee + 2 or more dependents
(2) $400.00 for Employee + 1 dependent
(3) $200.00 for Employee Only

DENTAL INSURANCE: The City currently offers HMO and PPO dental insurance through Delta Dental. Dental insurance premiums are paid by the employee.

VISION INSURANCE: The City currently offers vision insurance through Eye Med. Vision insurance premiums are paid by the employee.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT: Each employee may contribute to either a medical reimbursement account or dependent care account to pay for unreimbursed medical expenses and/or dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM: This is a comprehensive program designed to help employees and their family members find direction in solving personal and/or emotional problems.


TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Education plans approved in writing by the City on or after November 14, 2017, the City shall reimburse Members for the costs (tuition and books) and a lifetime maximum amount of $10,000 per employee.