Planning Manager (Palm Desert)

Planning Manager

The City of Palm Desert is seeking a forward-thinking and collaborative Planning Manager to lead a high-performing team dedicated to shaping the community's future. This exciting leadership opportunity is ideal for an experienced planning professional who enjoys overseeing complex planning initiatives, advancing innovative and customer-focused services, and guiding both long-range and current planning efforts. As a key member of the Development Services Department, the Planning Manager will play an important role in implementing the City's General Plan, mentoring staff, managing impactful projects, and partnering with City leadership, agencies, and the community to support Palm Desert's continued growth and success.

Appointment to this position is expected to fall within the salary range of $129,979 to $150,488; however, the final amount will be carefully determined based on the candidate's knowledge, skills, qualifications, and an evaluation of internal equity within the organization. Exceptional candidates with highly relevant experience and credentials may be considered for compensation above the anticipated hiring range.

Under administrative direction, plans, schedules, assigns, and reviews the work of staff performing professional and technical planning work in support of programs, projects, and activities of the Planning and related Division in the Development Services Department; supervises and conducts long-range planning, current planning, and environmental compliance analysis; supervises and participates in the implementation of the City's General Plan; manages the effective use of the City's planning resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; emphasizes innovation, data-driven decision-making, and customer-focused service delivery in all planning and development activities; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Director of Development Services and Deputy Director of Development Services and others in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

Receives supervision from the Director of Development Services or designee. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over professional, technical, and/or administrative staff.

This is a management classification that manages the programs, projects, and staff within the Planning Division. Responsibilities include performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making. Incumbents are also expected to independently perform the full range of high-level professional planning duties. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day activities and operations of the Division. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive background in professional planning, as well as skill in coordinating work with other City departments and external agencies.

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

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff assigned to the Planning Divisions, including current and long-range planning, housing, historic preservation, environmental compliance, and interagency coordination; trains staff in work procedures; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action as needed; assists in employee selection and promotion.
• Monitors activities of the Planning Division; recommends improvements and modifications and prepares various reports on activities, programs, and projects; recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives; implements policies and procedures.
• Determines and recommends staffing needs for assigned activities and programs; participates in the annual budget preparation; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications, as required; maintains a variety of records and prepares routine reports of work performance.
• Supervises and participates in the development, monitoring, implementation, and updating of the City's General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, specific plans, and other land use studies; drafts new City ordinances governing land use development; provides guidance to staff on appropriate community engagement and outreach tools and approaches and data collection methodology, analysis, and management; continuously evaluates long-range planning documents and recommends revisions to the Director or designee.
• Prepares narrative and statistical reports, correspondence, and other documents related to assigned activities; presents staff reports and provides information to the City Manager, Development Services Director, City Council, and various commissions, committees, and boards as assigned.
• Serves as project manager on complex current and long-range planning and development projects; meets with prospective developers to discuss new and ongoing projects; schedules and facilitates meetings and community hearings; and monitors project implementation to ensure conformance with approved plans, conditions, and mitigation measures.
• Delivers exceptional customer service and high-level support to internal teams, applicants, contractors, and external stakeholders throughout the development review and permitting processes.
• Implement and refine processes and procedures to improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and customer satisfaction, including continuous evaluation and adoption of best practices.
• Manage assigned high-priority or complex development projects from application intake through final approval, ensuring all regulatory requirements are met and work products are delivered within established timelines.
• Supervises and participates in the professional review and processing of proposed development projects to ensure applications for entitlements are complete and in conformance with City policies and regulations and local, state, and federal requirements; coordinates the technical processing of development proposals and reports; may conduct the more complex reviews of entitlements and environmental reports.
• Supervises and participates in the review and preparation of documents to ensure compliance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and federal environmental requirements. Coordinates Division programs, projects, and activities with other City departments, local jurisdictions and agencies, and regional, state, and federal agencies. Advises other departments of environmental and permitting requirements and identifies recommended course of action.
• Serves as secretary and/or staff for assigned boards, committees, and commissions; represents the interests of the City; provides advice and explains and interprets planning policies and regulations.
• Assists the Director of Development Services or Deputy Director of Development Services with special projects; conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Prepares, reviews, and presents data-driven staff reports, management and information updates, and reports on projects to the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Committee, Architectural Review Commission, City Council, and other committees and commissions, and at public meetings.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in urban planning; research and monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Supervises and participates in assisting the public at the front counter, by telephone, or by email, answering questions and providing information.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Oversees implementation of the City's Housing Element and ensures compliance with Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements.
• Interprets and implements applicable State housing laws and regulations, including but not limited to density bonus law, accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations, and ministerial approval processes.
• Monitors housing production trends and prepares required reports to State agencies.
• Advises staff, management, and decision-makers on evolving State legislation impacting land use, housing, and development.
• Coordinates or contributes to climate action, greenhouse gas reduction, and sustainability initiatives.
• Develops and utilizes performance metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), and data dashboards to monitor departmental effectiveness and inform decision-making.
• Analyzes development trends, demographic data, and economic indicators to support long-range planning and policy development.
• Oversees and supports the implementation and continuous improvement of electronic permitting (e-permitting) systems and digital plan review processes.
• Identifies and implements process improvements to enhance efficiency, transparency, and customer experience.
• Collaborates with Information Systems staff and consultants to optimize planning-related software systems, including permitting and GIS platforms.
• Evaluates and incorporates emerging technologies and best practices in planning and development services.
• Supports economic development initiatives by aligning planning policies and development review processes with the City's economic goals.
• Facilitates development projects that contribute to community vitality, job creation, and ]]>