DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Director Of Community Development

Join the City of Lawndale's new executive leadership team and help shape the City's next chapter. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside a new City Manager, influence organization-wide initiatives and build strong partnerships with City employees, elected officials, residents and the business community. If you are a strategic leader committed to public service, operational excellence and meaningful community impact, we invite you to consider joining the City of Lawndale.

Summary: Under the direction of supervision of the City Manager, plans, organizes, directs and administers activities and operations of the Community Development Department, current and advance planning, grant administration, building and safety, economic development, housing agency, housing successor agency, successor agency, dissolution of redevelopment, oversight board and related functions; provides administrative assistance to the City Manager; coordinates department activities with other City departments and outside agencies.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Develops plans and implements department goals, objectives, policies and procedures
• Manages operations of the Lawndale Housing Authority, Successor Agency to the Lawndale Redevelopment Agency, Oversight Board, economic development and grant programs, and oversees the City's zoning code, recommending updates to the City Council when applicable
• Prepares and presents reports to the Planning Commission and to the City Council
• Directs, oversees and participates in the development of the department's work plan
• Assigns activities, projects and programs
• Monitors work flow
• Reviews and evaluates products, methods and procedures
• Directs and oversees redevelopment activities, land acquisition and disposition, financing, marketing and infrastructure improvement, and ensures compliance with environmental laws
• Serves as staff to the housing authority, successor agency and oversight board
• Directs and oversees economic development activities, housing and commercial rehabilitation, business retention and attraction, and related programs
• Directs and oversees grant funded housing programs
• Ensures that funds are administered according to applicable rules and regulations
• Develops and administers the department's budget
• Directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies
• Monitors and approves expenditures and implements adjustments
• Maintains department financial records, expenditures and income
• Prepares consultant requests for proposals and related documents; administers contracts and supervises consultants
• Selects, trains and evaluates personnel
• Interfaces with employees to correct deficiencies and implements discipline and termination procedures
• Directs, coordinates and oversees the activities of Los Angeles County contract staff
• Represents the department to outside groups and organizations
• Participates in outside community, professional groups and committees
• Assists in development of Planning Commission agendas
• Responds to and resolves citizen inquires and complaints
• Negotiates and executes contracts and agreements
• Reviews and interprets applicable government regulations and requirements
• Researches and prepares technical and administrative reports and studies and prepares written correspondence
• Performs a variety of duties as assigned

Minimum qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Knowledge of: Principles and practices of PC's and related software; Principles and practices of City administration and City department functions; General public assessment of the City's roles, responsibilities, and commitment to its residents; Principles and practices of land use and zoning, community development, dissolution, economic development, housing and redevelopment administration and environmental compliance; State of California community redevelopment law and redevelopment practices; Local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations, and municipal code; Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management, budget preparation and administration; HUD Section 8 policies and programs; Financial and legal analysis of real estate; Principles and practices of supervision, training and performance evaluation
• Ability to: Communicate effectively verbally and in writing; Operate a PC and related software; Maintain effective working relationships with other people; Explain community development policies and programs and procedures; Provide vision or facilitate the creation of vision to create projects and public policy and programs; Problem solve planning and inter- and intra-department issues; Interpret personnel rules, legal and code requirements and observe and evaluate staff performance; Plan, direct and control department administration and operations; Develop and implement department policies and procedures; Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion and conflict resolution; Develop, control and administer department budget and expenditures and collaborate on the housing authority and successor agency budgets; Identify and respond to public, City Council and Planning Commission issues and concerns; Interpret and apply city, federal, state and local policies, procedures, rules and regulations and municipal codes

Education and/or experience: Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities. A typical way to obtain these would be: Bachelor's degree in public administration, urban planning or a related field; Master's degree in public administration, urban planning or a related field, preferable; American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferable; Five (5) years of ever increasing levels of professional and responsible supervisory experience, preferably in the planning and community development environment, experience in dissolution law is also desirable; Two (2) years experience in a supervisory capacity; Maintain a valid driver's license in the state of California and certificate of automobile insurance for personal liability

Selection procedure: Apply immediately, subject to close without notice. (First review of applications scheduled on September 17, 2026). Apply online for City Employment Opportunities by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on the "Apply" link! After viewing the Job Description, click the 'Apply' tab. If this is the first time you are applying using our online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. All application materials, to include employment application and resume will be screened and only the most qualified applicants, will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include, but not limited to application review and evaluation, interview, written and/or performance test. A passing score of at least 70% is required on each phase of the selection process to be placed on the eligibility list, which will remain active for a period of up to one year.

The starting annual salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate experience and qualifications. The City also offers an excellent benefit package, as follows, but not limited to:

• Retirement – The City contracts with the California Public Employee's Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits for eligible employees. The City offers 2%@55 formula for "classic members" and 2%@62 formula for "new members," in compliance with Public Employees' Pension Reform Act 2013 (PEPRA). The City does not participate in Social Security.
• Deferred Compensation – The City offers a 457 defined contribution supplemental retirement plans. Employees who participate are able to receive a City contribution match of up to $8,000 per fiscal year.
• Health Benefits – The City provides extensive health contributions towards medical, dental and vision premiums. The City also provides an employee assistance program, group term life insurance and long-term disability. An IRS Section 125 Flexible spending account also available; wellness reimbursement program ($200 per fiscal year).
• Life Insurance - All full-time employees receive a life insurance policy.
• Long Term Disability - Employees are covered by disability insurance which will provide income for an employee who is totally disabled from injury or accident.
• Leaves and Holidays - The City provides annual vacation and sick leave, that is accrued and based on years of service. The City also provides prorated Executive Leave benefits and varying number of Floating Holidays, as a result of the various work schedules provided by the City.
• Additional Compensation - Bilingual pay ($45 per month); Car allowance ($325 per month); and Tuition Reimbursement ($2,500 per fiscal year).
• Work Schedule – The City offers varying work schedules to include 5/40, 9/80 and 4/10 work schedules. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., although many facilities operate during evenings and weekends. The Director of Community Services may be required to work various hours, to include evenings, weekends and holidays, to meet operation needs.