Deputy Director of Community Development - Planning

About The Position

The deadline for the first review of applications is 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early. Applicants that submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline. The City of Downey is a dynamic, thriving community with a diverse land use base, encompasses 12.41 square miles and is home to over 112,000 residents. It is centrally located in the heart of Los Angeles County, about 15 miles from Downtown Los Angeles and 5 miles from Orange County. Downey is the tenth most populous city is Los Angeles County with new high profile developments and key planning projects on the horizon. The Deputy Director of Community Development - Planning is an essential member of the Community Development Department management team. This position will work closely with the Director of Community Development and other Division Managers to achieve the goals of the community through a collaborative efforts. The position requires a business-friendly approach, a creative problem-solving mind-set, and a focus on quality customer service. The Deputy Director of Community Development - Planning reports to the Director of Community Development whose Department includes the Divisions of Planning, Building and Safety, and Code Enforcement. The City of Downey is seeking a future-focused Community Development professional with a relentless passion for excellence. The ideal candidate will be excited about the opportunity to serve in a key management role with a dynamic multi-faceted department that is committed to achieving goals as a team. Considered a visionary in the industry, this individual will have a reputation for advancing activities that support a collective vision and enhance community pride. An inspiring and hardworking leader who has mastered the art of helping others see what’s possible, the ideal candidate will be of the highest integrity and considered a role model in the profession. This person will have the ability to approach day-to-day operations with an optimistic can-do attitude and a constant eye toward results and continuous improvement. Familiarity with technology and tools that support contemporary business practices and maximum efficiency, coupled with a track record that reflects data-driven decision making and the delivery of exceptional outcomes, will be expected. Proven success with modernizing systems and processes and other significant change efforts will also be considered favorably. The individual selected will be a unifying mentor and team builder who prioritizes people and the needs of the team. Known for being enthusiastic about people and their work, this person will also be an outstanding people manager capable of fostering an inclusive culture that is also characterized by high standards, accountability, and trust. The ideal candidate will be a highly engaged and motivating manager and supportive of innovation and creative problem solving. This person will know how to foster healthy internal debates to arrive at the best outcomes as one cohesive team. This position is FLSA exempt, non-represented, and serves in an "at-will" capacity. Salary and benefits are established by City Council Resolution for classifications designated as Executive, Mid-Management, Confidential/Exempt. Examples Of Essential Functions

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. Oversees the municipal planning operations of the City and is responsible for the management and supervision of the professional and clerical staff of the Planning Division and fills in for the Director during their absence. Conducts employee evaluation, training, staffing development and discipline; tracks and evaluates program goals and objectives for the Planning Division. Manages the Planning Counter functions, while assuring exceptional customer service. Processes private development projects through the City's project review system, in coordination with other City Departments. Manages the development review process and serves as lead of the City's Inter-Departmental Development Review Committee. Administers the City Zoning Code, Specific Plans, Master Plan, General Plan, and other development - related ordinances and regulations. Ensures that the public and development community receive complete and courteous service and ensures that the Planning Division works cooperatively with other departments. Manages Planning Commission meetings and agenda processes by preparing and overseeing the preparation of agenda reports and supporting reports for the City Planning Commission in coordination with the Director. Assists Director with the preparation of City Council reports and other meetings. Prepares reports and makes presentations to the City Council. Maintains financial accountability for the Planning Division and assists in the development of the Department's annual budget. Evaluates and implements updates to Division's or Department's policies, procedures and practices to improve services and increase efficiencies. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications

Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows: Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Architecture, Urban Planning or related field is required. A Master's degree is desirable. Experience:

Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in planning. Three (3) years in a supervisory capacity is desirable. A combination of public and private sector experience is acceptable. Knowledge of:

Principles, methods and practices of city planning; thorough knowledge of laws and ordinances affecting the planning development and zoning processes; familiarity with the fundamentals of economic, engineering, municipal finance, sociology and other related subjects as applied to city planning; principles of organization, administration, budget and personnel management. Ability to:

Communicate effectively orally and in writing; work with members of the public, elected and appointed officials, and business persons; deal with stressful situations and solve complex problems; supervise and coordinate the technical research required in the planning process; present the technical information clearly and concisely to lay groups and the general public, orally and in writing; analyze and supervise the systematic compilation of technical and statistical information and to prepare technical reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by the work; and identify, coordinate and resolve a wide variety of interests in the development of land use policy. License:

A valid California Class C Driver's License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions may be required. Additional Information

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver’s License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles. PHYSICAL TASKS/ABILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in an office environment with moderate noise levels; duties require the ability to speak, hear, touch and see. In addition, may be required to travel on business related trips via auto, train or airplane and walk thru construction projects, vacant property, and large buildings. Also required is the ability to exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area to another; occasionally bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing and pulling (drawers opened and closed to retrieve and file information); occasionally lifting and carrying materials that weigh less than 20 pounds. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter, or calculator; requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as typing on a keyboard, filing, data entry and/or use of a personal computer or other office equipment and supplies; may involve sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time. Selection Process

Selection/Testing Process: All applications and supplemental information will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted at the time of filing to determine the level and scope of the applicant's qualifications for the position. All information submitted is subject to verification. For consideration, an on-line employment application and supplemental questionnaire is required to be completed and submitted by the application deadline. An attached resume will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application. Failure to complete all the information requested may result in an application being removed from consideration. Applicants who most closely meet the desired qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of an appraisal examination (weighted 100%). The appraisal examination may consist of performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, computer skills, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department's hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical exam, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment. Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io at least 72 hours in advance. Summary Of Benefits For Mid-Management Positions (Non-Sworn)

The following benefits are established by Resolution of the City Council of the City of . Retirement:

The City provides the 2% @ age 60 retirement formula under the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) for an employee hired on or after January 11, 2012. An employee contribution equal to 7% of reportable earnings is required. Medical Insurance:

The City provides coverage under the Kaiser Permanent HMO Plan. The City offers 100% paid coverage for employee plus qualified dependent(s). Dental Insurance : The City offers coverage from a choice between two dental plans, MetLife and Delta Dental. Orthodontia is covered under both plans. The employee contribution for employee plus qualified dependent (s) coverage is up to $49.85 per month. Retiree Medical Contribution:

With 10 years of service at retirement, the City offers medical coverage for retiree plus qualified dependent(s) under a City sponsored medical plan. The City contributes $98 per month towards this coverage. An Opt-Out Program is available with eligibility to receive the retiree medical contribution without enrollment in a City sponsored medical plan. Effective October 25, 2011, a Health Savings Account (HSA) program is available and funded at retirement by the value of up to five hundred (500) hours of earned and unused sick leave. Life Insurance & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D):

The City provides Basic Life coverage of one time annual earnings, up to $100,000. For accidental loss of life, the amount of coverage is equal to the Basic Life coverage amount. Long-Term Disability:

The City provides coverage of 60% of the first $8,333 of Pre-disability Earnings reduced by Deductible Income. The maximum benefit under this program is $5,000 before reduction by Deductible Income and the minimum benefit is $100 or 10% of LTD benefit before reduction by Deductible Income, whichever is greater. A 90-day waiting period is applicable. Based on eligibility, a limited Employee Disability Leave Program is available for use during the waiting period. Holidays:

City provides eleven (11) paid days per year. Vacation:

Based on years of service, the City provides for the accrual of one hundred twenty (120) hours per year to a maximum accrual of one hundred sixty (160) hours per year based on hours worked. Maximum accrual is two years. Sick Leave:

City provides for the accrual of 8 hours per month based on hours worked. There is no maximum accrual. A conversion program (limited sick leave hours to vacation hours) is available. Executive Leave:

City provides twenty-four (24) hours per year. There is no cash out value to this leave benefit. Educational and Professional Leave:

City provides six days per year maximum, subject to budgetary appropriations and City Manager approval. Physical Examination : City provides a comprehensive physical examination on a bi-annual basis. Bilingual Pay:

As approved by the City Manager, the City pays $46.15 per bi-weekly pay period for employees who are required to translate or speak Spanish in the course of regular duties. Note: For more detail, please refer to the current Resolution that outlines pay and benefits for Executive Management, Mid-Management, and Confidential/Exempt Positions. Prepared: HR August 2010.Rev. January 2012

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