Deputy Director of Community Development - Planning

Deputy Director Of Community Development
- Planning

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 in 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.

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…