Community & Economic Development Director – City of Fowler

Application Period: Open Until Filled

Submit by April 6, 2025 for priority consideration

Please send a completed employment application, including three professional references, resume, and letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications outlined in this posting to avasquez@ci.fowler.ca.us. References will not be contacted until mutual interest is established.

THE POSITION

This is a department director classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Community and Economic Development Department, including short and long-term planning as well as 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.

Typical duties may consist of:

• Assumes full management responsibility for all Community and Economic Development Department programs, services, and activities including planning, building, and code enforcement functional areas.
• Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; establishes, within agency policy, appropriate budget, service, and staffing levels.  
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Engages with developers, property owners, businesses, agencies, and other stakeholders to advance the development of new businesses in the community.
• Supervises and administers community and economic development programs and services pursuant to adopted plans, regulations, and budgets; reviews, prepares, and revises the comprehensive general plan and zoning code; interacts with community groups, citizens, and businesses involved with related issues. 
• Directs the review and processing of planning applications, ensuring compliance with appropriate laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Prepares agenda items and related materials for Council and Planning Commission, attends meetings, presents information, and reports and makes presentations on a variety of departmental programs and issues.
• Communicates official plans, programs, policies, and procedures to staff and the general public; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints. 
• Engage with the public regarding questions, concerns, and complaints about development, code enforcement, and related questions.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures. 
• Principles and practices of leadership.  
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area(s) of responsibility.  
• Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive municipal planning program. 
• Principles and policies of regional and urban planning. 
• Zoning administration practices and methods. 
• Principles and practices of urban design and neighborhood revitalization. 
• Principles and practices of program development and administration. 
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Pertinent Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations applicable to the assigned area(s) of responsibility.
• 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.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.
• 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:

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.  
• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the Community and Economic Development Department. 
• Engage with elected officials on matters of policy, public interaction, and project implementation.
• Resolve complex and sensitive customer service issues.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate public service methods and techniques. 
• Identify and respond to community, Planning Commission and City Council issues, concerns, and needs. 
• Develop and administer department goals, objectives, and procedures. 
• Analyze zoning requirements and policies and make recommendations for needed revisions.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets. 
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals. 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. 
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with individuals; governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations.
• Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, 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.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, urban design, public or business administration, or a related field.

Experience:

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible managerial or administrative government experience in urban economic development, planning, or a related field, including three (3) years of management experience. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

CERTIFICATIONS

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License or equivalent is required at the time of appointment.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this classification is under review. It is currently $8,784 to $10,677 per month.

The City of Fowler offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including:

• The City participates in CalPERS with a 2.7% @ 55 for classic members (City pays for employee’s contribution for classic members). For those covered under PEPRA, the retirement formula is 2% @ 62.
• $500 per month automobile allowance.
• Health & Welfare: Anthem Blue Cross PPO. Dental coverage from Sun Life and vision coverage from VSP. The City offers an employee assistance program. American Fidelity offers provides various programs including AD&D, Life Insurance, and Health/Dependent Care reimbursement accounts. The current monthly employee pre-tax contributions are $50 for employee-only, $133.36 for employee+1, and $226.92 for employee+family.
• 12 sick days per year.
• 20 days of vacation per year.
• 10 days of Administrative Leave per year.
• 15 paid holidays per year, including 1 personal holiday.
• The City offers an annual leave cash-out program.
• A voluntary 457 plan is available.
• The City participates in Social Security, Medicare, and California SDI.
• For more information, visit https://fowlercity.org/personnel/