Community Development Director

THE OPPORTUNITY 

“The City of Tulare is embarking on an ambitious plan to focus its energies and financial resources on economic development and downtown revitalization which will transform the community and provide a return on investment to both the city and its citizens. If this emerging renaissance sounds intriguing and you desire to be part of a politically and financially stable organization; and want to work in an exciting, ethical, and outcome-oriented environment, you will want to consider this career opportunity and invitation to apply.

Approximately half of the city's $18 million in ARPA funds will be invested in projects and initiatives that will attract new private sector investment and job creation to the downtown and throughout the city. The investment will result in additional property and sales tax revenue which will be used by the city to bolster operations, ensuring positive levels of service for tax and rate payers. In the future, the additional funds may be used by the City Council to address other long-standing community needs.”

Marc Mondell, City Manager 

City of Tulare

ABOUT TULARE 

The City of Tulare is an exceptional community with a population of 69,462, situated in the Central San Joaquin Valley along Highway 99, just 47 miles south of Fresno and 64 miles north of Bakersfield. Its mid-state location benefits businesses needing same-day access to key California markets as well as residents seeking recreational opportunities in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains to the east and the spectacular California coastline to the west.

Tulare is well known for its volunteerism and community spirit, and the City has an excellent rapport with the community. With an attractive housing market due to exceptionally priced quality homes, Tulare is experiencing significant growth. Tulare is a city challenging itself to provide new opportunities for all who call it home. The community is growing, yet it retains the caring atmosphere of a small town. The city honors and celebrates its culturally diverse heritage while providing democratic and cost-effective services to all its citizens. The City Council, City Manager, and staff pride themselves on ensuring the voice of the community is heard. 

CITY GOVERNMENT 

Tulare is a full-service Charter City with 378 employees in the departments of Administration, Finance, Human Resources, Community Services, Community Development, Economic Development and Redevelopment, Public Works, Safety-Compliance and Facilities, Information Technology, Police, and Fire. Healthy revenue sources include a sound property tax base, a utility user’s tax, and an 8.25% local sales tax. The City is governed by a five-member City Council elected by district. Adopted goals by the City Council include priorities in the areas of Public Health and Safety, Stewardship of Revenue and Assets, Quality of Life, and Community Governance and Communication. The City owns and operates its own water, sewer/pollution control, and solid waste municipal utility enterprises.

The City has a total budget of $190 million with an operating budget of $165 million and a capital improvement budget of $25 million. Like many local government agencies, the city has recruited and appointed its leadership team with the goal of continuously improving towards the goal of excellence in local government.

Candidates are encouraged to visit the City’s website at tulare.ca.gov for a broader understanding of the City’s organization and community.

THE DEPARTMENT 

The Community Development Department is a newly reorganized department, formerly the Community & Economic Development Department. The Community Development Department is responsible for building inspections and review, land use planning, housing, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME grant administration, current and long-range planning and zoning, development review, and the City’s permit center. 

The department provides its services through an annual budget of $3.5 million with 15 full-time employees. Reporting directly to the Community Development Director are a Principal Planner, City Planner, the Chief Building Official, Senior Housing and Grants Specialist, and the Permit Center Coordinator. 

THE POSITION 

Reporting to the City Manager, the Community Development Director is an exempt, at-will, position that directs and manages the Community Development Department. This position helps to foster cooperative working relationships among City departments, with governmental and regulatory agencies, and with various public and private groups. The Community Development Director provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to City management staff in areas of expertise and serves as a member of the City’s executive management team. Key functions of the position include planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the Community Development Department; developing, directing, and coordinating the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Department; and managing and participating in the development and administration of the department’s budget, including forecasting needs, monitoring expenditures, and recommending adjustments.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure at www.mosaicpublic.com/careers.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, organizational leadership and public or business administration or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred. AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification is desirable.

Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning, community development, economic development, or infrastructure planning/land development, three years of which included working in a public sector environment, and three years of which involved management and supervision of professional staff.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

The salary range for the Community Development Director is up to $166,140, with placement in the range dependent on qualifications. In addition, the City offers an excellent executive benefit package including retirement provided through CalPERS (Classic CalPERS members are eligible for 2.5% @ 55 formula, while PEPRA members are 2% @ 62), monthly auto and cell-phone allowances, voluntary deferred compensation program, the City contributes a portion of both employee and dependent coverage for medical, dental, and vision insurance, and competitive accrual schedules for vacation, administrative leave, and sick leave. 

RECRUITMENT PROCESS 

This recruitment will be handled with strict confidentiality. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. Confidential inquiries are welcomed to Greg Nelson or Bryan Noblett at (916) 550-4100.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure and may apply online at www.mosaicpublic.com/careers. 

This recruitment will close once a sufficiently strong pool of candidates has been established. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.

The City of Tulare is an Equal Opportunity Employer.