Deputy Director of Development Services

**This position is open until filled with a first review date of 03/30/2026**

The City of Palm Desert provides exemplary and sustainable services, amenities and programs for the benefit of the local and surrounding communities. When you interact with a City employee, you will find our collaborative, driven and efficient staff working together to provide strategic solutions for the community and each other. We are a city focused on external and internal customer service and try to find a way to say “yes,” while not compromising the City’s or our own integrity. Our efforts are guided by our core values:

• Integrity
• Stewardship
• Service
• Community
• Innovation
• Teamwork

Our employees are passionate about innovation, collaboration and growth, which is supported by the City’s Council and Executive Team. We are an environment that thrives on making changes, pivoting quickly, and is full of movers and shakers. We are constantly striving to improve processes and better our approach so that we can better support the needs of the City. If you have growth mindset and find change exciting, the City of Palm Desert may be your ideal working environment!

THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Palm Desert is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as a Deputy Director of Development Services. This is an outstanding opportunity to help guide responsible growth, enhance quality of life, and deliver exceptional public service to our residents and business community. The Development Services Department is a forward-thinking team dedicated to fostering strategic growth while preserving and enhancing the livability of our community. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and implementing efficient, high-quality processes that support both residents and businesses. Through strong collaboration across departments and with external partners, we advance sustainable development that aligns with the City’s long-term vision and goals.

We are seeking an innovative, solutions-oriented professional who thrives in a collaborative, team-focused environment. The Deputy Director will play a key leadership role in shaping Palm Desert’s future and ensuring that our growth continues to reflect the values and aspirations of our community.

Under administrative direction, assists the Director of Development Services in planning, organizing, managing, and providing direction and oversight for major functions and activities of the Development Services Department; plans, organizes, and directs operations and administration of assigned divisions which may include, but are not limited to, code compliance, housing, planning, building and safety, engineering, the permit center, land development/planning, and historic preservation, homelessness programs, business license, cannabis, short term rental, fire services; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Development Services; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives supervision from the Director of Development Services. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical support staff.This is an assistant department director classification. The incumbent assists the Director of Development Services in managing the major activities and programs of the Department, including code compliance, housing, planning, building and safety, engineering, the permit center, land development/planning, and historic preservation, homelessness programs, business license, cannabis, short term rental, fire services, and is responsible for providing professional-level support to the Director in a variety of areas. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day departmental activities and operations for assigned functional areas and assists with short-and long-term planning, development, and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. Responsibilities emphasize diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background in community development, as well as skill in coordinating work with other City divisions, departments, and public agencies.Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assumes senior management responsibility for assigned major programs, services, and activities of the Development Services Department, including code compliance, housing, planning, building and safety, engineering, the permit center, land development/planning, and historic preservation, homelessness programs, business license, cannabis, short term rental, fire services.
• Assists the Director in the development and the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve operations, and continuously monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends changes to management.
• Trains, motivates, evaluates, and participates in the selection of assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees on performance issues; coordinates and implements disciplinary procedures as necessary.
• Assists the Director in managing the development and administration of the department budget.
• Assists in directing, reviewing, and monitoring the development and implementation ofcomprehensive long-range and current planning programs, services, and activities, including the development and implementation of the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
• Assists in planning, organizing, and managing code compliance and business licensing programs and services; ensures compliance with the Municipal Code.
• Assists in developing, recommending, interpreting, and enforcing current and new City zoning codes; provides direction to management and staff on the interpretation and application of these rules and codes within their specific areas of assignment.
• Directs the development of consultant requests for proposals and qualifications for professional services; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; develops, negotiates, and reviews contract terms and amendments; ensures contractor compliance with City and department standards and specifications and time and budget estimates; reviews design documents to ensure technical integrity; reviews and updates deliverables; analyzes and resolves complex problems that may arise.
• Provides highly complex staff assistance to the Director of Development Services; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services; presents reports to the Planning Commission, City Council, and various commissions, committees, and boards.
• Assists in representing the Development Services Department to other City departments, the City Manager's office, officials, neighborhood associations, outside agencies, and the general public; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings and committees; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of community development.
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect City or departmental operations related to areas of assignment; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and inquiries in a professional manner; researches information; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, and City policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of public administration, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Principles and practices of development services.
• The principles, practices, functions, and activities of municipal government administration.
• Public agency budget development, contract administration, City-wide administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs.
• Principles and techniques of conducting site planning, architectural reviews, subdivision design, land use, and other analytical studies.
• Methods of evaluating alternatives and making sound recommendations.
• Theories, principles, and content of rules and regulations, codes, and ordinances governing departmental operations, including, but not limited to the General Plan, land use, zoning, subdivision, and urban planning regulations, natural resource protection, and environmental laws.
• Principles and practices of current and long-range planning.
• Authorities invested within the Planning Commission and the City Council for planning and code enforcement related policy decisions.
• The California Environmental Quality Act as it relates to discretionary land use permits.
• Research methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Methods and techniques for the development of reports,presentations, contract negotiations, business correspondence, and information distribution.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures.
• Principles and techniques of project management.
• Grant writing and application procedures.
• Legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct for public sector employees.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to assigned programs, projects, and services.
• Modern office practices, procedures, technology, and computer equipment and applications.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:

• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Effectively represent the Development Services Department in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business and professional organizations.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for a city department and assigned program areas.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction to the Department and the City.
• Coordinate the preparation and administration of budgets and recommend allocation of limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Accurately assess organizational issues and opportunities and research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Effectively administer assigned programs and activities.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, oral presentations, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Use tact, discretion, and good judgment in the handling of sensitive records and confidential information.
• Evaluate programs and services from an operational and productivity standpoint.
• Establish and maintain accurate databases, records, and files.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish and administer safe work practices.
• Ensure excellent customer service.
• Skillfully and safely operate a motor vehicle when required in the course of performing work duties.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including the City Manager, management, staff, other government officials, community groups, and the public.

Education and Experience:
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:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, engineering, business administration, public administration, or a related field; AND two (2) years of professionalmanagement experience in planning, engineering, community development, or a closely related field, including one (1) year of supervisory experience. A master’s degree is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

May occasionally drive a personal or City vehicle. A valid and appropriate California driver's license and an acceptable driving record are required.

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required.Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to10poundswith the use of proper equipment.Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals on a case-by-case basis.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.