Description
We’re looking for thoughtful urban planners to join the Planning Department and help us shape Lafayette’s future!
Are you excited about shaping communities and making a lasting impact? The City of Lafayette (pop. 24,000) is looking for an experienced Assistant Planning Director to play a key role in maintaining our city’s charm while supporting thoughtful growth and development. The ideal candidate is an experienced professional in urban planning who has a proven track record for providing high level analysis, excellent customer service skills, and exceptional leadership. They will be able to demonstrate an interest in community development and a passion for working with residents and staff to make the City vital, safe and attractive.
Located just 20 minutes from San Francisco via BART, Lafayette offers a vibrant downtown, scenic hillsides, and top-rated schools. Our residents value a small-town atmosphere with personalized service, and we need a dynamic planner to help guide the city's future.
This is a challenging job in a great city! Join a team of dedicated, energetic, and talented professionals in a city that truly values its employees. If you have a passion for urban planning, exceptional analytical skills, and a commitment to community development, we want to hear from you.
Please note: Cover Letter is preferred, but not required.
Ideal Candidate
As Assistant Planning Director, you will take on major duties, including:
- Management responsibility for current and future planning functions.
- Provide oversight on advanced and complicated planning activities and projects.
- Provide complex professional assistance to the Planning and Building Services Director, City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Commission, and others in areas of expertise
- Assist in the development and administration of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures related to the division; draft formalized policies and procedures with supervisory confirmation.
- Mentor, guide, and train junior level staff.
- Serve as the department director in the director’s absence.
We are looking for a high-energy, self-motivated, and creative professional who is:
- Experienced in planning, zoning and related community development – At least seven years of relevant professional experience required.
- A strong leader – You have the demonstrated confidence and ability to nurture and lead a team of professionals.
- Energized by community engagement – You enjoy working with residents to shape the future.
- Detail-oriented and analytical – You will tackle complex zoning and land use issues with precision.
- An excellent communicator – Strong writing and public speaking skills are essential.
- A natural problem solver – You will provide innovative and customized solutions.
A four-year degree with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration, or a related field is required. A master’s degree is highly desirable.
Must be available for some evening hours to attend City Council and Commission meetings.
Benefits
- Retirement Security – Up to 15% City-paid contributions to a 401-A plan, including a 5% match for a total potential contribution amount of 20%. Ability to also enroll into additional voluntary 457 plan. We do not participate in CalPERS retirement.
- Health & Wellness – City covers 95% of health and dental insurance costs for employees and their eligible dependents or provides an allowance equal to 15% of salary towards deferred compensation plan if you have alternate medical coverage.
- Life Insurance – City provides a fully paid $50,000 life insurance policy.
- Ancillary Benefits – Optional Vision, FSA & Commuter plans, and supplemental Life Insurance available.
- Generous Time Off – 11.5 days of starting vacation accrual, 12 days of sick leave accrual, and 13 paid holidays.
- Commuter Reimbursement – Receive 50% reimbursement on BART fare commuting to and from work.
- Employee Assistance Program – Free and confidential support for personal and professional challenges including counseling, financial wellness coaching, legal consultation, and more for employees and their eligible dependents.
Special Instructions
This is your chance to be part of a team that’s not just planning for tomorrow — but actively building it today. If you're ready to join our Planning team as our next Assistant Planning Director, apply today!