Description
We're hiring the person, not just the title.
Annual Salary Ranges
- Deputy Community Development Director - $182,763-$233,258
- Planning Manager -$162,189 -$207,000
Belmont's Community Development Department is hiring, and uniquely, this is one opening that can be shaped by the right candidate. Depending on your experience and qualifications, the City will appoint at either the Deputy Community Development Director or Planning Manager level.
As Deputy Community Development Director, you would step into a senior leadership role working hand-in-hand with the Director to guide the department's overall direction. This is a position for someone with a broad portfolio of experience who is ready to share responsibility for the department's success, represent the City at a high level, and help set the strategic course for community development in Belmont.
As Planning Manager, the focus sharpens around leading the planning function directly, overseeing the Planning Commission, managing a robust pipeline of current development projects, and driving advance planning initiatives tied to City Council priorities. This is the right fit for a strong planner-leader who wants to go deep on planning practice while growing into greater management responsibility.
Both roles involve mentoring staff, improving processes, developing policy, and working in a collegial environment where good judgment and a sense of humor go a long way. Whichever title you come in at, you'll have a genuine opportunity to make your mark on Belmont's future - not from the sidelines, but from the room where decisions get made.
Ideal Candidate
Deputy Director Level
- Brings 5+ years of management experience with strong foundations in community outreach, development review, CEQA, and California land‑use law; bachelor’s required, master’s preferred.
- Offers seasoned leadership and strategic vision, shaped by navigating complex, high‑stakes projects and decision‑making environments.
- Thinks in systems, understanding how housing, transportation, economic development, and community wellbeing interconnect; detailed oriented but also able to see the big picture
- Excels in public‑facing leadership, able to command a room, read an audience, build consensus, and guide City Council, Planning Commission, and community discussions effectively.
- Demonstrates calm, politically savvy management, handling multi‑department complexity, directives, and competing priorities with composure; humor is a plus.
Planning Manager Level
- Brings supervisory strength and hands-on experience in current and long-range planning, California entitlements, public engagement, and a holds a solid planning foundation supplemented with a bachelor’s degree.
- Engergizes teams, not just managing workloads but creating enthusiasm and forward motion.
- Delivers results, keeping complex projects on track, juggling priorities, and moving work over the finish line.
- Develops talent, mentoring junior planners, offering clear and constructive feedback, and building a culture where people thrive.
- Fluent in the California planning playbook, confidently guiding others through entitlements, CEQA, zoning, and public hearings while growing into broader leadership.
Benefits
Your Benefits at a Glance
With the City of Belmont, you have access to a well-rounded package designed to support your health, future, and overall well-being. Here's a snapshot of what we offer. For full details, check out the MOU Between the City of Belmont and Mid Management Confidential Employees Association.
Retirement
We partner with CalPERS to provide retirement benefits that help you plan for the future with confidence:
Miscellaneous – 2%@55 for CalPERS Classic members
Miscellaneous PEPRA – 2%@62 for CalPERS members joining the CalPERS system on or after January 1, 2013
Health Coverage
Medical
We offer medical plans through the CalPERS Health Program, giving you a range of HMO and PPO options. The City covers the cost of the Kaiser Employee plus two or more dependents (family) plan, additional plans are available for you to choose from, with costs ranging from nominal to significant depending on your selection.
Dental & Vision
Dental coverage is provided for you at nominal cost to you and your family via Delta Dental, along with vision coverage through VSP—so you can keep smiling and seeing clearly.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Our Section 125 Plan lets you use pre-tax dollars for:
Health Care Expenses (up to $3,400/year)
Dependent Care (up to $7,500/year)
Time Off
We understand the importance of work-life balance. You will receive accrual of paid time off, including vacation days, sick days, and holidays.
Vacation
Earn vacation monthly, with accrual increasing as your years of service grow.
Administrative Leave
Eighty (80) hours of administrative leave granted on January 1 of each calendar year (pro-rated based on hire date).
Holidays
Receive 12 official holidays each year. After completing one year with us, you’ll also earn an additional 2 floating holidays.
Sick Leave
Accrue 8 hours of sick leave each month, which can be used for personal illness or to care for a family member.
More Ways We Support You
Life Insurance
We provide $75,000 in basic life insurance coverage. Want more protection? You can purchase extra coverage for yourself and your dependents.
Long-Term Disability
We build the cost of LTD into your salary so you can pay the premium post-tax—giving you a tax-free benefit if you ever need it.
Deferred Compensation
The City makes a monthly contribution of $335.00 per month into employee's 457 Deferred Compensation Account. In addition, employees can make pre-tax contributions via payroll deduction.
Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Account
We support your future healthcare needs in retirement by making contributions to a Retiree Health Savings (RHS) account based on your years of service. You become fully vested after 10 years of continuous service.
1–5 years: $150/month
6-10 years: $200.00/month
11–15 years: $250/month
16+ years: $300.00/month
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Through our EAP, you and your eligible family members will have access to confidential counseling services, wellness resources, and support for various life challenges.
Mental health counseling for trauma, grief, anxiety, or burnout
Family and relationship support
Legal and financial resources
In-person, phone, or video sessions for you and your household members
This program is completely confidential and free to use. Whether you're navigating a tough shift, balancing home life, or simply need someone to talk to.
Professional Development
The City of Belmont encourages continuous learning and growth. You will have access to educational reimbursement and professional development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, and training programs, to enhance your skills and knowledge in your field.