COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

El Cerrito, CA Job Details Full-time $15,731.17 - $20,646.33 a month 1 day ago Benefits Paid holidays Disability insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Life insurance Qualifications Community engagement Strategic management Collaborating with government agencies Economic development Team management Senior level Full Job Description

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Community Development Director El Cerrito is a 3.9-square-mile community in west Contra Costa County along the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay. Home to about 26,000 residents, it is a diverse, well-educated, and highly engaged city that benefits from its proximity to UC Berkeley and the broader Bay Area innovation economy. Known for its mild climate, exceptional quality of life, and sweeping Bay views, El Cerrito offers a unique blend of urban access and natural beauty. The community is easily connected with two BART stations, AC Transit service, and direct access to Interstate 80. Two major airports lie within 30 miles, with Berkeley, Silicon Valley, and Sacramento all within convenient reach. In 2023, El Cerrito earned a Prohousing Community designation from the State of California for its commitment to mixed-income and transit-oriented development along San Pablo Avenue, the City's main commercial corridor. Residents also enjoy abundant outdoor amenities, including the tree-lined Hillside Natural Area, 102 acres of protected open space, more than 46 acres of parks, and the popular Ohlone Greenway pedestrian and bicycle path. To learn more, visit www.elcerrito.gov. With the planned June 2026 retirement of the City's long-serving Community Development Director, El Cerrito is seeking a forward-thinking leader to guide a cohesive and high-performing department. The next Director will inherit a strong team that values professionalism, communication, and exceptional service, and will be expected to sustain this culture through approachable, supportive, and decisive leadership. The ideal candidate is a well-rounded community development professional with experience in planning, building, code enforcement, housing, and economic development. With strong Division Managers in place, the Director will provide strategic oversight, troubleshoot issues as needed, and ensure alignment across departmental functions. Economic development is a key priority for the City Council. The successful candidate will be adept at engaging local businesses, partnering with developers and property owners, and strengthening the City's economic base through revitalization, mixed-use projects, placemaking efforts, and creative financing tools. This role also plays a central part in advancing high-visibility developments, including transit-oriented and mixed-income housing projects. Success will require strong collaboration with regional agencies, developers, elected officials, and the broader community, as well as clear communication with the City Manager and City Council. The salary range for this opportunity is $188,774-$247,756 (effective July 5, 2026), with a 3% COLA scheduled for July 2027. Placement within the range is based on qualifications.

https:

//www.peckhamandmckenney.com/community-development-director-el-cerrito-california

OTHER REQUIREMENTS THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

To apply for this exciting career opportunity, please submit your cover letter and resume via the website: Peckham & McKenney www.peckhamandmckenney.com. For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Maria Hurtado at , by cell at (831) 247-7885, or at the office, (866) 912-1919. The City of El Cerrito offers a competitive benefits package.

Current benefits features include:

37.5 hour work week schedule with alternating Fridays off CalPERS retirement:

Miscellaneous:

2.7% at 55 for current members and 2% at 62 for new members

Safety:

3% at 50 for current members and 2.7% at 57 for new members Plan is integrated with Social Security. The City and employee each pay own contribution to Social Security. Management/Confidential employees contribute an additional 3% as part of cost sharing. Vacation ranging from 11 to 33 days per year based on years of service Administrative Leave 16.5 paid holidays per year 8.75 hours of sick leave accrued each calendar month Fully-paid health and dental premiums for employees and dependents Excellent long-term disability and life insurance program plans Flexible benefits plan allowing pre-tax contributions for health and dependent care reimbursements Deferred Compensation plan available at employee's expense Our Employee Benefits Guide provides a full description of our current benefits.