JOIN THE CITY OF LAWNDALE'S NEW EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
The City of Lawndale is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking professional to join the new City Manager's Executive Team and help shape the City's next chapter.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Guide the City's planning, development and neighborhood-improvement efforts. The ideal candidate will be an innovative, solutions-oriented leader who can balance economic vitality, thoughtful development and the needs of the Lawndale community. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside a new City Manager, influence organization-wide initiatives and build strong partnerships with City employees, elected officials, residents and the business community. If you are a strategic leader committed to public service, operational excellence and meaningful community impact, we invite you to consider joining the City of Lawndale.
APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS WITH FIRST REVIEW ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2026. INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY EARLY SUMMARY
Under the direction of supervision of the City Manager, plans, organizes, directs and administers activities and operations of the Community Development Department, current and advance planning, grant administration, building and safety, economic development, housing agency, housing successor agency, successor agency, dissolution of redevelopment, oversight board and related functions; provides administrative assistance to the City Manager; coordinates department activities with other City departments and outside agencies.
Duties and Responsibilities:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Develops plans and implements department goals, objectives, policies and procedures Manages operations of the Lawndale Housing Authority, Successor Agency to the Lawndale Redevelopment Agency, Oversight Board, economic development and grant programs, and oversees the City's zoning code, recommending updates to the City Council when applicable Prepares and presents reports to the Planning Commission and to the City Council Directs, oversees and participates in the development of the department's work plan Assigns activities, projects and programs Monitors work flow Reviews and evaluates products, methods and procedures Directs and oversees redevelopment activities, land acquisition and disposition, financing, marketing and infrastructure improvement, and ensures compliance with environmental laws Serves as staff to the housing authority, successor agency and oversight board Directs and oversees economic development activities, housing and commercial rehabilitation, business retention and attraction, and related programs Directs and oversees grant funded housing programs Ensures that funds are administered according to applicable rules and regulations Develops and administers the department's budget Directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies Monitors and approves expenditures and implements adjustments Maintains department financial records, expenditures and income Prepares consultant requests for proposals and related documents; administers contracts and supervises consultants Selects, trains and evaluates personnel Interfaces with employees to correct deficiencies and implements discipline and termination procedures Directs, coordinates and oversees the activities of Los Angeles County contract staff Represents the department to outside groups and organizations Participates in outside community, professional groups and committees Assists in development of Planning Commission agendas Responds to and resolves citizen inquires and complaints Negotiates and executes contracts and agreements Reviews and interprets applicable government regulations and requirements Researches and prepares technical and administrative reports and studies and prepares written correspondence Performs a variety of duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of PC's and related software Principles and practices of City administration and City department functions General public assessment of the City's roles, responsibilities, and commitment to its residents Principles and practices of land use and zoning, community development, dissolution, economic development, housing and redevelopment administration and environmental compliance State of California community redevelopment law and redevelopment practices Local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations, and municipal code Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management, budget preparation and administration HUD Section 8 policies and programs Financial and legal analysis of real estate Principles and practices of supervision, training and performance evaluation Ability to: Communicate effectively verbally and in writing Operate a PC and related software Maintain effective working relationships with other people Explain community development policies and programs and procedures Provide vision or facilitate the creation of vision to create projects and public policy and programs Problem solve planning and inter- and intra-department issues Interpret personnel rules, legal and code requirements and observe and evaluate staff performance Plan, direct and control department administration and operations Develop and implement department policies and procedures Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion and conflict resolution Develop, control and administer department budget and expenditures and collaborate on the housing authority and successor agency budgets Identify and respond to public, City Council and Planning Commission issues and concerns Interpret and apply city, federal, state and local policies, procedures, rules and regulations and municipal codes EDUCATION and/or
EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities. A typical way to obtain these would be: Bachelor's degree in public administration, urban planning or a related field Master's degree in public administration, urban planning or a related field, preferable American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferable Five (5) years of ever increasing levels of professional and responsible supervisory experience, preferably in the planning and community development environment, experience in dissolution law is also desirable Two (2) years experience in a supervisory capacity Maintain a valid driver's license in the state of California and certificate of automobile insurance for personal liability
SELECTION PROCEDURE
: Apply immediately, subject to close without notice. (First review of applications scheduled on September 17, 2026). A p ply online for City Employment Opportunities by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on the "Apply" link! After viewing the Job Description, click the 'Apply' tab. If this is the first time you are applying using our online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. All application materials, to include employment application and resume will be screened and only the most qualified applicants, will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include, but not limited to application review and evaluation, interview, written and/or performance test. A passing score of at least 70% is required on each phase of the selection process to be placed on the eligibility list, which will remain active for a period of up to one year.