What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Policy Manager/Planner (Advanced Planning) position at City of Encinitas?
The Position
Lead. Influence. Make a Difference.
The City of Encinitas is seeking a dynamic Housing Policy Manager/Planner (Advanced Planning) to lead the Housing and Homelessness Services Division. This high-impact role offers the opportunity to shape housing policy, guide the City’s Housing Element programs, and oversee critical community programs including the Housing Authority, CDBG, and homeless services. You will also lead a talented team of professionals, playing a central role in shaping the future of Housing and Homelessness Services in one of California’s most vibrant coastal communities.
Examples of Important & Essential Duties (included but not limited to)
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate has a strong background in planning and housing, with extensive municipal experience and a proven track record of managing complex and controversial land use and housing policy issues. They bring expertise in interpreting and implementing housing legislation, managing Housing Element programs, and leading staff and project teams.
Successful candidates excel at project management, meeting deadlines, prioritizing competing assignments, and effective time and resource management. Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, exercise good judgment, and maintain a collaborative and professional approach.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
Encinitas is a scenic coastal city with six miles of Pacific shoreline, engaged residents, and a strong focus on sustainability and mobility. Our employees are committed to excellence and focused on community, and in this role, your work will directly impact the city’s housing programs and support a vibrant, collaborative community that values public service and innovation.
Minimum Qualifications
Click HERE to read the full job description.
Training And Experience (position Requirements At Entry)
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social sciences, public health, public administration, business administration, planning, or a related field plus five to seven years of responsible professional experience in governmental housing, community services, homeless services, housing assistance payment programs, or related affordable housing programs; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. A minimum of three to four years of supervisory experience leading a professional team.
Application Process and Deadline
This opportunity is currently open, and applications will be reviewed as received. If you’re ready to contribute your talents and grow your career while serving an exceptional coastal community, we encourage you to apply today.
A completed application with an attached cover letter AND resume are required.
This recruitment is open until filled
2026 Benefits Summary
Unrepresented General, Management and Professional Employees
Cafeteria Health Plan
The employer’s “Flexible Benefit Plan” contribution will make available for each employee a monthly amount equal to the high median of the monthly premiums of all CalPERS health plans available in San Diego County. Under the City’s Section 125 Cafeteria Benefits Plan qualified benefits include: health, dental, vision, dependent care flexible spending account (FSA) and healthcare FSA. The remaining balance is available as additional taxable income capped at one-half of the monthly cafeteria contribution
Retirement
The City contracts with the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS):
Retirement Tier Retirement Formula
Classic2.0% @ 60
New Member2.0% @ 62
457 And 401a Deferred Compensation
The City offers a 457 and/or 401(a) deferred compensation. These accounts are voluntary and employee funded.
Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
The City provides Basic Group Term Life Insurance equal to 1x your basic annual earnings up to a maximum of $150,000. AD&D is up to the amount of your Group Term Life Insurance.
Employees may choose to purchase additional life insurance through the City’s Voluntary Optional Life Insurance program.
Short-Term Disability Insurance (STD)
STD benefits are 70% of your weekly earnings up to a maximum of $3,500 per week.
Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTD)
LTD benefits are 66% of monthly earnings up to a maximum of $8,000 per month. San Dieguito Water District employees pay for their LTD premium.
Sick Leave
Unrepresented full-time employees accrue eight (8) hours of sick leave for each calendar month of paid status (3.7 hours per pay period). New employees are granted a beginning balance of (9) hours. Less than full time employees accrue sick leave in an amount prorated by FTE status. Accrued sick leave carries over from year to year.
Parental Leave (Baby Bonding)
Employees who qualify for California Family Rights Act (CFRA) baby bonding will be eligible for twelve (12) weeks of employer paid leave. Available leave is prorated based on FTE status.
Vacation Leave
Employees earn vacation hours based on the following years of service:
Years of Service Annual Accrual
Hire - 5 Years 104 hours
6 - 10 Years 128 hours
11 - 15 Years 152 hours
16 Years 184 hours
Credit is given to new employees for related continuous prior public service employment at the rate of one year for every two years worked.
In addition to Vacation Leave, all Management employees shall be provided fifty-five (55) annual hours of Administrative Leave.
General Election Leave
Employees shall be provided a half day of paid leave to vote at the employee’s polling location or a full day of paid leave to volunteer for the County Registrar of Voters for a General Election.
Holiday Closure
Each year, City Hall is closed from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day.
Holidays
Employees receive thirteen (13) fixed holidays and five (5) floating holidays (45 hours) per fiscal year.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Confidential services are available to employees and household members to assist with personal and professional issues. Five sessions per issue are available each calendar year.
Computer Purchase Program
The City will loan employees who successfully complete the probationary period of employment an interest free loan of up to $3,000.
Tuition Assistance
Eligible employees may receive up to $1,200 in reimbursement per fiscal year for approved coursework tuition, required textbooks and registration.
Social Security and Medicare
The City does not participate in the Social Security program. The City and employees each pay 1.45% to Medicare Insurance.
01
I acknowledge I have attached both a resume and cover letter.
Describe your experience implementing Housing Element programs and objectives, as well as carrying out housing-related legislation.
03
Describe your experience managing teams within a government agency and outlining your approach to leadership.
Lead. Influence. Make a Difference.
The City of Encinitas is seeking a dynamic Housing Policy Manager/Planner (Advanced Planning) to lead the Housing and Homelessness Services Division. This high-impact role offers the opportunity to shape housing policy, guide the City’s Housing Element programs, and oversee critical community programs including the Housing Authority, CDBG, and homeless services. You will also lead a talented team of professionals, playing a central role in shaping the future of Housing and Homelessness Services in one of California’s most vibrant coastal communities.
Examples of Important & Essential Duties (included but not limited to)
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate has a strong background in planning and housing, with extensive municipal experience and a proven track record of managing complex and controversial land use and housing policy issues. They bring expertise in interpreting and implementing housing legislation, managing Housing Element programs, and leading staff and project teams.
Successful candidates excel at project management, meeting deadlines, prioritizing competing assignments, and effective time and resource management. Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, exercise good judgment, and maintain a collaborative and professional approach.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
Encinitas is a scenic coastal city with six miles of Pacific shoreline, engaged residents, and a strong focus on sustainability and mobility. Our employees are committed to excellence and focused on community, and in this role, your work will directly impact the city’s housing programs and support a vibrant, collaborative community that values public service and innovation.
Minimum Qualifications
Click HERE to read the full job description.
Training And Experience (position Requirements At Entry)
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social sciences, public health, public administration, business administration, planning, or a related field plus five to seven years of responsible professional experience in governmental housing, community services, homeless services, housing assistance payment programs, or related affordable housing programs; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. A minimum of three to four years of supervisory experience leading a professional team.
Application Process and Deadline
This opportunity is currently open, and applications will be reviewed as received. If you’re ready to contribute your talents and grow your career while serving an exceptional coastal community, we encourage you to apply today.
A completed application with an attached cover letter AND resume are required.
This recruitment is open until filled
- Incomplete application packets are not accepted ***
2026 Benefits Summary
Unrepresented General, Management and Professional Employees
Cafeteria Health Plan
The employer’s “Flexible Benefit Plan” contribution will make available for each employee a monthly amount equal to the high median of the monthly premiums of all CalPERS health plans available in San Diego County. Under the City’s Section 125 Cafeteria Benefits Plan qualified benefits include: health, dental, vision, dependent care flexible spending account (FSA) and healthcare FSA. The remaining balance is available as additional taxable income capped at one-half of the monthly cafeteria contribution
Retirement
The City contracts with the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS):
Retirement Tier Retirement Formula
Classic2.0% @ 60
New Member2.0% @ 62
457 And 401a Deferred Compensation
The City offers a 457 and/or 401(a) deferred compensation. These accounts are voluntary and employee funded.
Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
The City provides Basic Group Term Life Insurance equal to 1x your basic annual earnings up to a maximum of $150,000. AD&D is up to the amount of your Group Term Life Insurance.
Employees may choose to purchase additional life insurance through the City’s Voluntary Optional Life Insurance program.
Short-Term Disability Insurance (STD)
STD benefits are 70% of your weekly earnings up to a maximum of $3,500 per week.
Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTD)
LTD benefits are 66% of monthly earnings up to a maximum of $8,000 per month. San Dieguito Water District employees pay for their LTD premium.
Sick Leave
Unrepresented full-time employees accrue eight (8) hours of sick leave for each calendar month of paid status (3.7 hours per pay period). New employees are granted a beginning balance of (9) hours. Less than full time employees accrue sick leave in an amount prorated by FTE status. Accrued sick leave carries over from year to year.
Parental Leave (Baby Bonding)
Employees who qualify for California Family Rights Act (CFRA) baby bonding will be eligible for twelve (12) weeks of employer paid leave. Available leave is prorated based on FTE status.
Vacation Leave
Employees earn vacation hours based on the following years of service:
Years of Service Annual Accrual
Hire - 5 Years 104 hours
6 - 10 Years 128 hours
11 - 15 Years 152 hours
16 Years 184 hours
Credit is given to new employees for related continuous prior public service employment at the rate of one year for every two years worked.
In addition to Vacation Leave, all Management employees shall be provided fifty-five (55) annual hours of Administrative Leave.
General Election Leave
Employees shall be provided a half day of paid leave to vote at the employee’s polling location or a full day of paid leave to volunteer for the County Registrar of Voters for a General Election.
Holiday Closure
Each year, City Hall is closed from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day.
Holidays
Employees receive thirteen (13) fixed holidays and five (5) floating holidays (45 hours) per fiscal year.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Confidential services are available to employees and household members to assist with personal and professional issues. Five sessions per issue are available each calendar year.
Computer Purchase Program
The City will loan employees who successfully complete the probationary period of employment an interest free loan of up to $3,000.
Tuition Assistance
Eligible employees may receive up to $1,200 in reimbursement per fiscal year for approved coursework tuition, required textbooks and registration.
Social Security and Medicare
The City does not participate in the Social Security program. The City and employees each pay 1.45% to Medicare Insurance.
01
I acknowledge I have attached both a resume and cover letter.
- Yes
- No
Describe your experience implementing Housing Element programs and objectives, as well as carrying out housing-related legislation.
03
Describe your experience managing teams within a government agency and outlining your approach to leadership.
- Required Question
Salary : $8,000