Assistant Planning Director (Urban Planning)

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 required.

What You’ll Do

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.

What You Bring

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.

Compensation & Schedule

• This is an exempt, salaried position with a hiring salary range of $152,191-$212,765 annually DOE and not eligible for overtime.
• This position may require working more than 8 hours and may have occasional evening/night work including availability for some evening hours to attend City Council and Commission meetings.
• Flexible work options are available: 4/10, 9/80, and partial hybrid work schedule may be possible during specific work seasons per supervisor’s approval.

Why Join Us?

We offer competitive salary and benefits, including:

• 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 and an additional 2 weeks of paid time off annually for exempt positions, 12 days of sick leave accrual, and 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday.
• 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.

To see a complete listing of our benefits, please find them at: https://www.lovelafayette.org/home/showdocument?id=2279

Join Our Team!

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 at: https://www.lovelafayette.org/city-hall/components/jobs/

This position is open until filled.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $152,191.00 - $212,765.00 per year

Benefits:

• Commuter assistance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• Work from home

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lafayette, CA 94549

Salary : $152,191 - $212,765