Chief of Planning

The City of Salinas is seeking an experienced and collaborative Chief of Planning to lead key planning, permitting, and environmental review functions during a transformative period of growth and revitalization. Reporting to the Community Development Director, the Chief of Planning will oversee advanced and current planning divisions, guide major initiatives such as General Plan and Zoning Code updates, Climate Action planning, and large-scale residential and mixed-use developments, while mentoring staff and improving organizational processes. Located in the largest city on California’s Central Coast, Salinas offers a diverse and vibrant community with strong economic ties to agriculture, innovation, and sustainable development. The ideal candidate will be a strategic, emotionally intelligent, and politically astute leader with extensive experience in land use planning, team development, and project management, committed to exceptional public service and operational excellence.