Job Location : Carson,CA, USA
Extensive municipal experience (minimum 7 years) in economic development, urban planning, and community engagement, with a focus on public administration.
Proven leadership in managing planning, housing, employment development, successor agency, and CDBG programs.
Strong policy knowledge in California redevelopment law, zoning regulations, public infrastructure financing, and mixed-income rental projects.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Urban Planning, or related fields (Master's degree preferred).
Strategic Leadership: Directs and implements Community Development Department operations, shaping policies, procedures, work standards, and long-term goals.
High-Level Representation: Participates as a key member of the City's executive management team, attending City Council, Housing Authority, and Successor Agency meetings while delivering presentations and policy recommendations.
Budget & Financial Oversight: Leads the Community Development Department budget, monitoring revenues and expenditures, and negotiating financial transactions for the Successor Agency.
Supervisory & Organizational Management: Oversees department staff, prioritizing work assignments, conducting performance evaluations, and making strategic hiring and disciplinary decisions.
Community & Business Engagement: Serves as a liaison to external agencies, business organizations, developers, financial institutions, and various civic groups to foster partnerships and economic growth.
Regulatory Compliance & Policy Development: Maintains procedural compliance for mandated programs while adapting policies to reflect evolving community needs.
Project Development & Contract Negotiations: Represents the City in contract negotiations with developers, industrial realtors, and funding institutions to drive large-scale development initiatives.
Strategic Vision & Execution: Ability to develop and implement a comprehensive community development strategy aligned with Carson's needs.
Public Administration Expertise: In-depth knowledge of governmental budgeting, planning, real estate financing, and infrastructure improvements.
Economic Development Mastery: Skilled in business outreach, site selection, industrial development, and employment expansion.
Effective Communicator: Comfortable public speaking, writing comprehensive reports, and engaging with various stakeholders.
Negotiation & Financial Acumen: Expertise in alternative financing structures for mixed-income rental projects and redevelopment strategies.
Technical & Regulatory Proficiency: Familiarity with computer applications for urban planning, state and federal compliance frameworks, and technical analysis in economic development.
The City of Carson, located in the vibrant South Bay region of Los Angeles County, is a dynamic and thriving community that blends industry, commerce, and culture. With its prime location near the Port of Los Angeles and key transportation corridors, Carson is a hub for economic development and innovation. Residents and businesses enjoy access to top-tier amenities, including public safety services, land use management, parks and recreation, transit options, and human services—all serving a diverse population of over 91,000 residents.
Carson's 19.2 square-mile footprint is rich with 123 acres of parks, a robust recreation system, and key landmarks, such as California State University Dominguez Hills and the Dignity Health Sports Park—a world-class sports venue that will host events for the 2028 Summer Olympics. The Carson Community Center, conveniently located just 10 minutes from Los Angeles World Airports, offers 40,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, making it a hub for local and regional events.
As a General Law City incorporated in 1968, Carson operates under a Council-Manager form of government, where elected officials, including the Mayor and City Council members, work closely with appointed leadership to shape the city's future. The City's commitment to growth, sustainability, and economic opportunity makes this an exciting place for talented professionals to bring their vision and expertise.
We are seeking an innovative and experienced leader to serve as our Director of Community Development, helping drive Carson's continued progress and impact.
Job Summary:Under general direction of the City Manager, plans, implements and evaluates programs which encourage economic development in the City; directs managers and staff within the successor agency, housing authority, business and employment development, and planning; meets with potential investors, developers and businesses to encourage and facilitate business retention and attraction, employment development and investment in the City; serves as liaison with local, State and Federal economic development agencies, and brings various program activities together under a citywide planned and coordinated economic development strategy. This is an unclassified, at-will position.Class Characteristics:Employees in Executive Management classes are responsible for the development and administration of programs designed to address primary areas of City service. The incumbent is expected to exercise independent judgment, wisdom, common sense, and initiative in establishing efficient and effective departmental operations consistent with City Council policies and administrative guidelines established by the City Manager. The incumbent must also function as a member of the City's management team and participate actively in addressing issues of concern to the City, which may or may not have a direct impact on area of specialization.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:(The City reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind related duties and work assignments.)Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
The City of Carson is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and strive to build collaborative teams that reflect the rich diversity of our community.
Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, registered domestic partner status, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, age (40 and over), military and veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
We are committed to equal opportunity and compliance with all applicable employment laws. Join us and be part of cultivating a workplace that values and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion!
Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities:
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact the City of Carson Human Resources Department at (310) ###-#### at least five (5) business days prior to the scheduled examination date. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please reach out to us as early as possible.
APPOINTMENT:Any offer of employment, or acceptance of an employment offer, is contingent upon passing live scan, background check and other tests. All new employees are required to take a loyalty oath.The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice. All statements made on the job application are subject to investigation and/or verification. Inaccurate and/or false statements will be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligibility list or discharge from employment.IMPORTANT NOTICE: THIS POSITION IS OPENCURRENT CITY OF CARSON EMPLOYEESPlease do not use your City of Carson email address as part of this application. You must indicate a personal email address in order to receive communications and/or notices from Human Resources throughout the recruitment process.#J-18808-Ljbffr