Community Development Director
City of Saratoga
October 7, 2014
Professional Area:
Community Development and Redevelopment
Experience:
7-10 years
Contact person:
Monica LaBossiere
Phone: 408-868-1252
Email:
mlabossiere@saratoga.ca.us
Location:
Saratoga, CA
SARATOGA TODAY
The City of Saratoga is an attractive residential community of approximately 30,000 known for its excellent schools and prestigious neighborhoods. The community’s historic downtown district, known as "The Village", has distinctive dining, unique shops, and numerous buildings dating back to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Saratoga residents place an emphasis on retaining the quality of the city’s semi-rural ambiance. The City also is home to Villa Montalvo and the Hakone Gardens, the oldest Japanese-style residential garden in the Western Hemisphere.
CITY GOVERNMENT
The City of Saratoga was incorporated in 1956 and operates under a Council/Manager form of government. The City government receives most of its revenue from property tax, although the City’s share of property tax receipts is only about 5.45% of the 1% assessment Saratoga property owners pay. This “low tax” status limits the City to providing minimal services to its residents. Staffing is low for a city this size (58 FTE) with many services provided on contract.
In addition, with the relatively late incorporation of the city after the community had developed, many school and utility districts were already in place, meaning more than one pre-existing district may serve within City of Saratoga boundaries. Fire and protection services are provided through special districts and law enforcement services are provided by Santa Clara County Sheriff’s office by City contract. Animal control services are provided by the City of San Jose through contract. The City is proud to be served by these agencies as well as the Santa Clara Water District, West Valley Sanitation District, and others.
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
The Community Development Department is comprised of the Planning and Building Divisions and is staffed with 12 FTE’s, including the Community Development Director. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is administered in the Community Development Department. The FY 2014/15 budget is $2,237.950.
THE POSITION
Serving as the City’s principal City Planner and a member of the City’s management team and reporting to the City Manager, the Community Development Director plans, directs, manages, and oversees all activities and operations of the Community Development Department, including long-range and current planning, permitting, business licensing, and building and code compliance services. The position is responsible for direct contact with citizens, elected officials, officials from other agencies and organizations, community leaders, and the media regarding issues that are often highly sensitive and complex. The Director is responsible for management of zoning compliance, administration of applicable City, County, State and Federal land use regulations and legislative program compliance. The position is responsible for serving as a valued liaison with the City’s Planning and Heritage Preservation Commissions.
THE POSITION COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The City of Saratoga provides an excellent compensation and benefits package. The salary for this position will be based on qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The annual salary range is $151,860.80 to $184,579.20.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
At least seven to ten years of extensive planning-related experience with at least five years in a senior management role, including demonstrated knowledge in public presentation, policy development, and financial analysis and budget management is required. Candidates who embrace civic engagement are strongly encouraged to apply for this career opportunity. A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master’s degree is preferred. AICP is preferred.
The Ideal Candidate will be a strategic, proactive and creative, community development expert who has exceptional operational strengths and offers organization leadership to the department. Strong management and administration skills are essential. Organizational “fit” and adaptability to the work environment will be critical aspects for success in this role. The successful candidate must utilize high levels of collaboration, patience and persistence in providing service to and work with the various internal and external customers. The Community Development Director will be expected to operate with high levels of integrity, professionalism, respect, collaboration and ethical behavior. The ideal candidate will have a background that reflects high levels of expertise and successful Community Development program delivery.
In preparation of recruiting and selecting its Community Development Director, the City has identified the following characteristics as desired in applicants for the position:
The Community seeks a Community Development Director who is connected with residents and businesses and who shares their desire to maintain the economic base of the city without loss of its character. One who brings good ideas to the table, but will listen to residents.
The Mayor and City Council seek a Community Development Director who is innovative and sensitive to the community’s needs and citizen interests. One who shares the community’s values, will assist in reaching its goals, and is politically astute. One who is skilled in analyzing, interpreting, and presenting qualitative and quantitative information in a meaningful way for City Council, boards, commissions and stakeholders. One who is persuasive in representing the City’s interests with the development community, stakeholder groups, other local agencies, and professional organizations.
The Staff of the Community Development Department seek a high functioning director who is genuinely collaborative, provides strategic leadership and will lead by example. One who teaches, mentors, cross-trains, and coaches – at all levels – and considers co-workers as valued contributors and appreciates their efforts.
The City’s Management Team seeks a member who is talented, articulate, cooperative, hardworking, and not above rolling up their sleeves when the lifting gets heavy. Team members want a director who values their involvement and suggestions in community development matters, who strongly defends her or his position, but will listen to the opinion of others and who shares their passion for high quality service. They want a team player who has a sense of humor.
THE PROCESS
To be considered for this exciting career opportunity, please apply online through calopps.org, click on member agencies, followed by the City of Saratoga. Please provide the City via attachment on calopps.org a letter of interest and your resume that clearly demonstrates your qualifications, background, and education as they relate to this position’s requirements, along with three work related references (who will not be contacted until mutual interest is established). The final filing date for this position is Friday, November 28, 2014. A final appointment to the position is anticipated in late December 2014/early January 2015.