Planning Manager

Community Development Department

$134,803 - $185,164 Annually Plus Excellent Benefits

This is a full-time, on-site position, designed for direct collaboration with the team and active participation in daily operations.

Opportunity to work a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off.

The City of Gilroy is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Join our team!

ABOUT THE POSITION

The City of Gilroy is looking for a forward-thinking Planning Manager to lead our Planning Division and make a lasting impact on our community's future. This is an opportunity to shape the city's growth through innovative urban planning, strategic project management, and inspiring team leadership.

In this role, you'll direct and coordinate a talented team, overseeing current and long-range planning, environmental reviews, and special projects. You'll have the chance to supervise and mentor a diverse staff, implement cutting-edge policies, and streamline processes to ensure top-tier service and sustainable development. Your leadership will play a critical role in advancing the city's goals while fostering a collaborative, high-performance team environment.

If you're an experienced, passionate leader eager to shape the future of Gilroy and drive impactful change, we want you on our team. Join us in creating a vibrant, sustainable future for our community. Apply today!

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The City of Gilroy's Community Development Department is a forward-thinking team committed to fostering growth and enhancing the livability of our city. We take pride in providing exceptional customer service and delivering high-quality, efficient processes that benefit residents and businesses alike. Our collaborative approach spans across departments and with external partners, ensuring sustainable development that aligns with the City's goals. We're seeking an energetic and solutions-oriented Planning Manager who will thrive in this supportive, team-driven environment. Together, we strive to make a positive and lasting impact on Gilroy's growth and future!

IDEAL CANDIDATE KEY QUALITIES:

Professional Expertise:

• Proven leadership in urban planning, land use policy, and zoning administration, with in-depth knowledge of federal and state planning laws.
• Expertise in managing complex projects, including environmental review, zoning, and entitlement processing, while ensuring alignment with current regulations.
• Strong track record in supervising, training, and motivating teams to achieve high performance and meet project goals.
• Skilled in building relationships with internal teams, developers, community members, and external agencies to streamline processes and ensure effective collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, develop innovative solutions, and deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Familiarity with GIS and/or EnerGov Land Management System highly desirable but not required.

Personal Attributes:

• Visionary leader who drives innovation and fosters team excellence.
• Adaptable and resourceful problem-solver, able to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Collaborative and relationship-focused, committed to building positive connections and achieving community-oriented outcomes.
• Strong organizational skills with a focus on sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and successful project delivery.

EXCITING FIRST YEAR PROJECTS/ASSIGNMENTS:

• Lead the development and implementation of the new Zoning Ordinance. Oversee the creation and implementation of a new zoning framework to guide sustainable growth and development in Gilroy.
• Collaborate with Community Development Managers to implement the Housing Element. Work with other city leaders to address housing needs and help shape the city's housing strategy.
• Oversee the Greenhouse Gas Reduction/Climate Action Plan and VMT Reduction Program. Manage key environmental initiatives to reduce the city's carbon footprint and improve sustainability.
• Manage and oversee a wide range of planning projects. Lead your team in delivering a variety of impactful development projects that shape the city's growth.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning or a related field considered useful in City planning. A Master's degree is highly desirable and may be substituted for one year of the required professional planning experience.
• Five (5) years of professional-level experience in the field of urban planning and zoning administration, including at least two years in a supervisory capacity.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License and a safe driving record necessary to operate assigned vehicle(s).
• Pass a post-offer medical examination which includes a drug test.
• Pass an employment check and Department of Justice criminal record check for employment.
• Prefer non-tobacco user.

APPLICATION PROCESS

If you are interested in pursuing this exciting career opportunity please attach and submit the following required items with your NEOGOV application:

• A completed City of Gilroy online application including supplemental responses.
• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position with the City of Gilroy is preferred.
• A detailed resume that highlights your related skills and experience is required.

City Application Form – Candidates must complete the NEOGOV City of Gilroy application form for this position and submit online. Please prepare attachments prior to completion of the NEOGOV application as incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Apply Online:

Go to https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofgilroy. You can apply online by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on the "Apply" link. After viewing the Job Description, click the 'Apply' tab. If this is the first time you are applying using our online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can import your resume from LinkedIn, upload it from a saved document on your computer, or manually enter your personal information. This application will be saved and used to apply for future job openings.

Recruitment Schedule – Key Dates*

• Application Closing Date: February 5, 2025
• First Round Oral Board: February 13, 2025 (Zoom)
• Finalist Interviews: TBD (In person)

(*Note: The examination process/schedule may be changed as needed by the City.)

Only complete application packets will be reviewed. Only the most qualified applicants with the most relevant experience and education will be invited to continue in the selection process. In addition, final candidates for the position are required to pass an employment background check, State of California Department of Justice criminal records check, medical evaluation, and drug screen, given at the City's expense, prior to appointment. If special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department right away 408-846-0228.

Attention: Communication regarding your status in this recruitment process will be conducted via e-mail. Be sure to include an e-mail address on the employment application. Applicants are responsible for notifying Human Resources of any changes to an e-mail address and/or other contact information.

THE CITY OF GILROY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND SUPPORTS WORKFORCE DIVERSITY.