Deputy Director of Development Services - Community Development

Salary: $83.48 - $101.48 Hourly
Location : City of El Cajon, 200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-37
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 10/02/2026
Closing Date: 11/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

The Position:
The City of El Cajon is currently searching for an experienced and collaborative leader to help guide the work of its Development Services Department. This position provides an opportunity to lead the programs that directly influence how the community grows and develops while working closely with residents, businesses, developers, City leadership, and regional partners. The Deputy Director of Development Services plans, organizes, and directs the functions, programs, and operations of the Community Development Division including Planning, Building, and Housing. The ideal candidate will demonstrate confidence, initiative, professionalism, and political acumen while ensuring that the needs of the City are met. The Deputy Director works closely with the Director of Development Services and is expected to provide strategic direction, sound administrative judgement, and effective coordination across City departments and external partners. The Deputy Director represents the City at public, community and professional meetings and may serve as Acting Director of Development Services in the absence of the Director.

The Recruitment Process:
Applications will be screened and the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process, which includes a Qualifications Appraisal Interview. Qualifications Appraisal Interviews are tentatively scheduled for November 18, 2026. Successful candidates will be placed on an eligible list for employment consideration for at least six months.

Typical Duties

Please visit our website to view the full job description: Deputy Director of Development Services
Community Development Division:

• Provides technical assistance to residents, developers, City Council, Planning Commission and other City departments;
• Interprets and applies requirements of City ordinances, state and federal laws, resolutions, agreements, statutes, and other documents and data;
• Represents the City in assigned regional working groups related to building, planning, housing and community development;
• Reviews all assigned division reports, resolutions, ordinances and presentations;
• Attends substantial number of evening meetings;
• Evaluates proposals for planning consulting services;
• May be designated as the City's Building Official;
• May be designated as the City's Fire Marshal consistent with the City's adopted code and delegation of authority;
• May serve as ex-officio member and secretary to the General Constructions Appeals Board.

Qualification Guidelines

Deputy Director of Development Services - Community Development:

Education: Educational achievement equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in planning, architecture, engineering, public administration, or a related field. A graduate degree in planning or public administration is highly desirable.
Experience: At least five years' progressively responsible experience in community development, planning, construction, or related field including at least two years' experience at the managerial and/or supervisory level.
License or Certification: American Institute of Certified Planners certification is highly desirable.
The incumbent may be designated as the City's Building Official. If designated, International Code Council (ICC) Certified Building Official certification is required within 12 months of designation. The incumbent may be designated as the City's Fire Marshal consistent with the City's adopted code and delegation of authority. If designated, California State Fire Training Fire Marshal certification, or equivalent fire prevention and code enforcement credentials is required within 12 months of designation.
The City of El Cajon offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and CalPERS retirement.

Please review City Council Policy A-29 for detailed information regarding compensation, benefits, retirement, and more:
If you have any questions, please email
01

To provide us with an opportunity to evaluate your background, responses to this supplemental questionnaire are required in addition to your online application. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to continue in the selection process for this position. Resumes in lieu of this questionnaire will not be accepted. All work experience that is described in your response must also be included in the "Work Experience" section of your online application. I acknowledge receipt of this information.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess at least Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major or major coursework in planning, architecture, engineering, or public administration? You MUST attach a copy of your degree to your application to receive credit.

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a graduate degree in planning, public administration, or closely related field?If yes, you MUST attach a copy of your degree to your application to receive credit.

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess a current valid American Institute of Certified Planners (ACIP) certification? If yes, you MUST attach a copy of your certification to your application to receive credit.

• Yes
• No

05

How many years of progressively responsible work experience do you possess in community development?

• None
• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 4-5 years
• 6 or more years

06

How many years of progressively responsible work experience do you possess in planning?

• None
• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 4-5 years
• 6 or more years

07

Please describe your experience leading or coordinating complex development projects involving multiple disciplines, such as planning, building, engineering, housing, fire, or other public agencies. Describe your role, the parties involved, and how you addressed competing priorities or project challenges.If you have no experience in this area, please type "N/A".
08

How many years of supervisory and/or managerial experience do you have in community development or planning?

• None
• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 4-5 years
• 6 or more years

09

Describe your experience supervising, training and evaluating employees. In your response, please include the number of employees supervised and their job titles. If you have no direct supervisory or managerial experience, please type "N/A."
10

Please describe your experience preparing and reviewing proposals, division reports, resolutions, and/or ordinances. Please specify your role in the process and purpose of each report. If you have no experience in this area, please type "N/A."
11

Describe your experience providing technical assistance related to building, planning, housing and community development to residents, developers, City Council, Planning Commission and other City departments. If you have no experience in this area, please type "N/A."
12

Please describe your experience in preparing and administering a department budget.If you have no experience in this area, please type "N/A."
13

Describe your role in establishing policies, procedures and guidelines for department-wide operations. Please provide an example in your response. If you have no experience in this area, please type "N/A."
Required Question