Salary : $119,932.80 - $186,056.00 Annually
Location : City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 26-19
Department: Development Services
Opening Date: 05/12/2026

The Position
Lead. Influence. Make a Difference.

The City of Encinitas is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced planning professional to fill the position of Planning Manager for the Policy Planning Division (Long-Range Planning) in the Development Services Department. The Planning Manager for the Policy Planning Division is responsible for a wide range of projects including oversight, coordination, updating and implementation of strategic plans, the City's General Plan, Specific Plans, and Local Coastal Program. The Planning Manager supervises staff and provides oversight of consultant work. This working manager will be responsible for amendments to zoning code to allow for state law implementation as well as applying for, tracking, administering and reporting on grants. Frequent coordination with the Current Planning team and Housing and Homelessness Division team is an important part of this role.

The Development Services Department is a fast-paced, dynamic city department serving an involved and well-educated community. Top-level candidates are familiar with feasibility studies, public outreach and engagement, project management, and local, state, and federal land use laws including CEQA. The Policy Planning Division provides the City Council and community with reliable guidance and effective implementation of land use development, planning, housing and environmental policies and programs in order to maintain and enhance the City's safety, vitality, and attractiveness.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate has a strong background in long-range planning and housing, with extensive municipal experience and a proven track record of managing complex and controversial land use and housing policy issues. They bring expertise in interpreting and implementing housing legislation, managing Housing Element programs, updating General Plans, revising zoning codes to implement state legislation and leading staff and project teams. With prior planning experience in a California city, they are adept at exercising sound judgment and managing expectations in politically sensitive environments.

This individual is an organized, creative and energetic self-starter with exceptional analytical, communication, project management, and supervisory skills. They are comfortable presenting to Commissions, Boards, and City Council, and ideally have served as a liaison to one of these bodies. The ideal candidate also has experience applying for or administering grants and possesses working knowledge of GIS, presentation and graphics software, and database tools. Above all, they thrive in a collaborative team setting and are motivated by the opportunity to help shape the long-range planning vision for the City of Encinitas.

Successful candidates excel at project management, meeting deadlines, prioritizing competing assignments, and effective time and resource management. Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, exercise good judgment, and maintain a positive, collaborative and professional approach.

Why You'll Love Working Here

Encinitas is a scenic coastal city with six miles of Pacific shoreline, engaged residents, and a strong focus on sustainability and mobility. Our employees are committed to excellence and focused on community, and in this role, your work will directly impact the City's long-range planning and support a vibrant, collaborative community that values public service and innovation.

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Minimum Qualifications
Training and Experience (position requirements at entry):

Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Urban Planning or a closely related field plus five to seven years of responsible professional experience in government, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. A minimum of three to four years of management supervisory experience leading a professional team is also required. A Master's Degree in related field and the Certification in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) are also desirable.

Specialized experience and knowledge of zoning, subdivisions, land use, planning and design theories, building codes and related codes and procedures.

Application Process and Deadline
This job posting is open until the position is filled.

Applications will be reviewed as received and qualified applicants will be invited for interviews.

If you're ready to contribute your talents and grow your career while serving an exceptional coastal community, we encourage you to apply today.
A completed application with an attached resume is required. Incomplete application packets are not accepted.
01

I understand that my application won't be reviewed if a resume is not attached

• Yes
• No

02

Describe your experience managing teams in a government agency and your management style.
03

Describe your experience updating General Plans including Housing Elements, Zoning Codes, Specific Plans, and/or Local Coastal Program Amendments.
04

Describe your experience managing and implementing California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Required Question