Salary : $125,195.20 - $187,782.40 Annually
Location : City Hall, 250 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Planning and Development Services
Opening Date: 10/01/2026
Closing Date: 10/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Description
The Palo Alto Planning and Development Services Department is responsible for a range of functions aimed at preserving and enhancing the quality of life in Palo Alto through thorough and efficient permitting and entitlement, building inspection, and code enforcement services. By providing the City Council and community with guidance and effective implementation of land use, development, planning, housing and environmental policies, plans, and programs, the department works to maintain and enhance the City's safety, vitality, and attractiveness.

Unique Opportunity!
The Department has a unique and exciting opportunity for the right candidate to work on a variety of projects in a dynamic, fast-moving environment. Many of these projects result in significant positive impacts on the attractiveness and vitality of the community. The position will appeal to a candidate with well-honed analytical skills who appreciates playing an active part in the department's achievements by providing budget, administrative, and operational support.

Ideal Candidate
The department seeks a detail-oriented, experienced analyst with a proactive approach, a passion for learning, and strong customer service orientation. The ideal candidate will combine high integrity with a strong work ethic and be able to effectively handle multiple priorities simultaneously, pivoting as necessary to meet critical deadlines. The ability to produce accurate financial projections and reports, evaluate complex data, and perform policy analyses is a must. The candidate should also have exceptional oral and written communication skills and outstanding interpersonal skills. Supervisory experience or experience working closely with Human Resources is a plus.

Benefits: Fantastic benefits package, to learn more click
Compensation (MGMT): Comprehensive compensation plan, to learn more click
Schedule: Hybrid (Some flexibility with in-office and remote days), subject to change
Essential Duties

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop, track, and manage budgets throughout the year using SAP, Budget Pro, and advanced Excel skills.
• Support the department's business operations by reviewing and approving expenditures, following City procedures and utilizing the highest ethical standards.
• Provide insight on the department's business performance and operations.
• Perform project and policy analyses providing recommendations, as appropriate.
• Serve as the department's liaison with Human Resources (HR) for recruitments and various HR issues.
• Update fees and department fee information.
• Lead or support fee studies, nexus studies, or audits.
• Prepare a variety of reports for leadership and elected or appointed bodies.
• Review staff reports for budgetary impact.
• Manage, coordinate, and administer special projects.
• Administer contracts and grants for the department, tracking costs and ensuring contract compliance.
• Pursue timely procurements and contract solicitations, working closely with procurement staff and tracking costs while monitoring compliance with rules, regulations, laws and policies.
• Work with colleagues throughout the organization to obtain desired outcomes.
• Work independently and exercise good judgement and discretion.

To see full job description click
Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge and skills, which would typically be acquired through:

Bachelor's Degree in a related field and five years of professional experience in public or business administration, public affairs, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Postgraduate coursework or a Master's Degree is preferred.

Supplemental Information

More than one position may be filled through this posting.
See our Benefits at a Glance Bookletfor more details.
Learn more about our Compensation Plan
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