THE OPPORTUNITY
The City of Glendale is seeking an accomplished and collaborative leader to serve as its next Director of Community Development – an opportunity to help shape the future of a dynamic city with a strong identity, engaged community, and ambitious vision. This highly visible executive role comes at a pivotal time, with a comprehensive General Plan update underway and a steady pace of development activity. The Director will oversee a broad and integrated portfolio spanning development services (planning and building & safety), housing, economic development, and neighborhood services, while leading a talented team and advancing organizational alignment, operational excellence, and high-quality public service. The successful candidate will be someone who embraces that engagement – facilitating constructive dialogue, building consensus, and translating ideas into clear, forward-looking outcomes.
ABOUT GLENDALE
The City of Glendale was incorporated on February 16, 1906, and spans about 30.6 square miles with a current population of approximately 200,000. Glendale is proud of its big city amenities complemented by its small-town feel. Given the City’s consistent ranking as one of the 10 safest cities in the country, its popularity as an excellent place to live, work, and explore is no surprise.
The City is conveniently located near major freeways, providing easy access to business, recreational, and other locations throughout Southern California. Glendale is one of Southern California’s leading office markets featuring a wide range of properties and amenities. The City has over six million square feet of office space and is home to such recognized companies as Walt Disney Imagineering, DreamWorks, Public Storage, and LegalZoom.
THE DEPARTMENT
The Community Development Department consists of six divisions: Administration, Development Services, Long Range Planning, Economic Development, Housing, and Neighborhood Services. Each division plays a critical role in supporting the City’s growth, quality of life, and long-term vision. Administration oversees the department’s budget, financial operations, and human resources functions. Development Services integrates planning and building and safety functions into a unified team that streamlines permitting and development review. Long Range Planning guides the City’s future development through preparation and updates of the General and Specific Plans, and zoning code. Economic Development leads business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts while managing the City’s real estate assets. Housing develops and preserves affordable housing opportunities and administers key funding programs, including Section 8 vouchers, HOME, and local housing funds. And, Neighborhood Services ensures compliance with the Glendale Municipal Code through education and enforcement.
THE POSITION
Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Director of Community Development serves as a key member of the City’s executive leadership team, responsible for planning, directing, managing, and coordinating the full range of programs and services within the Community Development Department. The Director provides strategic leadership, ensures regulatory compliance, advances community priorities, and supports multiple Council-appointed boards and commissions. Key responsibilities include developing and managing departmental budgets and ensuring fiscal responsibility; leading housing and homeless services strategies; guiding long-range planning efforts, including land use, mobility, urban design, and historic preservation initiatives; recruiting, developing, and leading a high-performing team; providing visionary leadership and strategic direction for all Community Development functions; and
advising the City Manager and City Council on policy matters, development trends, and regulatory issues impacting the community.
QUALIFICATIONS
A combination of education and experience that demonstrates the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered qualifying for this position. The following is a typical way to qualify:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in City or Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Economics, Public or Business Administration or a related field is required. A Master’s degree in a related field is desirable.
Experience: Ten years of comprehensive management-level experience in one or more of the following areas: municipal planning, community development, economic development, redevelopment, building and safety, or housing. This experience must include two years as a department or section head over a complex organization.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The City of Glendale provides a competitive compensation and benefits package. The salary for this role is up to $253,943, with specific placement within this range dependent on qualifications and experience. Effective July 1, 2026, a 4.0% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) will be applied to the base salary. Key elements of the City’s benefits program include retirement provided by CalPERS with 2.0% @ 55 for Classic PERS member employees and 2.0% @ 62 for new PERS members (PEPRA). The employee pays the entire PERS employee contribution of 7% (“classic” members with 2.0% @ 55 formula) or 7.5% (PEPRA members with 2.0% @ 62 formula), plus 1.75% of the employer’s contribution (1.25% for PEPRA). Effective July 1, 2026, PEPRA members will contribute 1% of the employer’s contribution. The City also offers voluntary 457 deferred compensation and 401(a) defined contribution plans.
Effective July 1, 2026, the 9/80 schedule features Fridays alternating between a day off and a remote-work day.
For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure at www.mosaicpublic.com/careers.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé online no later than Monday, June 8, 2026, at:
https://www.mosaicpublic.com/careers
This recruitment will be handled with strict confidentiality. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Greg Nelson | greg@mosaicpublic.com |(916) 581-1426
