Job Information
Company Name
City of Highland
Position Level
Managerial
Job Description
The City of Highland is conducting a statewide search for an experienced urban planning professional to serve as their next Director of Community Development. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and solution-oriented member of the City’s executive team. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated deep and effective understanding of urban and suburban environments, economic development strategies, and outstanding communication skills. The previous Director announced his retirement after 28 years with the City and half of that time serving in the role of Director, which created this unique opportunity for an energetic, forward-thinking professional to lead and manage in a collaborative environment. The City of Highland is a financially stable city that has proven resilient in economic downturns, and its entrepreneurial spirit ensures that it takes maximum advantage of economic opportunities. City services are delivered with the assistance of over 43 full-time staff, a 2026-2027 Adopted Budget of $80.1 million.
The new Community Development Director will have exceptional management, interpersonal, and communication skills, with a hands-on and proactive approach to addressing a broad range of urban planning, economic development, and development related challenges. The ideal candidate will have a strong desire to work in a team environment and will be a trendsetter with the ability to use their experience in urban planning to create and execute strategies that shape innovative solutions to critical issues regarding housing, commercial and economic development. The successful candidate will also value relationships and be known as a manager of people who encourages innovation and problem solving yet holds people accountable for quality work. It is very important that the new Director possesses a commitment to excellent customer service.
Required Skills / Experience / Education
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in municipal planning and community development, including two (2) years in a supervisory capacity.
Education: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban and regional planning or a related field. Master’s degree is desirable.
US Citizenship Required?
Yes
Will security clearance be required?
No
Salary Range
up to $212,000 annually, DOQE
Other Benefits
The City offers a comprehensive benefits package including CalPERS retirement.
Application Deadline
10/05/2026
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Travel
None
Primary Language Required
English
Industry
Public Sector
Job Location
Location Address
21275 Baseline Ave
Highland, California
92346
Contact Information
Hiring Contact Name
Fred Wilson
Phone Number
(916) 630-4900
Website
https://ralphandersen.com/jobs/community-development-director-highland-ca/