Job Information
Company Name
City of El Cajon
Position Level
Managerial
Job Description
The Opportunity:
As the sixth largest city in San Diego County, El Cajon is seen as a leader among cities and a wonderful location to live, work and play. The City prides itself on a workplace culture that empowers employees to support a strong work-life balance and professional development. The City offers extensive benefits plans, defined retirement, wellness incentives, and much more. Ultimately, El Cajon is a shining example of a local government that provides exceptional municipal service with an innovative mindset.
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.
Why Join El Cajon?
The Development Services Department brings together disciplines that shape projects from initial concept through review, permitting, construction, and completion. The Deputy Director has the opportunity to work across these functions while leading the City’s Community Development programs and helping improve how the City serves residents, businesses, and the development community. The position offers a combination of organizational leadership, community engagement, development services, policy implementation, and staff development, with the opportunity to have a direct and visible impact on El Cajon.
Representative Duties – 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.
Required Skills / Experience / Education
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
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.
US Citizenship Required?
Yes
Will security clearance be required?
No
Salary Range
$173,646 - $211,068 Annually
Other Benefits
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: https://www.elcajon.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/29604/639185891995770000
Application Deadline
12/02/2026
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Travel
None
Primary Language Required
English
Job Location
Location Address
200 Civic Center Way
El Cajon, California
92020
Contact Information
Hiring Contact Name
Human Resources
Phone Number
(619) 441-1736
Website
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/elcajon/jobs/5497403/deputy-director-of-development-services-community-development