Community Development Director
City of Fort Bragg, California
Fort Bragg, California
Annual Salary: $132,828.80 – $161,449.60 DOE/DOQ*
The City of Fort Bragg, California, is seeking a collaborative and innovative Community Development Director to lead its planning, housing, and development functions. Reporting to the City Manager, this position provides leadership over a diverse portfolio of community development activities, oversees four direct staff and an FY 2026 budget of $636,000, and works closely with City staff, elected officials, advisory bodies, residents, and development partners to guide projects from concept through implementation. This is a transformational leadership opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a rural coastal community by advancing housing solutions, supporting thoughtful growth, and shaping the City’s long-term vision. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, team-oriented leader who brings strong technical expertise, a solution-oriented and entrepreneurial mindset, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, highly visible public sector environment.
Lead thoughtful growth and shape a dynamic coastal community’s future. Apply today!
Mission Statement:
Fort Bragg is a small town nestled between the coast and the redwoods with a strong sense of community that seeks to preserve its environment while providing resilient public facilities and infrastructure and supporting a safe and vibrant economic, multi-cultural, and recreational experience for both locals and visitors alike.
Vision Statement:
Fort Bragg, a California coastal destination with rich natural resources and rugged beauty, is transforming our future by weaving together our people, ecosystems, and economy to create community prosperity. We are making our mark in the 21st Century by creating climate-ready and energy independence, housing and economic opportunities, accessible health care, community public safety, and education for all.
We are guided by the following Core Values:
Innovation: We highly encourage creativity and forward-thinking solutions to meet the evolving needs of our city.
Honesty & Integrity: We believe in transparent, honest, and ethical interactions with our community and stakeholders.
Service-Oriented: We are responsive to the public and to each other to demonstrate our genuine commitment to creating a Fort Bragg that serves us today and readies us for a successful tomorrow.
Fair & Ethical: principles and practices, Fort Bragg promotes an inclusive community culture of unity and equality that openly invites everyone to enjoy our unique coastal enclave.
Collaboration: nourishes civic pride and celebrates the diversity of our city and the meaningful municipal services that our residents and businesses rely on.
Position Summary:
Plans, directs, and coordinates the full range of community development activities, including planning, building, economic development, and housing. Under general policy direction, and in support of defined goals and objectives, performs a variety of planning, management, financial, and marketing tasks requiring the use of independent judgment.
SALARY & BENEFITS
This position will receive an annual salary of $132,828.80 – $161,449.60 DOE/DOQ* PLUS an attractive benefits package.
This job posting will remain open until filled.
Special Requirements:
Possession of a valid Class C or higher California driver’s license.
Incumbent must be a results-oriented person and persuasive individual who is accustomed to a “hands on” approach, should value leadership and entrepreneurship over “process,” and must have a high level of sensitivity to customer service.
Establishing cooperative working relationships with federal, state, and local officials, as well as private financing institutions, venture capital groups, and developers is essential to the success of the position.
Desirable Experience/Education:
Five years of experience in planning, community development, housing, redevelopment, economic development, urban design or related field, including four years in a supervisory or leadership role. Education should be equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in or major study in Public Administration, Business or Business Administration, Planning, Urban Design, Economics or related field.
Physical Requirements:
Frequent walking, standing, writing, bending, reaching, sitting in office chair, keyboarding and visual contact with computer terminal; occasional lifting of items weighing less than 30 pounds, reaching and lifting above shoulders, carrying boxes of materials from one building to another, driving motor vehicle.
NOTE: Accommodations may be made for some of the essential functions/requirements listed for qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation, due to a qualifying disability.
