City of Thousand Oaks, CA - Deputy Community Development Director - Operations

The City of Thousand Oaks Community Development Department is seeking an experienced, collaborative, forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Deputy Director of Operations. In partnership with the Director, Deputy Director of Planning, and the City’s Building Official, the new Deputy will provide direction and oversight to the department, which is responsible for ensuring that growth, housing, construction, and land use across the City remains balanced with Thousand Oaks’ environment and resources.

With an FY 2025/2026 Adopted Operating and Capital Budget of $13.6M million, and 50 FTE, the Community Development Department is comprised of seven operational areas: Administration, Building and Safety, Code Compliance, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) administration, Housing Services, General Planning, and support for the City’s Planning Commission. The Deputy Director of Operations provides leadership and support for code compliance, including municipal code amendments and related policy changes, housing services, CDBG management, and department administration, including management of the budget and information technology systems, as well as oversight of the City’s contracted third-party provider for animal care and control. The Deputy Director of Operations provides support as needed to the Deputy Director of Planning, who is the primary staff liaison to the City’s Planning Commission.

The City is currently undertaking a comprehensive zoning code update and is in the entitlement phase of a new Downtown Master Plan. These and other strategic initiatives addressed in the City’s 2045 General Plan will significantly impact the work of the Community Development Department in coming years. The ideal Deputy Director of Operations will have considerable experience serving as a lead on similar major long-range planning efforts and collaborating cross-functionally on the communication and engagement aspects of large-scale projects such as these.

Priorities

• Optimize the City’s current land use system: Lead optimization of the TO/24 (Tyler Energov) system to maximize efficiency in permitting, plan checks, and other related development services, ensuring full staff adoption and delivering a seamless, transparent digital experience for the community.
• Streamline the department’s legislative monitoring process: Establish a proactive legislative triage process to rapidly analyze fast-moving State and Federal mandates, particularly in the areas of environmental impact, housing, and federal funding streams, and provide clear, decisive response options to City leaders in close collaboration with the City Attorney’s Office and Legislative Affairs Manager.
• Implement new workforce development and resource allocation processes: Enhance structure within department by developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for planning and code enforcement efforts, implementing a mentorship program for new staff, and establishing a project management framework for the department to standardize and streamline administrative workflows.
• Enhance cross-departmental collaboration: Foster intentional, high-level partnerships with the City Attorney’s Office, Public Works, and Legislative Affairs to align on complex initiatives such as homelessness solutions, code enforcement, economic development, and Downtown Master Plan implementation.
• Improve communication and staff engagement: In close collaboration with the Community Development Department Director and other senior leaders in the department, prioritize staff well-being and open dialogue, model decisive leadership, effectively navigate external pressures, and consistently drive the team toward consensus and action.

The Successful Candidate

The successful candidate for Deputy Director is a decisive, politically savvy servant-leader with deep technical expertise and demonstrated success leading teams. The ideal candidate is comfortable navigating ambiguity and is highly adaptable to changes mandated by state and/or federal policy shifts. The next Deputy Director will be capable and experienced in triaging and interpreting fast-moving legislation (e.g., accessory dwelling units (ADUs), solar mandates, street vending) and will be able to provide clear, actionable options to City leadership in partnership with the City Attorney’s Office and the City’s Legislative Affairs Manager.

A critical element of the Deputy Director’s portfolio is oversight of the department’s information technology systems. The successful candidate has successfully led the system optimization and related business process improvement efforts associated with a modernized enterprise permitting and land management system (Tyler Energov or comparable product). To improve transparency and internal operational efficiency, the City recently upgraded TO/24: The City of Thousand Oaks’ Virtual Land Use Portal. The new Deputy Director will ensure that internal Community Development Department as well as cross-departmental operating procedures fully and effectively leverage the functionality of the recently upgraded system.

The ideal Deputy Director communicates with candor and clarity and is a proactive collaborator and intentional relationship-builder both within the department and across the City. The Deputy will drive frequent, consistent communication throughout the department and encourage staff engagement at all levels. The successful candidate will have a passion for coaching and mentorship and prioritize the growth and well-being of their team first and foremost. They are comfortable taking calculated risks, looking for solutions rather than obstacles, and effectively avoiding analysis paralysis to keep the team moving forward.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include at least seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in urban planning, development services, economic development, and/or code compliance including at least five (5) years of supervisory and/or management responsibility. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, engineering, public administration or a closely related field is also required. Candidates must have working knowledge of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) requirements, including the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) process, Housing Element law, and Builder’s Remedy projects.

Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree in urban planning (MUP) or pubic/business administration (MPA/MBA) and Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Direct experience optimizing enterprise permitting and licensing (or comparable) systems in a similarly structured organization is also highly desirable. Demonstrated success monitoring state and federal legislation and providing timely, concise, actionable recommendations to City executives is also preferred.

Inside The City

The City of Thousand Oaks is a General Law City serving the public under the Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is comprised of 5 members elected by district to serve 4-year terms with staggered elections every 2 years. The position of Mayor is rotated annually among the Council Members.

The Mayor and City Council appoint the City Manager who is responsible for implementing the goals, policies and objectives of the City Council. The City is currently comprised of 10 departments: City Manager, City Attorney, Strategic Communications & Public Affairs, City Clerk, Finance, Community Development, Human Resources, Cultural & Community Services, Public Works, and Information Technology.

The City contracts with Ventura County for police services and is served by the Ventura County Fire District. With an FY 2025/2026 Adopted Operating and Capital Budget of $303 million, and 401 FTE, the City’s team and resources are aligned to achieve extraordinary goals, be responsive to community needs, complete important projects, and deliver exceptional internal and external customer service. The City strives toward its aspirational values of “service, flexibility, teamwork, performance, innovation, wellness, belonging and growth mindset” to drive positive change and enhance the quality of life for all residents. For more information, please visit www.toaks.gov.

The Community

Located between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara in Ventura County, the City of Thousand Oaks is a premiere community recognized for being one of the most desirable places in California to live, work, recreate, and raise a family. Incorporated in 1964 and within a 55.4 square mile area, the City is the second largest in Ventura County with a population of approximately 125,000 residents.

Thousand Oaks consistently ranks among the safest cities in the United States and is home to some of the nation's top schools. Residents enjoy access to high-quality cultural programs through the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. This is one of the largest performing arts centers between Los Angeles and San Francisco and features world-class entertainment, musicals, concerts, children’s shows, ballets, and more. The City prides itself on its designated open space, which includes over 15,000 acres of natural, publicly owned open space and 150 miles of trails for hiking, biking, or leisurely walking. Thousand Oaks is a Tree City in the USA and has been named one of Ventura County’s greenest cities.

The City’s blueprint for a revitalized downtown, the Downtown Master Plan, and recently completed 2045 General Plan envision a vibrant, walkable downtown with mixed-use development, wide sidewalks, public plazas, and gathering spaces. The City’s plans reflect the transformation of underused areas into dynamic hubs with housing, entertainment, and local retail while maintaining the city's signature open space and suburban character. New development will reflect the City’s commitment to inclusivity, arts and culture, safety, environmental sustainability, and accessibility for the whole community.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated hiring range for the new Deputy Director is $157,283 - $196,604, with a full salary range up to $235,926. The City typically makes offers within the hiring range based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

For a complete overview of the City’s extensive benefits, review the detailed summary here. Highlights include membership in CalPERS (California Public Employees' Retirement System), a deferred compensation plan that includes a City match of up to 1%, and generous vacation, sick, and holiday leave. The City operates on a 9/80 work schedule, with flexible remote work options available. The Deputy Director’s consistent in-person presence is expected during the new incumbent’s first six months in the role.

How to Apply

Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. A first review of applications will begin February 20, 2026, and early application is highly encouraged. Interviews are scheduled to begin early March 2026.

For More Information

Please direct questions to Sarah Slegers at sslegers@raftelis.com and Niayla Hairston at nhairston@raftelis.com.

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