Client: City of Healdsburg, CA
Position: Community Development Director
Closing Date: November 2, 2026
Additional Information:
The City of Healdsburg is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next Community Development Director.
The Community Development Director plans, organizes, directs and reviews the activities of the Community Development Department including the administration and operation of planning, land use, development standards, building safety, and protection of the City’s natural and cultural resources. Additionally, they coordinate assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.
The City of Healdsburg is idyllically situated amongst three picturesque valleys in the heart of Sonoma County’s wine country. Located 65 miles north of San Francisco, the City was incorporated in 1867 and seamlessly pairs a vibrant small-town atmosphere with access to the amenities and conveniences of a large metropolitan area. The City’s 11,172 residents enjoy a lively and engaging downtown experience centered around the Spanish-style Healdsburg Plaza which is renowned for its shopping, dining, and art galleries. The City is rich with heritage and hosts a diverse array of community events throughout the year, cherishing its small-town character, architectural charm and history.
Qualifications for Consideration
Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in regional planning, urban planning, environmental planning, public administration, business administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
Experience: Seven years of increasingly responsible experience in professional urban or regional planning; including three years of administrative and management responsibility.
Compensation and Benefits
The City offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits. The current annual salary range for the Community Development Director position is $186,549.12 to $226,755.36. Placement within this range is negotiable and dependent upon experience and qualifications. The City of Healdsburg also offers an attractive benefits package which includes the following:
Retirement: The City participates in the California Public Employees’ Retirement Systems (CalPERS). The retirement formula will be based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS, e.g. 2% @ 62 for New Members (average of three highest years) or 2.0% @ 60 for Classic Members (single highest year) with less than a six-month break in service from another CalPERS or CalPERS reciprocal agency. The City does not participate in Social Security.
Other Benefits include:
- Medical/Dental/Vision
- Vacation Accrual – negotiable depending on experience and years of service
- Executive Leave – 100 hours per year
- Sick Leave Accrual
- Holidays – 13 days per year
- Management Incentive Pay ($350.00 per month)
- Deferred Compensation
- Life Insurance – $100,000
- City Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
Application and Selection Process
Interested candidates should apply by submitting a compelling cover letter and comprehensive resume via email to apply@ralphandersen.com no later than Monday, November 2, 2026. This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Confidential inquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Sabrina Landreth, Ralph Andersen & Associates, at sabrina@ralphandersen.com or (916) 630-4900.
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