Assistant Director of Land Use Services

Job Description:

Assistant Director of Land Use Services

Description

JOB TITLE: Assistant Director of Land Use Services

AGENCY: San Bernardino County

LOCATION: San Bernardino, California

FILING DEADLINE:  April 24, 2026

SALARY RANGE: $148,720 – $213,428 Annually

 

THE POSITION

The Assistant Director of Land Use Services serves as a key executive leader within the San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department, operating under the general direction of the Director. This role plays a critical part in the coordination, planning, administration, and direct oversight of major departmental functions, which include Administration, and Code Enforcement divisions.

The Assistant Director helps shape departmental policy, ensures operational efficiency, and provides leadership on strategic initiatives that guide land use, development, and regulatory services across the largest county in the United States by geography.

 

Duties and responsibilities:

Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Executive Leadership & Department Administration: The Assistant Director assists the Director in planning, organizing, and directing the overall operations of the Land Use Services Department. This includes managing and coordinating major departmental projects and monitoring their progress to ensure alignment with county goals. The role also requires reviewing proposed or adopted legislation to determine its impact on departmental operations and advising leadership on necessary adjustments or implementation strategies.
• Fiscal & Program Oversight: In supporting departmental fiscal management, the Assistant Director helps oversee the department’s budget by monitoring expenditures and ensuring financial activities align with established guidelines. The role includes researching and pursuing funding opportunities and ensuring that departmental programs meet their objectives in a cost‑effective and accountable manner.
• Policy Development & Implementation: This position is responsible for interpreting and administering state mandates and relevant provisions of the County Code. The Assistant Director formulates, recommends, and implements operational goals, objectives, policies, and procedures while also contributing to long‑range planning efforts. Additionally, they make recommendations to the Director on strategies for improving departmental operations.
• Personnel & Organizational Management: The Assistant Director oversees personnel administration by selecting and assigning staff, reviewing and authorizing personnel actions, and evaluating the performance of management and supervisory employees. The role also includes assessing training needs within the organization to ensure staff development and operational effectiveness.
• Intergovernmental & Community Representation: As a key representative of the County and the department, the Assistant Director delivers presentations and maintains effective working relationships with federal regulatory agencies, regional and local agencies, the Board of Supervisors, various commissions and boards, city officials, and community organizations. This function ensures that the department’s interests and initiatives are effectively communicated and collaboratively advanced.
• Reporting & Special Projects: The Assistant Director prepares or oversees the preparation of major departmental documents,

including Board agenda transmittals, general plan reports, grant proposals, funding applications, and other project‑related reports. They may also act on behalf of the Director of Land Use Services during absences and provide temporary or vacation relief as needed.

 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a strategic, people‑centered leader with strong administrative, fiscal, and operational expertise in local government. They will oversee the department’s business services, budgeting, operational systems, and process improvements while supporting two major divisions and managing 3–4 direct reports. They bring experience developing cost‑of‑service models, aligning fees with budgets, strengthening operational protocols, and improving systems such as the Accela permitting platform.

 

This leader communicates clearly and professionally, represents the department with credibility, and brings an inclusive, collaborative style that reduces silos and strengthens team cohesion. They excel at building relationships, facilitating cross‑department collaboration, and engaging staff through regular leadership meetings and supervisor huddles. They demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to unite technical experts around shared goals.

 

The ideal candidate is both strategic and execution‑focused—capable of assessing workflows, aligning resources, and creating consistent, efficient administrative processes. They provide steady, accountable leadership without micromanaging, empower staff, support organizational improvements, and help cultivate a positive, high‑performing culture.

THE COMMUNITY

San Bernardino County has a beautiful and diverse natural environment. The surrounding landscape provides a plethora of recreational opportunities, from boating on the serene water of Lake Arrowhead to hiking the arid expanses of the Mojave National Preserve. Beyond its stunning beauty, the County is a hub of economic activity, with sectors ranging from logistics and manufacturing to healthcare and tourism. The County’s history is deeply rooted in the pioneering spirit of the American West, evident in its numerous historic sites, museums, and cultural landmarks. The County spans 20,105 square miles with 24 incorporated cities, and the community’s 2.2 million residents are incredibly diverse.

 

For more details about this opportunity, please visit the job brochure at: https://koffassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SB-County_Assistant-Dir-LUS-Final-Brochure.pdf

 

To be considered, please electronically submit your resume, cover letter, and a list of five professional references (references will not be contacted in the early stages of the recruitment) to: https://koffassociates.com/assistant-director-of-land-use-services/. Resumes should reflect years and months of positions held, as well as the size of staff and budgets you have managed. For additional information, please contact:

 

Chelsea Freeman

510.570.3844

[email protected]

Website: https://koffassociates.com

Salary:

148720