JOB DESCRIPTION

THE POSITION

The Planning Manager will lead the Planning Division in guiding private development and application of City codes in accordance with State law and the City's adopted development programs. The Planning Division includes both: Advance Planning and Current Planning (Development Review). This role will offer growth for the new Planning Manager as our exciting and complex projects will provide tremendous opportunities for learning and career development. This position reports to the Community Resources and Development Director, or their designee, and manages a staff of 8 employees. Major focus areas include the implementation and administration of land use and development policies and regulations, assisting residents, developers, and real estate professionals with land use questions and procedures, and conducting development-related environmental review. Other valued services of the Planning Division include providing liaison support to the Planning Commission, and Cultural Heritage Commission, and coordinating with outside agencies such as the Association of Bay Area Governments, County of Napa, Napa Sanitation District, LAFCO and Napa Valley Transportation Authority.

The Planning Manager plays a critical role in helping the City of Napa achieve its development targets through coordination of the Planning Division. This position will plan, revise, and implement a sound planning and zoning program for the City, while also analyzing data pertaining to this program. The Planning Manager will create and present comprehensive reports, making public-speaking skills essential for this role. As a Planning Manager, you will work on include the implementation and administration of land use and development policies and regulations, assisting residents, developers, and real estate professionals with relevant inquiries, and conducting environmental reviews. Additionally, this position will require candidates to have experience in modified or specific plan development. Being able to direct consultants and oversee their projects, review and present staff reports, connect with other City partners, and stay informed of legislative changes that may impact planning and land use in the City of Napa are all important aspects of this role.

ON THE HORIZON: MAJOR PROJECTS SHAPING NAPA'S DEVELOPMENT

Napa is entering a period of significant development momentum and the next Planning Manager will play a pivotal role in guiding some of the city's most high-profile and complex projects. Upcoming initiatives include:

Downtown Landmark Hotel & Paseo

A major 161-room downtown hotel and 78 branded residential unit project is now moving forward, bringing a sophisticated new hospitality anchor to the city center. The development includes a public paseo connecting First Street and Brown Street, improved pedestrian circulation, and a design that blends modern architecture with Napa's historic character.

Riversound

Riversound (formerly known as Napa Pipe) will bring hundreds of new homes, commercial amenities, open space, and multimodal circulation improvements to South Napa. The scale and complexity of the site, from phased construction to infrastructure integration, will require a Planning Manager to oversee the implementation of various aspects of the Development Agreement.

Acquisition of the former Harvest Middle School

The City of Napa recently acquired nearly 28 acres on Old Sonoma Road for the development of a variety of City amenities that may include Parks and Recreation facilities, housing, and other community serving resources. As components of the plan advance, the Planning Manager will play an important advisory role on Planning and CEQA requirements.

Multiple Large Housing Project Proposals

The City of Napa is currently considering multiple large scale housing development projects that will require consideration of State law and mandates related to housing and may facilitate the requirement for the development of Area Specific or Master Plans.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The City of Napa is seeking a collaborative, customer service-oriented Planning Manager who will effectively engage the public and use their planning expertise to fulfill the needs of a vibrant community. The ideal candidate is an adaptable self-starter who demonstrates emotional intelligence and is passionate about who developing, growing, and supporting their team. The selected candidate will be well versed in a wide variety of planning principles and have knowledge of the current trends in municipal planning. We are looking for an effective leader to serve as a mentor for staff and collaborates well with other departments and divisions.

The ideal candidate is politically astute and has a proven track record of strategic project management and problem solving. They will leverage resources and technology to continue to improve processes and efficiencies and regularly engage with the public to ensure they are informed about planning projects and policies that could impact their neighborhoods. The successful candidate also has the ability to foster a positive work culture, take steps towards creating a more collaborative workplace, and operate within a solid ethical framework while upholding public trust. A critical thinker who can communicate complex technical language to the public and work past challenges, remove barriers, and achieve goals is sought.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Four (4) years of professional experience in urban and environmental planning in a management or supervisory role.

Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in urban or regional planning, architecture, engineering, or other design-related field; urban studies, environmental planning, or a closely related field. A Master's degree is desirable.

For a full, detailed job description of Planning Manager including qualifications, please click here

IMPORTANT DATES

The deadline for submitting applications is no later than 11:59 PM on Friday, April 3, 2026. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your application via City of Napa's website by using the "Apply Now" feature.

Phone Interviews may be held during the week of April 13, 2026.

Candidates deemed to be the best qualified will be invited to an in-person interview in Napa on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 or Thursday, April 23, 2026.

Finalists will be invited to an in-person interview with the Community Resources and Development Director in late April or early May.

These dates have been confirmed, and it is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly.