Nestled between the Santa Rosa and San Bernardino Mountains in the Coachella Valley, La Quinta (pop.~39,000 permanent residents + ~15,000 seasonal) continues to live up to its nickname: The Gem of the Desert. La Quinta seeks a Director of  Design & Development to lead a department supported by a FY 2025-26 operating budget of $5.4 million and 21 staff members. The department includes planning, building, and The Hub (a one-stop shop for permits).

La Quinta seeks a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial leader who sets high standards and is committed to delivering exceptional service. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative, people-focused professional who finds fulfillment in developing teams and building strong relationships across the organization and community. A strategic, customer-centric mindset and a proactive approach to aligning priorities with the City's long-term goals are essential to success in this high-performing environment.
 
Competitive candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, architecture, or a related discipline and possess five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in a comparable setting, including three (3) years of leadership experience. In-depth familiarity with contemporary urban planning principles is expected.
 
The salary range is $148,041 - $222,802 DOQE, with generous benefits. Closes on Sunday, September 7, 2025.