Director of Planning and Inspections - City of El Paso, Texas

Director of Planning and Inspections - City of El Paso, Texas

City of El Paso, TX

The City of El Paso, TX (pop. 683,012) is seeking an accomplished, forward-thinking Director of Planning and Inspections to lead a department that plays a critical role in shaping the Citys growth, development, economic mobility, and quality of life.

Reporting to a Deputy City Manager, the Director oversees planning and land development, building permitting and inspections, customer service, licensing and special events, and City real estate functions. The Director will provide strategic and operational leadership while advancing efficient development processes, strong customer service, organizational improvement, and effective collaboration across the City and community.

THE POSITION

The Director will provide leadership for the Citys development-related functions, including:

• Planning, zoning, subdivisions, long-range planning, and land-development policy
• Residential and commercial permitting, plan review, inspections, and code interpretation
• Customer service, pre-development assistance, and interdepartmental development coordination
• City real estate, land, easements, rights-of-way, leasing, and property compliance
• Department strategy, budget, performance management, organizational development, and workforce leadership
• Communication and coordination with City leadership, Mayor and Council, developers, businesses, community organizations, regulatory agencies, and the public

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The City seeks a collaborative, solutions-oriented executive who combines strong technical knowledge with strategic leadership and a commitment to exceptional public service.

The successful candidate will bring:

• Significant leadership experience in planning, development, inspections, building services, or a closely related field
• Strong knowledge of municipal planning, land development, zoning, development review, and building and zoning codes
• Demonstrated success improving processes, customer service, and organizational performance
• The ability to lead change while valuing employee expertise, collaboration, accountability, and professional development
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, conflict-resolution, and public-engagement skills
• Experience using data, technology, and performance measures to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors degree, with a Masters preferred, in Policy Analysis, Urban or Regional Planning, Urban Design, Business or Public Administration, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field, and eight years of relevant professional experience, including six years in a managerial role.

Candidates must also demonstrate effectiveness working with corporate, education, not-for-profit, and community organizations. A valid Texas Class "C" Drivers License or equivalent is required by the date of appointment, and residency within the City of El Paso is required by the date of employment.

ABOUT EL PASO

The City of El Paso, with a population of approximately 683,012, is one of Texas most distinctive and welcoming communities, a vibrant borderland city where the American Southwest, Northern Mexico, and the Chihuahuan Desert come together. Known as the Sun City, El Paso offers more than 300 days of sunshine annually, a rich cultural identity, celebrated cuisine, mountain and desert recreation, a vibrant downtown, and a comparatively affordable cost of living.

Framed by the Franklin Mountains and connected by history, commerce, and family ties to New Mexico and Mexico, El Paso combines the reach and opportunity of a major city with the pride, hospitality, and authenticity of a close-knit community.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $143,897.45 - $265,326.28 annually and the anticipated hiring range is $190,000 to $210,000. The benefits package includes medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, paid time off, holidays, parental and shared leave, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, and retirement benefits. Optional benefits include a Health Savings Account, deferred compensation 457(b) plan, tuition assistance, training and certification resources, and other programs. Visit elpasotexas.gov/careers/benefits/ to learn more about the Citys employee benefits.

Relocation assistance is subject to City approval and will be addressed with the successful candidate.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

The position is open until filled; however, first review of applications will occur on September 28, 2026. We invite qualified and interested candidates to apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com. For more information, please contact Yolanda Howze, MGT, Director of Executive Recruitment, at 224-245-5630.

For more information about the City of El Paso, please visit: https://www.elpasotexas.gov/