NEOGOV · 3 weeks ago
Development Liaison
Santa Barbara, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$121K/yr - $147K/yr
4+ years expThe City of Santa Barbara is seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable Development Liaison to serve as a single point of contact for applicants of high priority projects. The role involves coordinating with various city departments to improve the permit process, guiding customers through application steps, and resolving complex cases fairly in accordance with regulatory requirements.
GovTechHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologySoftware
Responsibilities
Serve as a single point of contact for applicants of high priority projects (e.g., housing, downtown commercial development)
Help applicants understand requirements, coordinate reviews, and anticipate issues early
Work closely with the City’s Land Development Team to review public and private development projects
Guide customers through application steps, translating technical feedback into plain language
Track and communicate interdepartmental progress and timelines
Identify recurring bottlenecks to inform future process improvements
Mediate difficulties between the applicant and City staff
Partner with applicants, design professionals, tradespersons, and other analysts throughout the City organization
Build strong working relationships with councilmembers, trade and business associations, government agencies, and community groups
Resolve complex, sensitive individual cases fairly and in accordance with regulatory requirements
Perform a wide variety of administrative and analytical support duties with minimal direction, especially capital planning, performance management coordination, program and process evaluation, and report preparation and presentation
Work on economic development projects and other policy initiatives as needed by the City Administrator’s Office
Qualification
Required
Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in administrative and management analysis related to government agencies
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, urban or environmental planning, or a related field
Possession of, or ability to obtain, California Driver's License by the time of appointment
Demonstrated permitting and organizational development experience. Permitting experience in the public and private sectors is desired
Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships and fruitful collaborations with staff, public agencies, and diverse stakeholder groups
Expertise leading staff, developers, property owners, and special interest groups to advocate for thoughtful and effective development
Proven ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in prioritizing and coordinating complex customer advocacy
Experience developing creative solutions to challenging and controversial projects while maintaining health and safety standards
Experience providing public presentations to Boards, Commissions, and/or community stakeholders
Interest and enthusiasm for economic development, process improvements and working in the City Administrator's Office
Knowledge of methods of research, program analysis, and report preparation
Knowledge of policies and procedures of the Land Development Team departments, with specific emphasis on Planning and Building Divisions
Knowledge of basic principles and practices of budget administration
Knowledge of public relations techniques
Knowledge of principles and procedures of record keeping
Knowledge of basic math
Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods including computer software and hardware such as Microsoft 365, Outlook, and Accela
Knowledge of advanced negotiation techniques
Knowledge of organizational structure and staffing
Knowledge of team building and leadership techniques
Knowledge of basic awareness of economic development and the City's permitting process
Ability to perform administrative and analytical support duties for assigned department
Ability to understand the organization and operation of the City and outside agencies
Ability to interpret and apply administrative and departmental policies and procedures
Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate programs, policies, and procedures
Ability to perform responsible and difficult administrative work involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports
Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision
Ability to independently prepare correspondence and memoranda
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Ability to operate and use modern office equipment
Ability to use personal computers, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation applications
Ability to prepare and present reports orally before policy and decision-making bodies
Ability to read and interpret complex legislation and regulations
Ability to develop and implement policy decisions and accomplish intended results
Ability to resolve conflicts effectively
Ability to be a team player and have a willingness to learn
Benefits
The City is a member of the Coastal Housing Partnership, which offers home loan assistance and rental reductions.
A standard 9/80 schedule is observed, with most offices closed every other Friday.
Flexwork/Telecommuting is available.
Bilingual pay may be available at a rate of $64 / pay period.
Vacation is accrued at 96 hours / year, increasing with City service.
Personal leave (32 hours) is provided each July 1st at the start of the fiscal year (pro-rated the first year).
Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 96 hours / year.
Holidays: 12 holidays are observed / year. Paid holiday time is awarded at the employee’s applicable schedule, i.e., 9/80, 4/10, etc.
Retirement: The City does not participate in Social Security.
Insurance including medical, dental and vision benefits are available under a group plan.
Cafeteria 125 Plan: Employees who opt-out of the group insurance coverage or who select employee only coverage may be eligible for a cash pay-out of up to $362.38 / month.
Life and AD&D Insurance: City-paid term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment ($50,000 each) are provided.
Employee Assistance Program: A City-paid EAP is available for employees and members of their household.
Long-term Disability Insurance is provided.
State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) is provided. Employee pays 1.1% of salary.
Deferred Compensation Savings Plans (457) are available to employees through a deferred compensation program.
Uniforms will be provided by the City to those employees required to wear a uniform.
Company
NEOGOV
NEOGOV is the leading provider of workforce management software uniquely designed for the public sector, education, and public safety.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
NEOGOV has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (13)
2024 (10)
2023 (10)
2022 (18)
2021 (14)
2020 (16)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$700MKey Investors
Warburg Pincus
2025-07-28Secondary Market· $700M
2025-07-28Acquired
2021-06-02Private Equity
Leadership Team
Shane Evangelist
CEO
Brandon McDonald
Head Of Marketing
Recent News
Canada NewsWire
2025-11-14
2025-11-14
Government Technology US
2025-10-31
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