REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Executive Recruitment Services
Community Development Director
Issuing Organization:
RFP Title:
Issue Date:
Proposal Due Date:
Contract Start Date:
Contact Person:
Contact Email:
Contact Phone:
City of Foster City
Executive Recruitment — Community Development Director
May 28, 2026
June 12, 2026, by 5:00 PM PST
July 6, 2026
Dawud Brewer, Human Resources Manager
dbrewer@fostercity.org
650-286-3221
1. Introduction & Background
City of Foster City (the "City") is seeking proposals from qualified executive search and
recruitment firms to assist in the identification, recruitment, and selection of a highly qualified
Community Development Director.
The City is a municipal government serving a population of approximately 34,000 in Foster City
within San Mateo County. Our mission is dedicated to providing excellence in service to our
community in a positive and caring manner. The Community Development Director plays a
critical leadership role in advancing our strategic goals related to housing, economic
development, land use planning, and community engagement.
The current vacancy arises due to the promotion of the incumbent. We are seeking a
professional search firm with demonstrated experience in public sector or nonprofit executive
recruitment.
2. Scope of Work
The selected firm shall provide a comprehensive executive search process that includes, but is
not limited to, the following services:
2.1 Position Profile Development
• Conduct stakeholder interviews with city representatives
• Develop a comprehensive position profile including ideal candidate attributes, key
competencies, and compensation benchmarking
• Present profile for city review and approval prior to launch
2.2 Candidate Sourcing & Outreach
• Design and execute a broad national or regional recruitment campaign
• Actively recruit passive candidates through professional networks and direct outreach
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL | Community Development Director — Executive Recruitment
Services
• Advertise the position across relevant professional associations, job boards, and
diversity-focused channels
• Maintain confidentiality of all applicants throughout the process
2.3 Screening & Assessment
• Review all applications and conduct preliminary screening interviews
• Prepare and present a shortlist of 5–8 qualified semifinalists
• Conduct in-depth interviews and professional reference checks on semifinalists
• Administer applicable skills assessments or leadership evaluations as appropriate
• Perform background verification in compliance with applicable laws
2.4 Finalist Presentation & Selection Support
• Present a final slate of 3–5 candidates with comprehensive written profiles
• Coordinate finalist interviews, community forums, or assessment centers as requested
• Provide interview guides, evaluation tools, and structured deliberation support
• Assist with offer negotiations and onboarding transition planning
2.5 Post-Placement Guarantee
• Provide a minimum 12-month placement guarantee; if the selected candidate leaves or
is terminated within the guarantee period, the firm will conduct a replacement search at
no additional professional fee
3. Proposal Requirements
Proposals must be submitted in electronic format (PDF) and shall include all of the following:
3.1 Firm Qualifications
• Firm overview, history, size, and organizational structure
• Résumés of key personnel assigned to this engagement
• Minimum of five (5) comparable executive search engagements completed within the
past five years, with client references
• Evidence of experience recruiting for community development, planning, or public sector
leadership roles
• Statement of any potential conflicts of interest
3.2 Technical Approach
• Detailed description of the proposed search process, methodology, and timeline
• Outreach and sourcing strategy, including diversity and inclusion practices
• Screening, assessment, and evaluation tools to be used
• Communication protocols and reporting to the City throughout the process
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL | Community Development Director — Executive Recruitment
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3.3 Project Timeline
• Proposed project schedule from kick-off through placement, including key milestones
• Estimated time to present a qualified candidate slate
3.4 Fee Structure
• All-inclusive professional fee and payment schedule
• Itemized list of any expenses to be billed separately (travel, advertising, assessments,
etc.)
• Fee structure for the post-placement replacement guarantee
3.5 References
• Three (3) to five (5) professional client references from comparable searches
• Reference contact information including name, title, organization, phone, and email
4. Submission Instructions
Proposals must be received no later than the date and time specified on the cover page. Late
proposals will not be considered.
4.1 Submission Method
• Electronic submissions preferred; submit via email to dbrewer@fostercity.org with
subject line: "RFP Response — Community Development Director Search"
• File format: Single PDF document, clearly named:
[FirmName]_CDD_RFP_Response.pdf
4.2 Questions & Clarifications
• All questions must be submitted in writing by email to the contact person listed on the
cover page
• Questions deadline: June 9, 2026, 5:00 PM PST
• Responses to all questions will be posted and distributed to all known proposers by June
10, 2026.
• No verbal inquiries will be accepted or considered binding
5. Terms & Conditions
5.1 Reservation of Rights
The City reserves the right to: (a) reject any or all proposals; (b) waive informalities or
irregularities in proposals; (c) accept the proposal most advantageous to the City; (d) negotiate
with any or all proposers; and (e) cancel this RFP at any time without obligation.
5.2 Confidentiality
All proposals become the property of the City. The City will make reasonable efforts to protect
proprietary information identified as such by the proposer, subject to applicable public records
law.
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL | Community Development Director — Executive Recruitment
Services
5.3 Costs of Proposal
The City shall not be liable for any costs incurred by proposers in responding to this RFP,
including costs of preparation, presentation, or negotiation.
5.4 Equal Opportunity
The City is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with firms that reflect the
diversity of the communities we serve. Minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged
business enterprises are encouraged to respond.
5.5 Contract
The selected firm will be required to enter into a professional services agreement with the City.
The City's standard contract terms apply. The firm must maintain professional liability and
general liability insurance in amounts specified by the City.
6. Anticipated Timeline
Milestone
RFP issued
Deadline for written questions
Addendum/answers issued
Proposal submission deadline
Proposals reviewed and scored
Finalist firm interviews (if applicable)
Firm selection and contract award
Contract execution and project kick-off
Candidate slate presented
Target hire date
Target Date
May 28, 2026
June 9, 2026
June 10, 2026
June 12, 2026
June 19, 2026
June 26, 2026
June 26, 2026
August 3, 2026
September 8, 2026
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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.
