Director of Community Development & Housing (U)
Education and Experience
Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration urban planning or closely related field; and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in community development and engineering services, including planning, building, economic development and housing; two (2) years of which in a management capacity; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment A valid California driver’s license is required. Desirable Qualifications Real estate and property management licenses/certifications are desired.
The Director of Community Development & Housing (U) is a key member of the City’s Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the City Manager. This highly visible role oversees all aspects of the department providing leadership and direction and ensuring the efficient operation of the department, which includes:
Administration: Coordinates internal functions, oversees contract and grant administration, manages payroll processes and supports various personnel function; plays a key role in delivering effective customer service and ensuring departmental efficiency.
Building & Safety: Enforces the California Building Codes to ensure that all construction within the City meets established safety and structural standards; provides essential services such as assisting customers at the public counter, reviewing construction plans, issuing permits, and performing building inspections; serves as a liaison with partner agencies including the County Fire Department, County Health Department, and the San Bernardino Unified School District; and supports safe development practices and remains committed to facilitating responsible growth within the City.
Code Enforcement: Dedicates efforts to enhancing community livability by ensuring compliance with the San Bernardino Municipal Code. In collaboration with the Police Department, Building and Safety, Planning, Housing, Public Works, Business Registration, and the County Health Department, the Division addresses a wide range of issues including unsafe or abandoned buildings, inoperative vehicles, neglected properties, overgrown vegetation, illegal dumping, and unpermitted street vending. Through these efforts, the Division plays a critical role in protecting public health, safety, and welfare, while also contributing to the maintenance of the City’s overall appearance. Code Enforcement continues to work closely with law enforcement and other agencies to address unauthorized operations, execute inspection and abatement actions, and pursue enforcement through the civil court process when necessary. Ongoing efforts also include addressing long-term problem properties and ensuring that vacant or hazardous sites remain secure and compliant with City regulations.
Housing: Expands affordable housing opportunities, preserves existing housing stock, and supports residents at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The Division manages a pipeline of housing projects aligned with the City’s five-year Consolidated Plan goals. Staff administers Community Planning and Development formula grants, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP).
Planning: Implements the City’s development policies as established in the Comprehensive General Plan and Development Code. These documents serve as the foundation for future development and service provision aligned with the community’s vision. The Division facilitates land use entitlement processes to ensure projects are consistent with City policies and standards, protecting public health and safety while enhancing community quality of life. The Division ensures compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and coordinates with regional agencies such as SCAG, SBCTA, and San Bernardino County. Planning staff also support the Development Environmental Review Committee, Planning Commission, and City Council on land use matters. The Division additionally manages the cannabis monitoring program.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for Director of Community Development & Housing (U) is a visionary and strategic leader with deep expertise in public sector planning and community development. They are a collaborative decision-maker who thrives in a complex, fast-paced environment and is committed to innovation, fiscal accountability, and public service excellence.
Key qualities include
- Inspirational leadership and team-building skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while exercising sound independent judgment
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities
- Emotional fortitude, political awareness, and interpersonal skills to build solid staff and business relationships
- Strong analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences
- Commitment to transparency, equity, and operational efficiency
- Skilled in building partnerships with internal teams, elected officials, and community stakeholders