Director of Community, Neighborhood & Housing Services

• Master's Degree in Public or Business Administration, Community Development, Urban Studies, Urban/Regional Planning, Human/Social Servivces, or closely related field.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively knowledgeable and highly responsible professional experience involving responsibility for planning, organization, and implementation of major functions and programs, the majority of which shall have been acquired in a managerial capacity.
• Possession of a valid driver's license.

• Local government experience is desired; municipal government experience is strongly preferred.

• Evaluate critical operations of Community, Neighborhood, and Housing Services Department.
• Establish familiarity with recently updated Chapter 13 of the City of Gaithersburg’s Municipal Code (Landlord-Tenant Relations) and related ordinances.
• Oversee establishment and launch of a new, city-managed alternative to the Montgomery County Commission on Common Ownership Communities.
• Ensure compliance for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) award with HUD timeliness, reporting, and other program requirements.
• Assess property conditions at Wells Robertson House and DeSellum House.
• Shepherd amendments and updates to the City’s Affordable Housing regulations through the legislative approval processes.
• Work closely with Community Services staff on evaluating recently implemented processes for Community Service, Youth Enrichment, and Parent Resource Center grants.
• Advocate for greater resources from Montgomery County for homeless support services and rental assistance funding.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with the City Manager, Department and other City staff, the Mayor and City Council, and other related boards, committees, and commissions.

The Successful Candidate

The ideal candidate for the CN&HS Department Director position is an accomplished, empathetic, and innovative leader who is dedicated to public service and driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the community. This individual is detail-oriented, socially conscious, and a strategic thinker who can translate strategies into actionable objectives, while also possessing the practical expertise to ensure accountability, high-quality service delivery, and operational effectiveness. The ideal candidate has the capacity to work in varied environments, with a strong ability to foster interdepartmental collaboration while also cultivating and strengthening relationships with community members, nonprofit, governmental, and other regional partners. They will be able to navigate complex cultural and socio-economic landscapes and possess the ability to build rapport with diverse populations while demonstrating active listening and emotional intelligence.

An exceptional communicator and listener, the successful candidate understands the value of inclusive engagement and trust-building. They are committed to cultivating a positive departmental culture, developing their team through mentorship and coaching, and managing performance in a constructive, accountability-oriented manner. The candidate can thrive in a dynamic environment, adjusting to, and navigating, changing schedules and unpredictable, sometimes difficult, situations. With a solid understanding of community development administration and operations, the ideal candidate brings both a visionary mindset and a hands-on management style. They are grounded in values of service, integrity, and professionalism, and thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where collaboration, creativity, and service excellence are expected and rewarded.