Community Development Director

City Of Reading•Reading, PA

11h

About The Position

The Community Development (CD) Director is responsible for developing and supporting programs and policies that implement the Administration’s vision for “building a better Reading together.” The Director manages two Deputy Directors and the operations of six (6) divisions, including Planning & Zoning, Property maintenance, Building & Trades, Business Development, CED Programs, and Housing & Blight Remediation.

Requirements

Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Urban Planning, Political Science, or other related field.
Minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in essential responsibilities and duties of this position.
Demonstrated experience in construction methods and materials, renovating, demolition and management of significant public projects.
Demonstrated experience working with residents, developers, and businesses.
Demonstrated experience in negotiation complex transactions with ability to close large deals.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in one of the above subjects, or other related field, is preferred.
Experience working with contractors, tradespersons, and non-profit housing organizations, a plus.

Responsibilities

Manages personnel within the Community Development Department, including hiring, training, work supervision, and problem solving.
Leads coordination efforts among CD Divisions, other City agencies, and City business and community partners. Identifies and implements programs and policies to increase operational efficiency and improve City services.
Develops, implements, and evaluates goals and objectives, policies and procedures, program guidelines, and short and long range goals for the Divisions.
Monitors CD programs and activities to ensure they are meeting the community’s needs as well as local, state, and federal mandates.
Develops comprehensive performance measures and reports to evaluate the Division’s outcomes.
Provides direction to the drafting of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, and other plans that support City revitalization efforts.
Directs HUD-related funding initiatives, including overseeing HUD grant applications, reporting, and implementation of HUD programs.
Identifies and oversees the application of local, state and federal grants that support community development initiatives.
Fosters economic development, redevelopment, growth, expansion, retention, and attraction of new and existing businesses in an effort to improve employment opportunities and foster economic growth.
Promotes neighborhood stabilization through homeownership as well as owner-occupied and rental housing rehabilitation assistance.
Oversees the development and implementation of a city-wide blight remediation strategy.
May serve as Executive Director of the Reading Redevelopment Authority.
May serve as City Liaison to the CRIZ Authority.
Represents the Department in various city, regional, and community meetings and public hearings, as required.
Makes recommendations to the Managing Director and City Council regarding community development initiatives.