Department Head - Community Programs

Frederick County Government•Sagner Avenue - Frederick, MD

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Frederick County Division of Housing is seeking a Department Head - Community Programs to provide day-to-day operational leadership and management support. The position directs major program areas and oversees operations, staff performance, program planning, and resource management, ensuring high-quality service delivery, regulatory compliance, and alignment with division goals. The role supervises program staff and reports directly to the Division Director of Housing. Partial telework may be available in accordance with Division policies. The Division works to provide affordable housing for Frederick County residents, with an emphasis on special needs populations, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and low- to moderate-income workforce households. This position leads programs and strategic objectives supporting the production and preservation of affordable housing and community development in the county.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Economics, Urban Planning, Political Science, Human Services, Public Administration, or a related field.
At least 6 years of experience in Human Services, Housing, or Community Development, including at least 2 years supervising or managing staff and 2 years of budget and fiscal work experience that includes grant management.
An alternative education and experience pathway is a Master’s degree and 4 years of experience as described, including 2 years supervising or managing staff and 2 years of budget and fiscal work experience that includes grant management duties.
Advanced knowledge of federal HUD regulations and programs, including HCV, CDBG, LIHTC, and state housing development programs.
Knowledge of public administration principles and practices, including personnel, budgeting, accounting, and management, and the ability to apply them to housing and community development programs and projects.
Advanced knowledge of necessary technology, including specific housing program software.
Skills in team management and supervision, program management and implementation, financial management, and management of federal and state grants and subgrantee compliance.
Strong written and verbal English communication skills, including the ability to clearly prepare and present complicated information to officials, peer groups, and citizen groups.
Ability to work effectively and compassionately with vulnerable households, extremely low-income residents, seniors, people with disabilities, and people impacted by behavioral health issues or trauma.
Ability to research and interpret complex Federal and State guidelines and regulations.
Ability to compile, prepare, and administer a budget and to utilize and administer the grant application process.
Ability to supervise and direct others and to use computerized fiscal, data management, and word-processing systems and equipment.
Ability to compile and prepare program reports, grant applications, and other complex written work.
Ability to lead workgroups involving staff from other County divisions and community participants.
Strong organizational and problem-resolution skills, including the ability to manage complex projects and establish priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with local government officials, Federal and State program administrators, subsidized housing clients, coworkers, and the general public.
Ability to provide own transportation as needed for meetings and other commitments.
Availability for varied work hours as needed for meetings and other commitments.

Nice To Haves

Experience in affordable housing finance, such as housing bonds, tax-incremental financing, or Payment-in-Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).
Related experience working with or for Federal, State, or local government.
Experience administering the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
Experience overseeing compliance of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.
Experience partnering with nonprofit or for-profit developers to build or preserve affordable housing.

Responsibilities

Direct, supervise, and participate in daily operations and strategic planning for assigned program areas, including workflow oversight, process evaluation, and implementation of improvements.
Lead and supervise division staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and personnel-related administrative coordination.
Oversee program operations to ensure effective service delivery, regulatory compliance, budget administration, and alignment with division goals.
Develop, recommend, and implement operational policies and procedures to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and program performance.
Manage relationships with external agencies, developers, contractors, municipalities, and community partners in support of housing and community development objectives.
Oversee housing and community development programs, including affordable housing production, developer incentive programs, homebuyer and rehabilitation assistance, and division funding programs.
Oversee State, Federal, and local community development grants, including compliance monitoring, documentation, reporting, and coordination with regulatory entities.
Oversee preparation of required plans, regulatory agreements, and annual reports related to housing, homelessness systems, and community development programs.
Lead implementation of strategic objectives to produce and preserve affordable housing in Frederick County, in alignment with the Frederick County Housing Study.
Represent the division in meetings, presentations, audits, and public forums, and serve as liaison to boards, committees, and stakeholder groups.
Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

11 days of vacation leave, increasing after 2 years of employment.
15 days of sick leave with unlimited annual carryover.
11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holidays; 10- and 11-month employees may not receive all holidays.
Day 1 coverage of comprehensive medical insurance plan options, including a County Health Savings Account contribution for employees enrolled in the high-deductible plan.
Dental, vision, and flexible spending benefits.
Employee Health Center offering no- or low-cost primary and urgent care.
County-paid group term life insurance equal to 2 times annual salary and Accidental Death & Dismemberment benefit.
County- and employee-funded defined benefit pension plan, with vesting after 5 years of service.
Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, and other qualifying service.
Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program.
Tuition reimbursement program.
Other employee-paid benefits include a Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, and a Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.