Director of Community, Neighborhood & Housing Services

City of Gaithersburg•Gaithersburg, MD

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Gaithersburg is seeking a community-oriented, customer-focused, collaborative professional to oversee and lead the Department of Community, Neighborhood, and Housing Services (CN&HS), which includes four divisions: Housing & Community Development, Neighborhood Services, Community Services, and Homeless Services. The Director is responsible for strategic leadership, program administration, staff supervision, regulatory compliance, and advancing the City's priorities related to affordable housing preservation, neighborhood stabilization, and support services for vulnerable residents. Work involves a high level of independence, complex decision-making, and collaboration with internal and external partners and requires hands-on departmental leadership within a municipal government setting. The Director reports directly to the City Manager or their designee; and as a member of the City's senior leadership team, collaborates with the City Manager and other department directors on strategy and policy to ensure that the City's mission, vision, core values, and long-range goals are incorporated into operational activities and services. The Department has an FY 2027 total budget of approximately $5.15 million and employs 27.6 FTEs (24 full-time). The position can accommodate both in-person and remote work at the discretion of the City Manager. Preparation for and attendance at meetings, events, and other work outside of regular business hours is required. Residency within the City of Gaithersburg is not required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, urban planning, housing and community development, or related field.
Significant and progressively responsible experience within a local or county government including supervisory experience at the division or department director level.
Full program oversight experience of a CDBG entitlement city program (including management of CDBG-funded activities) required.
Experience overseeing multiple functional areas such as housing, neighborhood services, code enforcement, community services, and/or homeless services.
Experience developing and implementing strategies to stabilize older multifamily housing through code enforcement, reinvestment, or related programs.
Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the State of Maryland (preferred).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MPA, MPP, MSW, or related) preferred.
Experience leading interdisciplinary teams in a hands-on municipal government environment.
Experience with multifamily housing preservation, NOAH stabilization strategies, or property maintenance prevention programs.
Experience working in organizations with smaller or mid-sized teams where leaders directly support operations.
Certifications such as HCD-related credentials, code enforcement certification, or HUD program management training are desirable.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic direction and oversight for the department, ensuring high-quality service delivery across the four divisions.
Directly manages division managers and is responsible for leadership development, performance management, and operational accountability.
Maintains oversight of the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program as an entitlement city, including full program planning, implementation, regulatory compliance, reporting, and coordination with HUD.
Oversees code compliance and Neighborhood Services operations, including property maintenance inspections, enforcement actions, and initiatives aimed at stabilizing “naturally occurring affordable housing” (NOAH).
Works collaboratively with staff to develop strategies and partnerships that expand affordable housing opportunities, support reinvestment in aging multifamily properties, address deferred maintenance challenges, and protect low- and moderate-income residents.
Ensures alignment of departmental programs with City goals and Council priorities.
Prepares and administers budgets, contracts, and grants.
Represents the department in meetings with community stakeholders, regional partners, County agencies, and other governmental entities.
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.