Housing and Community Development Specialist

Town of Garner•Garner, NC

About The Position

Are you passionate about building strong, inclusive communities where everyone has a place to call home? This role offers a unique opportunity to develop and lead impactful programs and projects that expand affordable housing, preserve neighborhoods, and strengthen community engagement. Reporting to the Strategic Initiatives Director, this position plays a key role in shaping housing initiatives by managing complex projects, building partnerships, and advocating for programs and policies that create lasting community benefits. If you thrive at the intersection of strategy, community engagement, and public service, this is your chance to make a meaningful difference.

Requirements

Have a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration or Business Administration
Have at least 3 years of experience in community development, affordable housing, development finance, non-profit administration, or real estate and economic development; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Be able to handle sensitive data and details in line with established protocols
Be detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration or Business Administration; or a certification/specialization in Housing and Community Development

Responsibilities

Support and facilitates private investment in affordable housing and housing preservation
Assists with maintaining and preserving existing housing stock by implementing housing and neighborhood preservation strategies with Development Services staff, local government partners, and community stakeholders
Liaison on affordable housing and housing preservation projects for the Town
Leads efforts to connect Town employees, active-duty military, and veterans with affordable housing opportunities
Serves as staff liaison to the Housing Advisory Committee
Participate in Development Services Pre-Application meetings for new residential development projects
Consults on Town infrastructure projects that support affordable housing in conjunction with other Town departments
Educates Town Council, staff and residents on affordable housing needs, housing preservation opportunities, and available community resources.
Leads community development engagement initiatives in coordination with the Town’s Communication Team
Works with staff to develop and implement funding strategies for Town projects related to affordable housing and housing preservation
Collects data and prepares studies, reports, strategies, maps, and plans pertinent to the creation and support of affordable housing and housing preservation
Prepares and manages grants related to affordable housing and housing preservation
Assists in the drafting of agreements, contracts, memoranda of understanding and request for proposals
Performing related tasks as required