Community Development Director POS#104000001 en Cumberland County, NC

About the Department

The Cumberland County Community Development Department is seeking a dynamic and visionary Director to lead efforts that make a lasting impact in our community. This department administers Federal, State, and local grant funding to bring programs to life—programs that create safe, affordable housing, support individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and expand economic and community development opportunities. With services ranging from the management of our Unhoused Support Center to the development of transitional and permanent supportive housing, this department is at the heart of improving quality of life for our citizens.

The Director will guide a talented team, ensuring programs are innovative, effective, and aligned with the County’s mission and goals. This role offers the opportunity to drive meaningful change, foster teamwork, and strengthen the future of Cumberland County through accessible housing and expanded services. If you are passionate about building stronger, more vibrant communities, this is your chance to lead the way.

Position Duties

• Plans and directs all the programs, services, and use of resources for the Department
• Develops Department goals and objectives; defines program year activities and establishes estimated time frames for completion; formulates policies and procedures and evaluates programs/services to identify needed changes, enhancements and/or expansions; Ensures programs meet applicable Local, State, and/or Federal requirements, including reporting requirements, compliance requirements, etc. 
• Manages department staff engaged in developing and implementing the daily activities and services of the Department programs
• Performs a variety of duties associated with supervising staff to include hiring, assigning work, ensuring professional development, and training, establishing performance standards, evaluating work, and providing guidance, direction, and discipline as necessary
• Serves as liaison between County and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); Coordinates monitoring visits, oversees the preparation of reports and prepares reports of monitoring results and of program performance; Schedules technical assistance sessions and training as needed; Maintains current knowledge of HUD policies, procedures, and program requirements
• Develops and monitors the annual budget and five-year program strategies in conjunction with staff, County Finance office and HUD officials; Evaluates and approves expenditures; allocates funding according to program needs
• Establishes collaborative relationships with other departments, agencies, governmental entities, and non-profit organizations; provides guidance/technical assistance in grant development, submission, and administration
• Evaluates the program and applicable State and federal regulations; identifies needed program changes; develops and implements/recommends changes to address same
• Directs the implementation of new and updated HUD automated systems, including applications accessed directly through the HUD mainframe, mapping, planning and proficiently accesses and downloads information from HUD website; Ensures the provision of staff training on applicable systems
• Responsible for organizing, facilitating, and presenting program information at community meetings, and at the meetings of the County Commission, City Council and other municipal boards and private sector entities

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in urban planning, engineering, or public administration and three (3) years of experience involving the administration and implementation of urban planning and development, community development, or economic development; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.   

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal, State, and County laws, regulations, policies, procedures associated with the implementation and maintenance of community development programs
• Knowledge of accepted interviewing and counseling techniques as applied to housing assistance
• Knowledge of principles and practices of program monitoring and evaluation of Community Development programs
• Knowledge of housing needs and issues of clients served
• Knowledge of business practices, supervisory techniques, and motivational theory
• Knowledge of the physical, economic, and social characteristics of the communities throughout the County
• Ability to analyze complex organizational, administrative, and service problems and to formulate effective resolutions
• Ability to effectively and efficiently supervise a program and staff including all related functions associated with personnel, program administration, budget monitoring, and evaluation
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with federal, State and, local government officials, property owners and/or landlords, clients, general public, employees, and supervisors

Conditions of Employment:

A formal transcript will be required. College transcripts may be submitted on-line via the attachment feature or mailed to Cumberland County Human Resources, 117 Dick St. Fayetteville, NC 28301.

Driving is an essential function of this position. To be considered, you must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. If your driver's license is from another state, you will be required to obtain and show proof of a valid NC driver's license within 60 days of hire.

Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.