Listing Summary

Director of Office of Housing and Community Development

Posting is open until filled

Salary:  Commensurate with experience

General Description and Classification Standards

The Atlanta Department of City Planning is committed to implementing Atlanta City Design and transforming Atlanta into the best possible version of itself. Adopted into the City Charter in December 2017, Atlanta City Design articulates an aspiration for the future city that Atlantans can fall in love with, knowing that if people love their city, they will make better decisions about it.

The Department’s objective is to guide the development of the City through planning, design review, plan approval, code compliance, and housing assistance. The Department works closely with the Neighborhood Planning Units, independent community organizations, and developers to provide policy guidance and assistance to support the growth of our community.

The Office of Housing and Community Development is tasked with developing policies and programs that implement the goals of The Atlanta City Design as they relate to the equitable growth and development of Atlanta. The team plays two key roles: data collection and research for cutting-edge policy development and implementation of impactful programs and initiatives. 

The team develops, launches, and manages the operations, compliance, and reporting for affordable housing and economic development initiatives, including programs like Atlanta Main Street, Inclusionary Zoning, Urban Enterprise Zones, and affordable housing Demo Lien waivers.  The group also provides implementation data and other feedback to the Mayor’s Policy team to inform new housing and community development initiatives and policies. 

The Director of the Office of Housing and Community Development directs the staff and activities which promote community development policies and programs focused on creating livable places/ communities. The Director leads the formulation of place-based community development strategies and the implementation of economic development activities.  The Director works with Invest Atlanta, and other stakeholders to create and administer programs to enhance and revitalize communities.

This is a fully seasoned managerial level charged with responsibility for significant specialized functions within a department.  Position manages a group of employees, typically with an intermediate supervisor, or a smaller group of specialized professional employees.  Areas of responsibility are typically unique within the department.  

Supervision Received

The direction received is general and focuses more on long-term and short-term operating objectives, managerial effectiveness, and operating results.  This level would be considered "middle" management.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities                        

• These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.  May perform other duties as assigned.
• Serves on the leadership team of the Department of City Planning. Contributes to the development and execution of department goals, budgets, and operations – providing subject matter expertise on community and economic development.
• Actively engages in the development of innovative strategies to promote equitable community and economic development initiatives across the city. 
• Plans, organizes and evaluates various community development operations to effectively mobilize the City's resources for providing and improving healthy thriving neighborhoods. Consults with other governmental officials about the operation of community and economic development programs. Researches and incorporates industry best practices.
• Advances economic opportunities. Streamlines existing project management activities and expand the services to focus on creating economic opportunities through the creation and continuation of programs such as the Main Street Program, etc.  Explore the use of micro loans and enterprise zones.
• Catalyzes neighborhood revitalization. Implement planning and community development programs. Mobilizes stakeholders’ investment ‎at the neighborhood level.
• Coordinates program activities with other departments, outside agencies, and community groups. Negotiates resolutions of problems and contractual agreements, both internal and external to the organization. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of program delivery and directs improvements. 
• Selects, trains, supervises, and evaluates the performance of staff. Ensures employee development and succession.
• Collaborates with agencies and other stakeholders to launch innovative programs focused on areas such as inclusionary zoning, blight remediation, and community revitalization. 

Decision Making

This position has City-wide responsibility for all aspects of decisions and/or an action regarding the City’s economic and community development policy and programs. The incumbent provides technical expertise to all departments and stakeholders regarding economic and community development program management and administration. 

Leadership Provided

Manages an assigned group of housing professionals and technical employees; position also provides innovative program leadership and influence with respect to related agencies and other governmental bodies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

This is a partial listing of the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully.  It is not an exhaustive list.

• Knowledge of urban planning, zoning and development principles; principles of public administration, accounting and budgeting, and economics related to neighborhood revitalization and redevelopment; real estate and construction trends and related technology innovations; housing program development and housing assistance programs including applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations regarding affordable housing programs; 
• Strong verbal, written and presentation skills. Ability to work collaboratively to arrive at constructive solutions. 
• Ability to manage stakeholders such as volunteer citizen commission members, City employees, Mayor's Office, architects, developers, citizens, other organizations with an interest in zoning and development.  
• Ability to manage and coordinate the activities of community development programs; analyze and accurately interpret a variety of documents and materials and prepare clear, comprehensive reports and recommendations; prepare, analyze and negotiate complex contracts and agreements; generate and maintain accurate records; develop, implement, and manage long range housing programs; effectively monitor program development and improvement; interpret program guidelines, analyze problems and identify alternative solutions; implement plans, strategies and program recommendations; interpret and apply state, federal and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Ability to manage projects and lead a team to achieve results. Knowledge of change management and process improvement.
• Budget development and management. Knowledge of relevant computer software. 
• Strong verbal, written and presentation skills. Ability to work collaboratively to arrive at constructive solutions. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications – Education and Experience

Master’s degree in public administration, planning, business administration, economics or a related field (equivalent professional experience may be considered for substitution for the required degree on an exception basis).

Eight (8) years of progressive professional-level experience in housing and community development programs with at least three (3) years of supervisory experience. 

Preferred Education & Experience

Master’s degree in public administration, planning, business administration, economics or a related field. Experience leading transformative housing initiatives. 

Licensures and Certifications

Valid Georgia driver’s license is required.

Essential Capabilities and Work Environment

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with the job.