Director of Housing & Community Development

Director of Housing & Community Development

Memphis, TN, United States (On-site)

Job Description

Works under the general administrative direction of the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer to plan, develop, and direct the City’s housing and community development initiatives in cooperation with State and Federal agencies, local public and private city partners, and community leaders on programs relating to economic and business development, community revitalization, urban renewal, and grant administration. Leads the execution of the Mayor’s 10,000 Homes initiative by building a cooperative development pipeline that leverages private, nonprofit, philanthropic, and City-owned resources. Administers staff to manage specific areas of responsibility within the division and ensures compliance with federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) grant programs which totals millions in annual investment. Ensures timely deployment and reporting updates for all projects. Reviews and gives final approval to development and implementation of HCD policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal Economic, Housing, and Community Development rules and regulations. Develops and executes the City’s first phased housing plan with public-facing milestones and translates the 10,000 Homes commitment into a visible and measurable execution roadmap. Builds and maintains partnerships with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI), faith-based organizations, for-profit and nonprofit developers, anchor institutions, and philanthropic partners including the Kresge Foundation and Hyde Family Foundation. Oversees the City’s home repair and rehabilitation programs, including RRRAP, and ensures contract execution and timely service delivery to residents. Aligns division operations with the Mayor’s Develop to Serve framework and engages faith-based and community organizations to unlock property assets for affordable housing and community benefit. Formulates financial and operational goals and objectives for the division. Promotes honesty, excellence, responsiveness, and safety in all division operations. Reviews and gives final approval to budget development and administration procedures and ensures efficient use of all Operating and Capital Improvement Program funds. Coordinates with Planning & Development, Legal, Engineering, and the COO’s Office to remove barriers to housing production, including zoning, permitting, and procurement bottlenecks. Advises the Mayor and Chief Operating Officer on housing policy, federal regulatory compliance, and strategic capital allocation. Represents the City in Council committee hearings, community forums, and partner convenings with authority, candor, and respect, and addresses questions and concerns from City Council members and the media regarding division operations. Keeps abreast of current trends and policies related to federal housing programs and grants.

Responsibilities

OTHER FUNCTIONS: Performs additional functions (essential or otherwise) which may be assigned. 

 

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Must be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing with executive leadership, staff, and the public. Requires the ability to operate general office equipment such as a personal computer and telephone.

 

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:  Work is performed in an office. Some travel to meetings across the City and out-of-town is required.
 

Qualifications

 Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration or a related field and ten (10) years of progressively more responsible professional experience in the field of community development and revitalization, grants administration and economic development; or any combination of experience and training which enables one to perform the essential job functions. Management experience over federal compliance regulations and grant requirements strongly preferred. Working experience with faith-based organizations and non-profit organizations strongly preferred.

Shelby County Residency Requirement

The City Charter requires that City Employees, with the exception of "first responders", must establish residence within Shelby County within six (6) months from their date of employment. Proof of residence will be required at the time of hire. As defined by Tennessee Senate Bill No. 29, "first responder" means paid, full-time law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.

EEO STATEMENT

The City of Memphis is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, any other characteristic protected by law or other non-merit factors.

State and Federal regulations require us to obtain information from each applicant for statistical analysis and reporting of our compliance with fair employment practices. We request your cooperation in completing the following questions.

All information which you voluntarily provide is confidential and is used only in accordance with the regulations governing Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action. It will not be used in any hiring decision. The information will be used and kept confidential in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Failure to provide information will not subject you to any adverse personnel decision or action. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement 

The City of Memphis is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Office of Talent Management via email at [email protected]. 

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Job Info

Job Identification261060

Job CategoryTop Appointed

Posting Date10/10/2026, 02:09 PM

Apply Before10/24/2026, 12:00 AM

Degree LevelBachelor's Degree

Job ScheduleFull time

Locations Memphis, TN, United States(On-site)

OrganizationHousing and Community Development, City of Memphis

Department210101-HCD Administration