Director of Community Development - Fort Bend County Community Development • Job ID JR384-02-25

Fort Bend County is ranked among the fastest-growing counties in the nation. We have capitalized not only on the benefits of our location but also on the "quality of life" that makes our community a great place to call home. Our employees are the key to our success and the heartbeat of our foundation. The diversity and inclusivity of our community are our strengths, creating a workplace environment that welcomes all. Live Here! Work Here!

About Fort Bend County

Fort Bend County is the seventh-largest county in Texas, known for its rapid growth, economic diversity, and commitment to sustainable development. Located in the Houston metropolitan area, the county balances urban and suburban living, focusing on community development, infrastructure resilience, and disaster recovery. The Community Development Department plays a vital role in administering federal, bond, tax increment, and disaster recovery funds to improve housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunities for residents, particularly those with low and moderate incomes.

Fort Bend County’s Commitment to Excellence

Fort Bend County is dedicated to fostering innovation, equity, and sustainable growth. We seek a visionary leader to drive impactful community development initiatives, ensure responsible stewardship of public funds, and enhance the quality of life for our residents.

Join us in shaping the future of Fort Bend County!

Job Summary

The Community Development Director leads strategic planning, administration, and implementation of federally and locally funded community development programs. This role requires an experienced leader with expertise in HUD programs, federal grant administration, disaster recovery, and community planning. The Director will oversee program development, financial management, and compliance while working closely with federal, state, and local agencies to support community growth and resilience.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Directs and oversees all community development programs, including CDBG, HOME, ESG, and disaster recovery programs.
• Develops and implements long-term community development strategies aligned with County priorities and HUD regulations.
• Identifies the needs of low- and moderate-income residents and develops strategies to enhance housing affordability, economic development, and infrastructure improvements.
• Leads the development of the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, and Performance Reports for HUD.
• Ensures equitable distribution of resources through data-driven program evaluation and community engagement.

Financial Management & Compliance

• Manages the department’s multi-million-dollar budget across federal, bond, and disaster recovery funds.
• Approves annual program budgets for submission to the Commissioners Court.
• Oversees funding allocations, contract approvals, and program expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Reviews and approves invoices, financial reports, and grant disbursements in compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Manages the Environmental Review Process to ensure compliance with NEPA and HUD requirements.

Staff & Departmental Oversight

• Leads a team of community development professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance management.
• Approves hiring, promotions, disciplinary actions, and professional development initiatives for department staff.
• Assigns and oversees departmental workloads, ensuring efficiency and high-quality program delivery.
• Establishes internal policies, procedures, and quality control measures for the department.

Interagency Coordination & Community Engagement

• Serves as the primary liaison to HUD, the Texas General Land Office (GLO), and other federal and state agencies.
• Represents the County in public hearings, community meetings, and policy discussions related to housing and development initiatives.
• Engages with community-based organizations, developers, and stakeholders to foster collaborative partnerships.
• Presents program recommendations and funding proposals to the Commissioners Court and other key decision-makers.

Emergency & Disaster Recovery Responsibilities

• Leads the department’s disaster recovery efforts, including securing and managing federal recovery funds.
• Develops strategies for climate resilience, housing recovery, and infrastructure rebuilding in response to disasters.
• Participates in county-wide emergency management initiatives as directed by leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in community development, housing, grants administration, or urban planning, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience managing HUD-funded programs (CDBG, HOME, ESG), disaster recovery funds, and large-scale community initiatives.
• Direct experience with federal and state grant compliance, budget oversight, and program evaluation.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expertise in HUD regulations, including CDBG, HOME, ESG, and disaster recovery programs.
• Strong understanding of federal grant reporting systems, such as IDIS, SAGE, HEROS, and GLO’s TIGR.
• Knowledge of urban planning, affordable housing, economic development, and environmental review processes.
• Strong fiscal management skills, including budgeting, financial reporting, and grant compliance.
• Excellent strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills for engaging public officials, community leaders, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving skills in high-pressure environments.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse communities, elected officials, and intergovernmental agencies.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Hybrid work environment: Primarily office-based with community site visits and public engagements.
• Occasional travel required for conferences, training, and HUD/GLO meetings.
• Physical activity includes occasional lifting (up to 30 lbs.), standing, walking, and attending field inspections.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Compensation & Benefits

Starting Salary Range: Commensurate with qualifications

Closing Date: Upon filling the position

All full-time and part-time employees are members of the Texas County District Retirement System (TCDRS). Full-time employees also enjoy a wide range of excellent benefits.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fort Bend County is an equal opportunity employer committed to non-discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy status, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or any classification protected by law.

For more information on Fort Bend County's Title VI/Nondiscrimination Statement, visit www.fbctx.gov/comply.

Fort Bend County is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and all applicable laws regarding disability discrimination and accommodation.