Director of Community, Neighborhood & Services

Overview

The City of Gaithersburg is seeking a community oriented, customer-focused, collaborative professional to oversee and direct the management and operation of activities and programs in the Department of Community, Neighborhood, and Housing Services (CN&HS). The CN&HS Department collaborates with community partners, other government agencies, businesses, homeowners’ associations, rental communities, and residents to advance opportunities for those in need, strengthen families, neighborhoods, and the entire Gaithersburg community.

The Director of Community, Neighborhood & Housing Services oversees and manages all functions, activities, and programs in the Department's four Divisions, serves as staff liaison with and attends meetings of the Mayor and City Council, and other boards and committees. The Director manages the Department budget, multiple projects, provides guidance on complex matters, handles conflicts, and oversees administrative functions such as inclusionary housing programs, emergency assistance, CDBG funding, rental inspections, and homeless outreach.

The Director supervises all personnel administration functions, including recruiting, hiring, training, direction, and evaluation of staff.

• Evaluate critical operations of the Department.
• Establish familiarity with updated Chapter 13 of the City of Gaithersburg’s Municipal Code and related ordinances.
• Oversee the establishment and launch of a new city-managed alternative to the Montgomery County Commission on Common Ownership Communities.
• Ensure compliance for Community Development Block Grant award with HUD timeliness, reporting, and other program requirements.
• Assess property conditions at Wells Robertson House and DeSellum House.
• Shepherd amendments and updates to the City’s Affordable Housing regulations through the legislative approval processes.
• Work closely with Community Services staff on evaluating recently implemented processes for Community Service, Youth Enrichment, and Parent Resource Center grants.
• Advocate for greater resources from Montgomery County for homeless support services and rental assistance funding.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with the City Manager, Department staff, Mayor and City Council, and other boards and commissions.

• Master's Degree in Public or Business Administration, Community Development, Urban Studies, Urban/Regional Planning, Human Services, or closely related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience involving planning, organization, and implementation of major functions and programs, primarily in a managerial capacity.
• Valid driver’s license.

• Local government experience desired; municipal government experience strongly preferred.

Residency within the City of Gaithersburg is not required.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished, empathetic, innovative leader dedicated to public service, strategic thinker, detail-oriented, socially conscious, and a practical manager. The candidate thrives in dynamic environments, fosters interdepartmental collaboration, builds relationships with diverse partners, and demonstrates inclusive engagement, active listening, and emotional intelligence. The candidate manages performance constructively, mentors staff, and upholds the values of service, integrity, and professionalism.

The anticipated hiring range is $167,000 to $187,000, depending on qualifications, with an excellent benefits package.

Interested candidates must complete and submit a brief online application and attach supporting documents:

• Current resume
• Letter of interest
• List of references (at least 4, including a manager, subordinate, and colleague). References will not be contacted without permission.

Other supporting documents may be attached but are not required.

First review of applications will begin by March 6, 2026. The position will remain open until filled; recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified applications are identified or all hiring decisions have been made.

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