Community and Services Director

Community And Housing Services Director

The City of Mesa, Arizona, is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next Community and Housing Services Director.

Located in the heart of the East Valley within the Phoenix metropolitan area, Mesa is Arizona's third-largest city and one of the nation's largest cities, home to more than 510,000 residents across approximately 139 square miles. Mesa combines the amenities of a major metropolitan community with the character of welcoming neighborhoods, a vibrant downtown, rich agricultural heritage, and a thriving innovation corridor.

The city's diverse landscape includes major healthcare systems, higher education institutions, two airports, advanced manufacturing and technology campuses, and a diverse and resilient economy creating a dynamic environment for public safety and public service leadership.

The Community and Housing Services Department encompasses a broad range of services, including housing, community development, neighborhood and cultural engagement, human services, civil rights compliance, accessibility initiatives, and animal control.

The City of Mesa is an entitlement city regarding Federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding. The department administers federally funded housing assistance and community development programs; leads neighborhood engagement, homeless response, and human services initiatives; advances diversity and accessibility efforts, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); and provides animal control services that balance education, enforcement, public safety, and community well-being.

The department also coordinates with City departments and external partners to address complex community needs and deliver responsive, equitable, and effective services.

The Community and Housing Services Director is appointed by the City Manager. Reporting to the Deputy City Manager, the Director provides strategic leadership for departmental operations, policy development, organizational performance, federal grant administration, community partnerships, and long-range planning while advancing City Council priorities and organizational goals.

The Director serves as a strategic advisor to the City Manager's Office and provides executive analysis, policy recommendations, and organizational leadership on matters related to community services, housing, human services, neighborhood development, diversity and accessibility, animal control, and federal grant administration. The Director develops and implements innovative approaches to improve service delivery, evaluates results, and presents recommendations to the Mayor, City Council, and City Management.

The Director also represents the City on departmental policy and program matters and cultivates effective relationships with residents, nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, regional partners, and other community stakeholders to advance shared priorities and strengthen public trust.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic, collaborative, and community-focused leader with the ability to lead diverse, multidisciplinary operations and advance City Council and organizational priorities. Strong communication, relationship-building, problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making skills are essential; along with the ability to build effective partnerships with residents, community organizations, governmental agencies, and City leadership. The successful candidate will be forward-thinking and innovative, with a demonstrated ability to translate strategic priorities into effective programs and measurable results while fostering a high-performing and inclusive organization.

Minimum Qualifications

Required:

Graduation from an accredited college or…