Director Of Housing And Economic Development

DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Director of Housing and Economic Development Department of Housing and Economic Development

About the City of Portland Department of Housing and Economic Development: The Housing and Economic Development Department is focused on cultivating a healthy and vibrant economic climate, including the working waterfront, as well as fostering housing development opportunities in the City of Portland. We strive to maintain and grow a diversified tax base that supports strong employment opportunities while positioning Portland to compete in the global marketplace.

The Department provides several divisions, including business assistance, housing and community development, and economic opportunity. Business assistance staff provides comprehensive support to businesses at every stage of development and growth, whether just starting up, expanding, or relocating to the city. Services are designed to streamline doing business in Portland and are easily accessible.

Housing and Community Development supports a wide variety of projects and programs including social and neighborhood services, public facilities, and infrastructure in eligible neighborhoods, housing rehabilitation, and housing development. The team works in partnership with residents, non-profit agencies, and City departments to benefit low and moderate-income residents and improve the neighborhoods in which they live. The team also administers the City's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the HOME Program, and the Jill

C. Duson Housing Trust Fund.

Additionally, the Department includes the Office of Economic Opportunity. Its mission is to help underemployed residents access economic opportunities through job training and workforce preparation and assist the business community in connecting with qualified employees.

The Position: The Director of Housing and Economic Development serves as a City leader in advancing Portland's housing, community development, and economic development strategies. As a member of the City Manager’s leadership team, the Director provides strategic vision, organizational leadership, and policy guidance on a diverse set of subject areas, including housing production and preservation, community development, economic vitality, workforce and opportunity initiatives, waterfront planning, and business development.

The Director develops and implements long-range strategies that support equitable economic growth, expand housing opportunities, strengthen neighborhoods, and foster a resilient local economy. The position works closely with the Executive Office, City Council, developers, business leaders, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups, and other government partners to identify opportunities, solve complex community challenges, and advance the City's strategic priorities.

Work includes establishing departmental priorities; leading and developing professional staff; advising the City Manager and elected officials on policy matters; building collaborative partnerships; ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements; and representing the City in public forums. The Director exercises considerable independent judgment and initiative in addressing complex organizational, financial, political, and community issues. Additionally, the Director of Housing and Economic Development supervises the Business Programs Manager, Housing and Community Development Division Director, Waterfront Coordinator, Principle Administrative Officer, Program Coordinator, and Office of Economic Opportunity Director.

The Ideal Candidate: The Director of Housing and Economic Development serves as a City leader in advancing Portland's housing, community development, and economic development strategies. As a member of the City Manager’s leadership team, the Director provides strategic vision, organizational leadership, and policy guidance on a diverse set of subject areas, including housing production and preservation, community development, economic vitality, workforce and opportunity initiatives, waterfront planning, and business development.

The Director develops and implements long-range…