Director of Community Development & Housing

City of San Bernardino, CA; San Bernardino (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of San Bernardino is seeking a Director of Community Development & Housing to join its Executive Leadership Team. This role directs the department's administration, finances, and operations, overseeing building safety, code enforcement, housing, planning, and related services.

Ideal candidates will bring strategic vision, strong communication, and a commitment to equity, transparency, and public service excellence in this key leadership position for the City.

Qualifications

• The candidate holds a Bachelor's Degree in public or business administration, urban planning, or a closely related field.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in community development and engineering services, including planning, building, economic development and housing; with at least two years in a management role.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and direction for the Community Development & Housing Department.
• Coordinate internal functions, contracts, grants, payroll, and customer service to ensure departmental efficiency.
• Oversee building safety, code enforcement, housing, planning, and related programs in alignment with city goals.
• Collaborate with City Manager, Mayor, City Council, and partner agencies on land use and environmental issues.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, codes, and standards while promoting affordable housing and responsible growth.

Skills

Leadership

Public speaking

Strategic planning

Budget management

Interagency collaboration

Policy analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration / Urban Planning

Tools

GIS

Job description

Shape San Bernardino's Future!

Are you a dynamic leader and excellent communicator with a background in Community Development, Housing, Planning, or a related field who is ready to make a meaningful impact? The City of San Bernardino is seeking a Director of Community Development & Housing (U) to join its Executive Leadership Team. In this pivotal role, you will direct the general organization, supervision, financial management, and efficient operation of the Community Development & Housing Department, and strengthen the foundation that supports services, infrastructure, and community growth.

As a future member of our team, you'll be joining a city with deep roots, cultural diversity, and exciting momentum. Located in the heart of Southern California's Inland Empire, San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its rich history - shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences - continues to inspire the city's evolving identity.

San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It's a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose — and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.

The Community Development & Housing Department acts as a key liaison to the City Manager, Mayor, and City Council on matters related to land use, development, housing, and environmental issues at both the local and regional levels. The Department is composed of six integrated divisions that work collaboratively to support the City’s growth and sustainability: Building and Safety, Code Enforcement, Housing, Planning, the Successor Agency, and Administrative Support.

Director of Community Development & Housing (U)

The Director of Community Development & Housing (U) is a key member of the City’s Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the City Manager. This highly visible role oversees all aspects of the department providing leadership and direction and ensuring the efficient operation of the department, which includes:

Administration

Coordinates internal functions, oversees contract and grant administration, manages payroll processes and supports various personnel function; plays a key role in delivering effective customer service and ensuring departmental efficiency.

Building & Safety

Enforces the California Building Codes to ensure that all construction within the City meets established safety and structural standards; provides essential services such as assisting customers at the public counter, reviewing construction plans, issuing permits, and performing building inspections; serves as a liaison with partner agencies including the County Fire Department, County Health Department, and the San Bernardino Unified School District; and supports safe development practices and remains committed to facilitating responsible growth within the City.

Code Enforcement

Dedicates efforts to enhancing community livability by ensuring compliance with the San Bernardino Municipal Code. In collaboration with the Police Department, Building and Safety, Planning, Housing, Public Works, Business Registration, and the County Health Department, the Division addresses a wide range of issues including unsafe or abandoned buildings, inoperative vehicles, neglected properties, overgrown vegetation, illegal dumping, and unpermitted street vending. Through these efforts, the Division plays a critical role in protecting public health, safety, and welfare, while also contributing to the maintenance of the City’s overall appearance. Code Enforcement continues to work closely with law enforcement and other agencies to address unauthorized operations, execute inspection and abatement actions, and pursue enforcement through the civil court process when necessary. Ongoing efforts also include addressing long-term problem properties and ensuring that vacant or hazardous sites remain secure and compliant with City regulations.

Housing

Expands affordable housing opportunities, preserves existing housing stock, and supports residents at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The Division manages a pipeline of housing projects aligned with the City’s five-year Consolidated Plan goals. Staff administers Community Planning and Development formula grants, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP).

Planning

Implements the City’s development policies as established in the Comprehensive General Plan and Development Code. These documents serve as the foundation for future development and service provision aligned with the community’s vision. The Division facilitates land use entitlement processes to ensure projects are consistent with City policies and standards, protecting public health and safety while enhancing community quality of life. The Division ensures compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and coordinates with regional agencies such as SCAG, SBCTA, and San Bernardino County. Planning staff also support the Development Environmental Review Committee, Planning Commission, and City Council on land use matters. The Division additionally manages the cannabis monitoring program.

STARTING SALARY WILL BE EVALUATED BASED ON EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE, AND INTERNAL EQUITY.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for Director of Community Development & Housing (U) is a visionary and strategic leader with deep expertise in public sector planning and community development. They are a collaborative decision-maker who thrives in a complex, fast-paced environment and is committed to innovation, fiscal accountability, and public service excellence.

Key qualities include

• Inspirational leadership and team-building skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while exercising sound independent judgment
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities
• Emotional fortitude, political awareness, and interpersonal skills to build solid staff and business relationships
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences
• Commitment to transparency, equity, and operational efficiency
• Skilled in building partnerships with internal teams, elected officials, and community stakeholders

Education and Experience

Possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration urban planning or closely related field; and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in community development and engineering services, including planning, building, economic development and housing; two (2) years of which in a management capacity; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment

A valid California driver's license is required. Licensed as a Certified Public Accountant is preferred.

Desirable Qualifications

Real estate and property management licenses/certifications are desired.

Knowledge

• Theory, principles, practices and processes of effective executive management, current and advance urban planning, zoning and development.
• Federal state and local laws, rules and regulations and case law applicable to those dealing with federal and state housing programs, grants, the acquisition, leasing, and sale of property, contracts and eminent domain related issues and other areas of responsibility.
• Principles, practices, trends, and inspection processes of land use, zoning, building/housing construction, building code compliance, public administration, including budgeting, purchasing, contract administration, risk management/safety, hearing processes and maintenance of public records as they pertain to the responsibilities of the position.
• Financial procedures and regulations.
• Organization, functions, legal requirements, and practices of the City Council, Planning Commission, Housing Authority, joint powers authorities and other boards, committees, and working groups.
• Principles and practices of sound business communication, public relations and marketing.
• Market data sources and collection techniques. Research methods and statistical and analytic techniques and applications related to urban growth, homeless services, affordable housing, modern transportation, and asset management, including development analysis of specific project and other areas of responsibility.
• City human resources policies and procedures, personnel rules, labor contract provisions, and personnel rules.
• Technology resources and trends related to the functions of the position and their application to the accomplishment of the mission of the Department.
• Community development practices and principles.
• Uniform Building and Safety Codes, and principles, practices and local codes and ordinances related to land use, planning, and building and safety construction.
• Application of geographic information systems (GIS) and online permit systems to analyze, manage, and administer land and economic development programs.

Skill in

• Planning, organizing, controlling, managing, integrating, and coordinating the work of a complex department providing comprehensive citywide urban planning, building safety programs and services, municipal building code compliance, property management, homeless services, affordable housing and asset management programs and services.
• Defining complex management, fiscal, budget, master and strategic planning, community development, infrastructure improvement issues, economic development, and property management issues, and performing difficult analyses and research, evaluating alternatives and developing sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Understanding, interpreting, explaining, and applying federal, state, and local policy, law, regulations, court, and case law applicable to areas of responsibility.
• Evaluating department programs and services and making changes or recommendations for improvement.
• Developing budgets that maximize available resources for optimal outcomes.
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing to diverse audiences; presenting ideas and concepts persuasively in speaking before groups or in writing for publication.
• Preparing clear, concise, and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies, and other written materials.
• Negotiating, writing, and administering contacts.
• Exercising tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues and situations; effectively representing the city in negotiations and other activities on a variety of difficult, complex, sensitive, and confidential issues.
• Supervising, evaluating, motivating, coaching, mentoring, and developing assigned staff.
• Dealing constructively with conflict and developing effective resolutions.
• Maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professional ethics in complex dealings with diverse stakeholders.
• Analyzing impacts of various functions and projects and prioritize those with the greatest community impact.
• Capitalizing on existing resources such as the airport, educational institutions, and City and privately owned properties.
• Developing effective marketing tools to facilitate business retention, expansion, and attraction and housing opportunities.
• Ensuring the maintenance of all required files, records, and documentation.
• Exercising independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines.
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships.

E-Verify Participation

The City of San Bernardino participates in the E-Verify program. In compliance with federal law, all employers are required to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired to work in the United States.

Disclaimers

The City of San Bernardino is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City follows a nepotism policy, which may impact hiring decisions if an applicant has relatives currently employed by the City.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department directly at [phone].

This bulletin is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract, expressed or implied. Its contents may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice.

For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Human Resources at [phone]. Additional information is available at www.sbcity.org.