Director of Housing and Economic Development

City of Portland, Maine; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 131,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free employee health insurance with wh

Thirteen paid holidays

Sick, vacation, and personal leave

Life, dental, vision insurances

Pension plan

Job summary

City of Portland, Maine is seeking a Director of Housing and Economic Development to lead the City's housing, community development, and economic strategies. As a member of the City Manager’s leadership team, you will provide strategic vision, organizational leadership, and policy guidance across housing production, redevelopment, workforce initiatives, waterfront planning, and business development.

You will develop long-range plans, build partnerships with the Executive Office, City Council,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree specialization in public administration or economic development.
• Minimum seven years of executive experience in business planning and development or managerial work in government or private organizations.
• Thorough knowledge of housing policy, economic development practices, and community development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct Housing and Economic Development Department.
• Develop and implement long-range strategies supporting equitable economic growth and housing opportunities.
• Advise the City Manager and elected officials on policy matters and build partnerships with stakeholders.
• Oversee budget administration and federal/state grant programs.
• Supervise department staff and coordinate with various divisions and offices.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Policy development

Public speaking

Relationship building

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration or economic development

Job description

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.

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 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.

Leadership

• Leads and provides strategic direction for the Housing and Economic Development Department.
• Establishes department goals, priorities, and performance expectations, in partnership with the City Manager’s Office and informed by City Council priorities.
• Builds and supports a departmental culture focused on collaboration, innovation, accountability, and customer service.

Housing

• Directs the City's housing and community development programs, including federally funded initiatives.
• Develops and advances strategies and partnerships that increase housing production, affordability, and preservation.
• Supports Council development of housing-related policy, and oversees implementation of relevant policies as adopted by the Council.

Economic Development

• Builds and manages relationships with employers, developers, institutions, and investors to support business retention, expansion, and economic growth.
• Supports Council development of economic development policy and ensures effective implementation Council-adopted policies.
• Develops and implements administrative policies, programs, and business practices that align departmental operations with City priorities and strategic objectives.
• Oversees the preparation and administration of the department’s operating budget.
• Directs administration of federal and state grant programs, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Oversees loan, grant, and incentive programs supporting housing and economic development initiatives.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications: Bachelor's degree with specialization in public administration or economic development and a minimum of seven (7) years of executive experience in business planning and development or managerial work in government or private organizations; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

• Thorough knowledge of housing policy, economic development practices, community development, workforce development, municipal government, and public administration.
• Thorough knowledge of geographic, economic, social and governmental characteristics of the area, or a demonstrated ability to quickly and effectively develop and apply knowledge and familiarity.
• Knowledge of the real estate market, law and practices pertaining to real estate development, and business financing.
• Knowledge of housing finance, public incentives, community development financing, grant administration, and economic development tools, including Tax Increment Financing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as public speaking and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, initiate, and implement policy and programs in partnership with elected officials, internal colleagues, and private-sector partners.
• Demonstrated ability to direct and perform technical research, analyze data, and make verbal and written presentations of the results.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with business owners, private-sector executives, representatives of other agencies, the general public, state and federal officials and municipal employees.
• Demonstrated ability in performance management, cross-department collaboration, strategic planning, and balancing competing priorities.

Necessary Special Requirements

Must possess a valid Class C driver's license and have and maintain a good driving record.

Applications accepted until filled.

A first review of resumes will occur on September 18, 2026.

Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.

Review our Recruitment Brochure.

Salary & Benefits:

This is a non-union position, Grade E82, with a full salary range of $130,983-$165,970 per year, based on relevant years of experience, with the higher end for very experienced professionals who exceed the desired qualifications.

For more information about compensation with the City of Portland, please refer to the City's policies and non-union pay plan

The City of Portland prides itself on its outstanding benefits and collegial and mission-driven work environment. City benefits include:

• Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness incentives
• Thirteen paid holidays
• Sick, vacation, and personal leave
• Life, dental, vision and income protection insurances
• Choice of retirement plans, including a pension plan
• Use of City recreation facilities
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, please email Human Resources at [e-mail] or call 207-874-8624.

The City of Portland believes that to do our best work, our employees need to reflect the diverse, vibrant community we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to celebrating all dimensions of diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 207-874-8624 or email [e-mail].