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The Community Development (CD) Director is responsible for developing and supporting programs and policies that implement the Administration’s vision for “building a better Reading together.” The Director manages two Deputy Directors and the operations of six (6) divisions, including Planning & Zoning, Property maintenance, Building & Trades, Business Development, CED Programs, and Housing & Blight Remediation.
- Manages personnel within the Community Development Department, including hiring, training, work supervision, and problem solving.
- Leads coordination efforts among CD Divisions, other City agencies, and city business and community partners. Identifies and implements programs and policies to increase operational efficiency and improve City services.
- Monitors CD programs and activities to ensure they are meeting the community’s needs as well as local, state, and federal mandates.
- Develops, implements, and evaluates goals and objectives, policies and procedures, program guidelines, and short and long range goals for the Divisions.
- Develops comprehensive performance measures and reports to evaluate the Division’s outcomes.
- Represents the Department in various city, regional, and community meetings and public hearings, as required.
- Directs HUD-related funding initiatives, including overseeing HUD grant applications, reporting, and implementation of HUD programs.
- Serves as Executive Director of the Reading Redevelopment Authority.
- Serves as City Liaison to the CRIZ Authority.
- Fosters economic development, redevelopment, growth, expansion, retention, and attraction of new and existing businesses in an effort to improve employment opportunities and foster economic growth.
- Creates and manages programs to assist in economic growth of the City.
- Promotes neighborhood stabilization through homeownership as well as owner-occupied and rental housing rehabilitation assistance.
- Oversees the development and implementation of a city-wide blight remediation strategy.
- Identifies and oversees the application of local, state and federal grants that support community development initiatives.
- Provides direction to the drafting of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, and other plans that support City revitalization efforts.
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- Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Urban Planning, Political Science, or other related field.
- Master’s degree in one of the above subjects, or other related field, is preferred.
- Minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in essential responsibilities and duties of this position.
- Demonstrated experience in construction methods and materials, renovating, demolition and management of significant public projects.
- Demonstrated experience working with residents, developers, and businesses.
- Experience working with contractors, tradespersons, and non-profit housing organizations, a plus.
- Demonstrated experience in negotiation complex transactions with ability to close large deals.
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