Job Description
The City of Niagara Falls is seeking an experienced, mission-driven
Community Development Director to lead the City’s Community Development Program. This leadership role oversees federal grant-funded programs, supervises staff, manages budgets, ensures compliance with HUD requirements, and directs major revitalization initiatives that impact neighborhoods, housing, and local communities.
What You’ll Do
- Oversee, organize, implement, and evaluate the Niagara Falls Community Development Program.
- Manage staff hiring, supervision, performance, and day-to-day program operations.
- Lead budget preparation, program standards, contracting, citizen participation, and federal reporting.
- Ensure full accountability of all program funds and report directly to the City Administrator.
- Develop broad and specific policy guidelines and present them to the City Administrator and City Council.
- Direct the preparation of consolidated HUD grant applications (CDBG, ESG, HOME) and submit for City and federal approval.
- Oversee development and administration of the Community Development Budget and ensure accurate audit reporting.
- Supervise Section 8 Leased Housing staff, ensuring timely HUD reporting and compliance.
- Review and act on rent increase requests from Section 8 landlords.
- Prepare HUD-required reports, including:
- SEMAP Report
- HUD Leased Housing Annual Administrative Plan
- PHA Plan
- Related applications and compliance documents
- Direct the implementation of Housing Rehabilitation Programs, Neighborhood Revitalization Programs, and emergency shelter activities.
- Negotiate contracts with governmental agencies, contractors, developers, and professionals connected to grant-funded projects.
- Oversee citizen participation processes as required by federal guidelines.
- Serve as the primary liaison to internal departments, agencies, and community groups.
- Report program performance, progress, and confidential matters to the City Administrator.
What You Bring (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)
- Strong knowledge of HUD consolidated grants (CDBG, ESG, HOME), reporting procedures, and IDIS.
- Knowledge of Section 8 Leased Housing Program requirements and compliance standards.
- Broad understanding of urban rehabilitation programs, including:
- Housing & commercial loan programs
- Code enforcement
- Acquisition, relocation & demolition
- Discretionary funding programs
- Site improvement initiatives
- Urban homesteading programs
- Skilled in grant preparation, administration, and managing federally funded urban programs.
- Experience supervising and training Community Development Program staff.
- Ability to work effectively with federal, state, and local agencies and community partners.
- Strong analytical skills for interpreting financial and technical data.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to present complex information in a clear, accessible way.
- Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Urban Planning, or a closely related field AND
- 5 years of professional experience in community or economic development, including strong management or supervisory background
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Employee assistance program
If you’re passionate about community growth, federal grant programs, and leading impactful revitalization work, we encourage you to apply today.
