Bureau Manager

Description

The City of Norfolk is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Bureau Manager to oversee the Neighborhood Transformation division within the newly established Department of Housing and Community Development. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the future of housing and community development in Norfolk, with a focus on revitalizing neighborhoods and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The Department of Housing and Community Development is committed to creating vibrant, thriving, and resilient communities. We work to ensure that all Norfolk residents have access to safe, affordable, and high-quality housing, while fostering economic mobility, education, and health and wellness. The goal is to develop, preserve, and revitalize neighborhoods through transparent, responsible, and inclusive processes.

The Bureau Manager plays a critical role in the planning, coordination, and management of the Neighborhood Transformation Division. This division focuses on revitalizing select neighborhoods through place-based, human-centered approaches. The Bureau Manager will support efforts to create mixed-income, resilient communities of choice, with particular emphasis on the St. Paul’s area and other strategic neighborhoods throughout Norfolk. Collaboration with public and private sector partners will be essential to achieving the City’s goals in affordable housing development, community preservation, and economic inclusion. Learn more here: https://stpaulsdistrict.org/.

The City of Norfolk values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. Applicants from all backgrounds, including women, minorities, and underrepresented communities, are encouraged to apply and contribute to this transformative work.

This position will report directly to the Assistant Director of Housing Development within the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Essential Functions

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Provides direct supervision over the assigned Bureau and a staff of five, including assigning and guiding project work, monitoring and reviewing work produces, developing project budgets and supporting staff with professional development goals.
• Develops policies and procedures to ensure the Bureau's programs reflect the best use of allocated funds for the division.
• Plans, develops and evaluates program objectives, service levels, and resource utilization..
• Assists with coordinating work and developing plans and strategies by attending meetings with various personnel, contractors, and associations.
• Directs the preparation and implementation of goals and objectives of the bureau.
• Administers the monitoring process of all service contracts and development agreements within the bureau.
• Performs important and difficult public liaison work in explaining and interpreting bureau programs.

• Strategic Leadership: Drive strategies to support affordable housing, economic development, poverty reduction, and neighborhood revitalization. Represent the department in housing programs at local, state, and federal levels, and oversee budget planning and housing forecasting.
• Project Management: Oversee large-scale redevelopment in St. Paul’s and other target neighborhoods, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and deliver measurable community impact.
• Contract and Program Management: Oversee program contracts and neighborhood services, ensuring budget compliance, monitoring deliverables, resolving conflicts, and managing third-party contracts to ensure effective service delivery through the City’s People First Program.
• Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary liaison with the city, civic groups, and residents, attending meetings, facilitating communication, and incorporating community feedback into plans
• Housing Development: Manage all phases of housing projects, from feasibility studies to funding, ensuring successful execution and timely delivery.
• Collaboration & Coordination: Partner with city departments, vendors, contractors, and agencies to manage projects impacting infrastructure and resident well-being.
• Staff Leadership: Lead and mentor a high-performing team, conducting evaluations, promoting development, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Reporting & Analysis: Prepare reports and recommendations for leadership, the City Manager, and City Council on project progress and outcomes.

Education/Experience

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Public Administration or Public Policy, Human Services, Real Estate Development or a related field.

At least four years of professional experience in the field of community development, housing program management, and/or urban planning, with a focus on affordable housing, redevelopment, and neighborhood revitalization, including evidence of increasing responsibilities, project management and staff supervision.

Successful candidates for this position will demonstrate all or most of the following:

• 
  Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring high standards of professionalism and operational efficiency. Experience in supervising staff and guiding organizational development is highly preferred.
• Contract Management: Proven experience in managing complex contracts, including the ability to negotiate and resolve ambiguities or unforeseen issues that arise during the contract term.
• Community Engagement Expertise: Demonstrated competence in engaging with diverse communities, including low-income and culturally diverse populations, to drive inclusive neighborhood transformation.
• Technical Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of affordable housing financing mechanisms, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), HUD programs, bond financing, and mixed-income development strategies.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage stakeholders at all levels, including City leadership, community groups, and external partners.

• A combination of advanced training in economic development, affordable housing, community development, or real estate, along with proven experience managing complex contracts.
• Expertise in structuring financing deals using public and private sector programs, such as LIHTC, HUD 221(d)(4), Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA), and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI).
• Experience in executive-level stakeholder management and navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Additional Information & Requirements

• Valid Driver's License may be required based on assignment