Director of Community Development - Fort Bend County Community Development

Fort Bend County is ranked as one of the fastest growing counties in the nation.  We have capitalized on not only the creed of our location, but on the "quality of life" for our families to call home.  Our employees are the key to our success and the heartbeat of our foundation.  The diversity and inclusivity of our community is our strength and at the forefront of a workplace environment welcoming to all.  Live Here! Work Here!

About Fort Bend County

Fort Bend County is the 7th largest county in Texas, known for its rapid growth, economic diversity, and commitment to sustainable development. Located in the Houston metropolitan area, the county balances urban and suburban living, with a strong focus on community development, infrastructure resilience, and disaster recovery. The Community Development Department plays a vital role in administering federal, bond, tax increment, and disaster recovery funds to improve housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunities for residents, particularly for low- and moderate-income populations.

Fort Bend County’s Commitment to Excellence

Fort Bend County is dedicated to fostering innovation, equity, and sustainable growth. We seek a visionary leader who can drive impactful community development initiatives, ensure responsible stewardship of public funds, and enhance the quality of life for our residents.

Join us in shaping the future of Fort Bend County!

Job Summary

The Community Development Director leads strategic planning, administration, and implementation of federally and locally funded community development programs. This role requires a highly experienced leader with expertise in HUD programs, federal grant administration, disaster recovery, and community planning. The Director will oversee program development, financial management, and compliance while working closely with federal, state, and local agencies to support community growth and resilience.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Directs and oversees all community development programs, including CDBG, HOME, ESG, and disaster recovery programs.
• Develops and implements long-term community development strategies in alignment with County priorities and HUD regulations.
• Identifies the needs of low- and moderate-income residents and develops strategies to enhance housing affordability, economic development, and infrastructure improvements.
• Leads the development of the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, and Performance Reports to HUD.
• Ensures equitable distribution of resources through data-driven program evaluation and community engagement.

Financial Management & Compliance

• Manages the department’s multi-million-dollar budget across federal, bond, and disaster recovery funds.
• Approves annual program budgets for submission to the Commissioners Court.
• Oversees funding allocations, contract approvals, and program expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Reviews and approves invoices, financial reports, and grant disbursements in compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Manages the Environmental Review Process to ensure compliance with NEPA and HUD requirements.

Staff & Departmental Oversight

• Leads a team of community development professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance management.
• Approves hiring, promotions, disciplinary actions, and professional development initiatives for department staff.
• Assigns and oversees departmental workload, ensuring efficiency and high-quality program delivery.
• Establishes internal policies, procedures, and quality control measures for the department.

Interagency Coordination & Community Engagement

• Serves as the primary liaison to HUD, Texas General Land Office (GLO), and other federal and state agencies.
• Represents the County in public hearings, community meetings, and policy discussions related to housing and development initiatives.
• Engages with community-based organizations, developers, and stakeholders to foster collaborative partnerships.
• Presents program recommendations and funding proposals to the Commissioners Court and other key decision-makers.

Emergency & Disaster Recovery Responsibilities

• Leads the department’s disaster recovery efforts, including securing and managing federal recovery funds.
• Develops strategies for climate resilience, housing recovery, and infrastructure rebuilding in response to disasters.
• Participates in county-wide emergency management initiatives as directed by leadership.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10 years of progressive experience in community development, housing, grants administration, or urban planning, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience managing HUD-funded programs (CDBG, HOME, ESG), disaster recovery funds, and large-scale community initiatives.
• Direct experience with federal and state grant compliance, budget oversight, and program evaluation.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expertise in HUD regulations, including CDBG, HOME, ESG, and disaster recovery programs.
• Strong understanding of federal grant reporting systems, such as IDIS, SAGE, HEROS, and GLO’s TIGR.
• Knowledge of urban planning, affordable housing, economic development, and environmental review processes.
• Strong fiscal management skills, including budgeting, financial reporting, and grant compliance.
• Excellent strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills to effectively engage with public officials, community leaders, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving skills in high-pressure environments.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse communities, elected officials, and intergovernmental agencies.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Hybrid work environment: Primarily office-based with community site visits and public engagements.
• Occasional travel required for conferences, trainings, and HUD/GLO meetings.
• Physical activity includes occasional lifting (up to 30 lbs.), standing, walking, and attending field inspections.

Physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met or are encountered by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

STARTING SALARY RANGE: Commensurate with qualifications

CLOSING DATE: Upon filling position

 
All full-time and part-time employees are members of the Texas County District Retirement System (TCDRS). Full-time employees also enjoy a wide-range of great benefits.
 
Fort Bend County is an equal opportunity employer, committed to non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy status (including childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected military and veteran status, political affiliation or beliefs, or any other classification protected by state, federal  and local  laws, unless  such classification is a bona fide occupational qualification.
 
For more information on Fort Bend County's Title VI / Nondiscrimination Statement, visit www.fbctx.gov/comply
 
Fort Bend County is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. FBC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and all other applicable federal, state and local laws regarding disability discrimination and accommodation.