Housing Commissioner at Baltimore City

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) was created in 1968 and works to ensure that all Baltimore City residents have access to safe, affordable housing in thriving neighborhoods. With over 700 employees and an annual budget of $88M, DHCD is dedicated to expanding housing options, fostering healthy communities, and preventing displacement through investments, code enforcement, property redevelopment, community capacity-building, and support for various programs, including emergency assistance and summer food initiatives. DHCD leads City efforts to promote thriving neighborhoods through community revitalization investments; supporting homeowners; funding critical programs and neighborhood stakeholders; creating and preserving affordable housing; and ensuring safe conditions through code enforcement. The Head of Department (Commissioner) is a mayoral appointee responsible for providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, and effective management of the entire department, including a team of lawyers. This includes oversight and compliance of all federal and state grants, working with developers to drive housing development and redevelopment, creating incentives for new home owners, setting housing policy, and leading all housing related communications. Key Responsibilities Champion the creation and execution of a forward-looking strategic framework that addresses housing affordability, community equity, neighborhood stabilization, and anti‑displacement. Provide executive oversight of all departmental divisions—from development and enforcement to planning, policy, finance, and communications. Oversee departmental budgets, capital investments, grants, and bond approvals, ensuring effective allocation of City resources. Submit annual reports to the Mayor, maintain central records for enforcement activities, and uphold transparency and performance accountability of the department Required Skills And Experience 10+ years of progressive experience in the housing sector, demonstrating increasing levels of responsibility, including a minimum of five years in a senior-level role. A Master's degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Public Policy, or a closely related field—though significant executive-level experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree. Demonstrated experience managing large-scale urban housing or community development programs, preferably within local government or similar agencies. Proven ability to conceptualize and operationalize strategic frameworks, manage public policy intensively, and steer complex multi-agency initiatives. Strong record of budget oversight, financial management (including bonds/grants), and operational efficiency. Familiarity with City Charter, Board of Estimates processes, code enforcement regulations, contract negotiation, and housing law. Track record of success in engaging diverse communities, advancing equitable outcomes, and addressing displacement pressures. Exceptional public communication skills, capable of elevating the Department's vision through media, community outreach, and stakeholder advocacy. Ability to foster coordination among City departments, external stakeholders, philanthropic funders, and federal/state partners. Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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