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About the Organization
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 also focuses on preserving and developing affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income residents through subsidies, financing, and site assembly assistance. DHCD also supports neighborhood stability and affordable housing through homeownership repair programs, homeowner counseling, and homebuyer incentives. It promotes safe housing through code inspections, litigation, and a national receivership program, while also overseeing permitting, demolition, revitalization, and property registration and licensing. This is a defining moment in Baltimore\'s history of housing and neighborhood restoration. For the first time, the City, the State of Maryland, business, non-profit, faith, and philanthropic partners are aligning behind a bold, multi-billion-dollar strategy to transform tens of thousands of vacant and abandoned properties into safe, productive homes.
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Our Mission
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. Our Vision
A Baltimore where current and future residents live in safe and decent housing in thriving, inclusive and equitable neighborhoods. Our Values
Equity and Inclusion Customer Service Innovation Integrity and Transparency Partnership Sustainability DHCD is committed to affirmatively further fair housing by promoting non-discrimination, fair and equal housing opportunities, fair housing choice, and to fostering inclusive communities. DHCD implements its programs in a manner that is consistent with the fair housing laws, including but not limited to the Fair Housing Act and the Maryland and Baltimore City laws, which prohibit discrimination in housing or services directly or indirectly on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, familial status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and ancestry. About the Role What You\'ll Do
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. The Housing Commissioner will partner closely with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, the Mayor\'s Office of Homeless Services, residents, community organizations, philanthropic entities, nonprofits, and other government agencies in implementing the department\'s strategic agenda and budget priorities. Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Operational Oversight of Department 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 Housing Policy Development & Execution Monitor and evaluate initiatives like Vacants to Value and CORE to combat blight and rehabilitate vacant properties. Serve as custodian of City real estate transactions, oversee code enforcement, renewal and conservation planning, assist in relocation efforts, and enter into contracts under city guidelines Mitigate gentrification-related displacement and pursue halting inequitable trends in neighborhoods experiencing transformation Community & Stakeholder Engagement Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with the Mayor\'s Office, City Council, Planning Department, State and Federal agencies, philanthropic and nonprofit partners. Drive inclusive public engagement strategies such as Community Conversations to ensure residents\' voices shape development priorities of the department. Who You\'ll Work With
You will report to the
Mayor of Baltimore
and the city\'s
Chief Administrative Officer . You will oversee the entire department with
7 direct reports . 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. Preferred Experience in affordable housing preservation and development. Demonstrated success in blight-reduction programs Proficiency with urban planning strategies and neighborhood investment frameworks. Commitment to equity and anti-displacement measures. Experience working with City capital budgeting processes and public bond instruments. Additional Details Residency & Financial Disclosure:
This position is required to complete an Affidavit for Political Appointees and Public Officials as part of the City\'s Residency Requirement. You will also be required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law. Benefits
are highlighted below; Please visit the Baltimore City website for more details. Application Deadline
is October 31, 2025. Equity at Baltimore City Government 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. Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact Human Resources directly. Do not attach your request for accommodation to the application.
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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. Our Vision
A Baltimore where current and future residents live in safe and decent housing in thriving, inclusive and equitable neighborhoods. Our Values
Equity and Inclusion Customer Service Innovation Integrity and Transparency Partnership Sustainability DHCD is committed to affirmatively further fair housing by promoting non-discrimination, fair and equal housing opportunities, fair housing choice, and to fostering inclusive communities. DHCD implements its programs in a manner that is consistent with the fair housing laws, including but not limited to the Fair Housing Act and the Maryland and Baltimore City laws, which prohibit discrimination in housing or services directly or indirectly on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, familial status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and ancestry. About the Role What You\'ll Do
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. The Housing Commissioner will partner closely with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, the Mayor\'s Office of Homeless Services, residents, community organizations, philanthropic entities, nonprofits, and other government agencies in implementing the department\'s strategic agenda and budget priorities. Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Operational Oversight of Department 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 Housing Policy Development & Execution Monitor and evaluate initiatives like Vacants to Value and CORE to combat blight and rehabilitate vacant properties. Serve as custodian of City real estate transactions, oversee code enforcement, renewal and conservation planning, assist in relocation efforts, and enter into contracts under city guidelines Mitigate gentrification-related displacement and pursue halting inequitable trends in neighborhoods experiencing transformation Community & Stakeholder Engagement Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with the Mayor\'s Office, City Council, Planning Department, State and Federal agencies, philanthropic and nonprofit partners. Drive inclusive public engagement strategies such as Community Conversations to ensure residents\' voices shape development priorities of the department. Who You\'ll Work With
You will report to the
Mayor of Baltimore
and the city\'s
Chief Administrative Officer . You will oversee the entire department with
7 direct reports . 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. Preferred Experience in affordable housing preservation and development. Demonstrated success in blight-reduction programs Proficiency with urban planning strategies and neighborhood investment frameworks. Commitment to equity and anti-displacement measures. Experience working with City capital budgeting processes and public bond instruments. Additional Details Residency & Financial Disclosure:
This position is required to complete an Affidavit for Political Appointees and Public Officials as part of the City\'s Residency Requirement. You will also be required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law. Benefits
are highlighted below; Please visit the Baltimore City website for more details. Application Deadline
is October 31, 2025. Equity at Baltimore City Government 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. Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact Human Resources directly. Do not attach your request for accommodation to the application.
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