Career Opportunities

Are you looking for a job in the community development field? The organizations listed below maintain databases of jobs available around the state and nation. Click on an organization to visit their jobs page.

National

American Planning Association
National Association of Counties (NACo)
National Association for County and Community Economic Development (NACCED)(Must login)
National Community Developers Association (NCDA) (members only)

Michigan

Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM)
Council of Michigan Foundations
Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) (members only)
Michigan League for Public Policy
Michigan Municipal League (MML)

Updated March 17, 2025

  • October 14, 2025 12:54 PM | Anonymous

     

    Community Development Director

    About Grand Rapids

    Nestled along the scenic Grand River and just 25 miles from Lake Michigan, Grand Rapids offers the perfect balance of natural beauty and urban opportunity. Only a three-hour drive from Chicago, the city provides easy access to beaches, trails, and year-round outdoor recreation.

    As West Michigan’s economic and cultural hub, Grand Rapids boasts a vibrant downtown filled with award-winning museums, diverse dining, and a nationally acclaimed craft beer scene. This growing metropolitan area is recognized for its strong economy, affordable cost of living, and welcoming neighborhoods—making it not only an ideal place to build your career, but also a wonderful place to call home.

    Honors & Recognition (2025)

    #1 - LinkedIn Cities on the Rise 2025: The 25 fastest-growing U.S. metros for jobs and new talent (LinkedIn)
    #20 - Best U.S. Cities for Women in the Workplace (Checkr)
    #20 - Best Run Cities in America (WalletHub)

    #20 - 25 Best Places to Live, Quality of Life (US News)
    #5 - Metros Where Young Homeownership is Most Accessible (Consumer Affairs) #28 - Best Cities for Jobs (WalletHub)
    #40 - Best Place to Retire in US (U.S. News & World Report)
    #40 - Best Cities to Buy a House in America (Niche)
    #41 - Best Cities for Young Professionals in America
    Named Beer City 2025 by USA Today
    Named AARP Age-Friendly Community

    City Government

    Grand Rapids operates under a Council–Manager form of government, with strategic direction from an elected City Commission and daily operations led by a professional City Manager. As one of Michigan’s largest municipal organizations, the city employs over 1,700 full-time staff across 30 departments, serving a diverse and growing population.

    The FY 2026 budget totals approximately $735 million, including nearly $196 million in the General Operating Fund to support core services like public safety, parks, and administration. This investment reflects Grand Rapids’ commitment to fiscal responsibility, innovation, and service excellence. (Strategic Plan)

    Vision: Grand Rapids will be nationally recognized as an equitable, welcoming, innovative, and collaborative city with a robust economy, safe and healthy community, and the opportunity for a high quality of life for all.

    Mission: To elevate the quality of life through excellent City services.

    Community Development Director

    Values: The City of Grand Rapids' core values are embodied in its strategic plan, emphasizing Accountability, Collaboration, Customer Service, Innovation, Equity, and Sustainability.

    The Candidate

    The Community Development Director is responsible for leading the overall operations of the Community Development Department. Key duties include administering federal and state grant programs, running housing rehabilitation and homeownership programs, and enforcing City ordinances. The Director is responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, assigning, and evaluating the work of subordinate managers overseeing operations, administration, code compliance, and contract compliance. This position reports to the Senior Managing Director of Community Services.

    The ideal candidate will be able to manage financially complex department operations, assess overall department effectiveness, and establish effective community development and code compliance programs. The position requires a proven track record of working effectively in a culturally and ethnically diverse community while coordinating activities with contractors, other government officials, business, and civic leaders, and explaining department activities to the media and citizen groups.

    The successful candidate must uphold the highest level of ethics and integrity in performing work and representing the City. They will have demonstrated experience and a good record managing the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) programs. The successful candidate will have proven experience leading housing and building code compliance and will be skilled in addressing complex issues among diverse stakeholders.

    Leadership Competencies
    Stewardship of Resources: Ethical and sustainable management of all resources in a way that supports long-term wellbeing, equity, and resilience.
    Decision Quality: Making timely and informed decisions based on sound judgment, analysis, and stakeholder impact.
    Strategic Planning & Prioritization: Aligning efforts with goals and prioritizing tasks based on impact, urgency, and resources.
    Organizational & Community Savvy Understanding and navigating internal and external dynamics, policies, and relationships to build positive influence.
    Continuous Improvement: Implementing creative, inclusive, and adaptive solutions that improve outcomes and support collaboration.
    Emotional Intelligence: Recognizing and managing one’s own emotions while showing empathy and adaptability in relationships.

    Community Development Director

    Servant Leadership Prioritizes the growth, well-being, and needs of others while sustaining their own capacity and well-being to serve effectively.
    Effective Communication: Sharing timely, clear, and audience-appropriate information that fosters understanding and collaboration.

    Instills Trust Demonstrating integrity, reliability, and transparency to earn and maintain the confidence of others.
    Manages Complexity: Breaking down complicated issues, anticipating outcomes, and adapting with clarity and logic.

    Drives Results: Achieving meaningful outcomes by setting goals, mobilizing resources, and maintaining focus and perseverance.
    Inclusive Leadership Fostering a culture of belonging by valuing diverse perspectives, addressing systemic inequities, and modeling equity-driven behaviors to ensure all individuals feel respected, empowered, and included.

    Community Development Director

    The position involves high-level professional and managerial responsibilities for leading the Community Development Department. This includes planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing all department activities.

    Key duties include:

    ·         Administering federal and state grant programs,

    ·         Running housing rehabilitation and homeownership programs, and

    ·         Enforcing city ordinances.

    The Director also oversees and evaluates the work of subordinate managers who handle operations, administration, code enforcement, and contract compliance.

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities

    The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

    • Plans, organizes, prioritizes, and directs the activities of the department; assures the total operational effectiveness of the department.

    Community Development Director

    ·         Establishes and implements operational policies, goals, and objectives for the department; assures operations and programs are carried out according to federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.

    ·         Develops long and short-range planning and needs assessments for the improvement of programs and services; leads the development of comprehensive plans; and develops innovative programs in accordance with federal guidelines.

    ·         Prepares and presents the annual department budget; determines resource needs and financing requests; oversees budgetary administration.

    ·         Plans and participates in technical and administrative studies and reviews reports of program needs and accomplishments; maintains records and prepares reports on a variety of subjects

    ·         Oversees contract compliance for a variety of federal and state programs and develops and submits respective plans and reports as required

    ·         Evaluates the work of subordinate managers and support staff; identifies training needs; provides counseling as needed; hires and disciplines, as necessary, all departmental employees.

    ·         Develops and implements public information programs explaining the programs and development goals of the department.

    ·         Represents the City on federal, state, and local legislative, program, and policy issues; presents the City's position on issues; provides information on city programs; makes policy, programs, and funding decisions as a member of boards and commissions; makes presentations at state and regional conferences.

    ·         Monitors and analyzes federal and state legislation to determine impacts on programs and services.

    ·         Reviews periodicals, legal developments, and other materials to keep abreast of developments in community development and code compliance work.

    Required Education and Experience

    Possession of a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, urban planning, or related field (master's degree desirable). Additionally, five (5) years of managerial experience in a field related to community development. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

    Salary

    The City of Grand Rapids offers a competitive salary range ($121,204 to $159,189) and a comprehensive benefits package.

    Community Development Director
    Relocation assistance will be available for the successful out-of-area candidate.

    How to Apply
    Interested applicants should forward a cover letter, 3 references, and a resume to: Joni@nationalcareergroup.com.

    *The deadline to receive resumes is November 10th, 2025*
    The City of Grand Rapids is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.


  • August 19, 2024 3:17 PM | Anonymous

    NOTICE CITY of WARREN

    Civil Service Commission

    EQUAL  OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER  

    One City Square Warren, MI    48093

    586-574-4670

    Applications are being accepted by: DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

    FOR: ESTABLISHING AN ELIGIBLE LIST


    JOB CLASSIFICATION:

    PAY RANGE:

    APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM:

    WORK INVOLVES:

    PRELIMINARY REQUIREMENTS:

    DATES APPLICATIONS

    ACCEPTED: APPLICATIONS:


    COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANT

    $70,430/year - $79,393/year (After 5 years)

    QUALIFIED AND INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS

    The position requires professional work planning, organizing, coordinating and implementing community development financial activities and programs in a manner that assures compliance with state and federal grant guidelines and maximizes positive impact for the community.

    You must possess, upon application, based upon the closing

    date of the posting, the following education and experience or its satisfactory equivalent as outlined and certified by the Civil Service Commission. If you do not meet these requirements, your application will be rejected.

        College Bachelor's Degree with a major in Business or Public Administration

    Must present ORIGINAL diploma or SEALED transcripts at time of application.

        Two (2) years experience in administration of Federal or State grant funds.

    •     Possession of a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in the State of Michigan.
    •     Driving record must meet City standards for insurability.

    August 7, 2024 THROUGH August 21, 2024 by 5:00 P.M

    May be obtained· from the DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at City Hall, One City Square, Warren, Michigan 48093.

    NOTE

    In case of a discrepancy between this posting and the job description, the requirements of the job description shall govern. A copy of the job description is available for your inspection at the Human Resources Office.

    5/24


  • June 03, 2024 12:26 PM | Anonymous

    HOUSING REHABILITATION SPECIALIST I 

    UNION AFSCME 496.01  
    FULL-TIME/PART-TIME Full-Time  
    OPEN DATE 5/16/2024  
    CLOSED DATE CONTINUOUS UNTIL FILLED  
    LOCATION Administration Building - Planning Commission  
    DESCRIPTION

    Starting Pay: $21.8214 Hourly ($45,389)
    After 1st Year: $22.4774 Hourly ($46,753)
    After 2nd Year: $22.9584 Hourly ($47,753)
    After 3rd Year: $23.8439 Hourly ($49,595)

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

    Associate degree in building/construction technology, construction management, engineering and other degrees as related;

    -OR-

    Two (2) years’ experience in home construction, home rehabilitation services, home inspection services or in a construction related field, preferable in an agency providing housing rehabilitation services to low-income individuals. 

    SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
    Must have a valid Michigan driver’s license.

    Must complete a HUD Approved lead inspector/risk assessor training course within six (6) months of employment. Training/testing costs will be covered by employer.

    Must become a certified Lead Supervisor within six (6) months of employment. Failure to obtain certification will result in discharge from employment. Training/testing costs will be covered by employer.

    Must become a certified Asbestos Inspector through a State of Michigan program within six (6) months of employment. Training/testing costs will be covered by employer. Failure to obtain certification will result in discharge from employment.

    Must be comfortable with climbing ladders, some lifting and entering confined spaces as part of the inspection process.

    GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Under direction, performs  a  variety of duties relative to the implementation of housing assistance programs within the County’s Community Development Program; performs inspections, work write-ups, cost estimates and bid specifications; reviews work performed by contractors to ensure that the work is completed as outlined in the bid specifications; work is performed and guidance may be given by the Housing Rehabilitation Specialist III; performs related duties as required.

    STATEMENT OF TASKS:

    • Inspects properties in order to determine eligibility of repairs in accordance with program rules and surveys the condition of dwellings as assigned;
    • Prepares work write-ups and bid specifications in accordance with HUD and County program rules and building code to ensure homes are safe, sanitary and decent;
    • Prepares accurate cost estimates;
    • Monitors progress on jobs and addresses potential problems;
    • Reviews the work of contractors to ensure that work meets bid specifications and work quality standards in accordance with program rules and lead safe work practices;
    • Inspects property while work is in progress to assure that authorized work has been properly completed and is within the provisions of the contract;
    • Interacts with housing developers and non-profit agencies on rental and homebuyer projects;
    • Acts as liaison with contractor, homeowner and program staff;
    • Maintains/organizes proper inspection records for each assigned property;
    • Participates in staff development and training activities related to program responsibilities.

    REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

    • Thorough knowledge of property maintenance, building codes and construction methods;
    • Thorough knowledge of residential construction trades utilized in the home rehabilitation field;
    • Knowledge of construction contract licensing, insurance and registration;
    • Ability to accurately prepare and critique job specifications and to prepare detailed bid and cost estimates of home rehabilitation activities;
    • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with clients, the public and other employees;
    • Ability to maintain confidentiality of client contract and files;
    • Experience using HUD approved specification writing programs, preferred;
    • Ability to attend work regularly and work under stressful conditions;
    • Participates in staff development and training activities related to program responsibilities;
    • Ability to work independently, collaboratively and respectfully in a complex, multicultural work environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion.

    KEEP UP-TO-DATE
    Follow Genesee County Human Resources and Labor Relations on Facebook and LinkedIn for the latest opportunities to become part of Team Genesee. Discover how you can contribute to our common purpose of making a positive impact on Genesee County while enjoying the many advantages of a career with us.
    For more information about our benefits packages and the diverse range of departments we serve, visit www.geneseecountymi.gov

    Genesee County is proud to be a MVAA Bronze Level Certified Veteran Friendly Employer. Join us, and let's build a brighter future for Genesee County. 
     

     

    THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS.

    Apply Now

  • April 01, 2024 11:56 AM | Anonymous

    Oakland County Michigan

    Neighborhood & Housing Field Technician

     

    SALARY

    $62,174.06 - $83,300.62 Annually

    LOCATION

    Pontiac, MI

    JOB TYPE

    Full Time

    JOB NUMBER

    2024-68

    DEPARTMENT

    Health Neighborhood Housing & Development

    OPENING DATE

    02/21/2024

    CLOSING DATE

    Continuous

     

    Job Summary

    Performs comprehensive housing rehabilitation field services throughout Oakland County’s CDBG participating municipalities. Conducts home inspections, assesses housing deficiencies, determines necessary improvements, prepares specifications, estimates costs, monitors construction, authorizes work change orders and contractor payments, and evaluates contractor performance. Answers inquiries regarding HUD and County regulations, project specifications, and eligibility requirements. Investigates and mediates complaints between homeowners, contractors, and other involved parties. Prepares lead-based paint related documents (risk assessment and clearance reports) to ensure compliance with HUD, MDCH, OSHA, and EPA. Recommends lead hazard control measures and establishes re-evaluation and monitoring schedule to determine the frequency and duration of the lead hazard control measures. Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

    Minimum Qualifications

     Applications will be rejected if the following information is not provided at the time of application: 
      

    • Thoroughly documented work history
    • The application is incomplete in ANY capacity

     At the time of application, applicants must:

    1. a. Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Planning, Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.

    b. Have had at least two (2) years of full-time work experience in residential, commercial, or public works construction or administration, at least one (1) year of which involved construction inspection or project implementation responsibilities; OR

    2. a. Possess an Associate’s degree or equivalent education from an accredited college with a major in Business, Architecture, Environmental Systems, Pre-Engineering, or a related field.

    b. Have had at least four (4) years of full-time work experience in residential, commercial, or public works construction administration, at least one (1) year of which involves construction inspection or project implementation responsibilities.

    3. Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.

    Work History
     You are required to include your work experience in the Work Experience Section of your NEOGOV application. If you have previously included work history on a resume you must transfer 
    your work history into the Work Experience Section prior to applying. Attached resumes will not be reviewed or considered. Please review the job posting, specifically the purpose of the position and the minimum qualifications, prior to answering the work experience question; and note that only related work experience will be considered. NOTE: Provide full detail in the employment history section noting the skills, experience and hours worked per week pertaining to the minimum qualifications. 

    College Transcripts
     If a job offer is made, an official transcript with the award date will be required as part of the hiring process.  Transcripts from outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (
    http://naces.org/members.html).Other documents such as reference, cover letter, resume, etc will not be reviewed.

     Candidates should apply using the following link - https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oakgov/jobs/4400082/neighborhood-housing-field-technician?keywords=field%20technician&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

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