Department Head - Community Programs

Department Head - Community Programs

Salary

$104,545.78 - $177,727.82 Annually

Location

Sagner Avenue - Frederick, MD

Job Type

Full-time Regular

Job Number

FY27-00223

Department

Housing

Opening Date

10/23/2026

Closing Date

10/30/2026 4:00 PM Eastern

FLSA

Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB INFORMATION

Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; full-benefits; partial telework may be available in accordance with Division policies

The Frederick County Division of Housing is a growing organization committed to innovative and creative approaches to providing affordable housing in our community. Our mission is to assist in the provision of affordable housing for Frederick County residents with an emphasis on special needs populations, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and low to moderate income workforce households. As the fastest growing county in Maryland, it has never been more important to ensure access to affordable housing options for our residents.

This professional role provides essential day-to-day operational leadership and management support for the Division of Housing. The position plays a key role in directing major program areas, ensuring high-quality service delivery, regulatory compliance, and strong alignment with division goals. This role oversees operations, staff performance, program planning, and resource management across assigned functions. The position provides supervision to program staff and reports directly to the Division Director of Housing.

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:

Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment

• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover

• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)

• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending

• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care

• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit

• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan

• Vesting after 5 years of service

• Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.

• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program

• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program

• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct, supervise, and participate in daily operations and strategic planning for assigned program areas, including workflow oversight, process evaluation, and implementation of improvements
• Provide leadership and supervision to division staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and coordination of personnel-related administrative tasks
• Oversee program operations to ensure effective service delivery, regulatory compliance, budget administration, and alignment with division goals.
• Develop, recommend, and implement operational policies and procedures to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and overall program performance.
• Manage relationships with external agencies, developers, contractors, municipalities, and community partners to support housing and community development objectives
• Oversee administration of housing and community development programs, including affordable housing production, developer incentive programs, homebuyer and rehabilitation assistance, and division funding programs supporting housing initiatives
• Oversee administration of State, Federal, and local community development grants, including compliance monitoring, documentation, reporting, and coordination with regulatory entities
• Oversee preparation of required plans, regulatory agreements, and annual reports related to housing, homelessness systems, and community development programs
• Lead implementation of strategic objectives intended to produce and preserve affordable housing in Frederick County; in alignment with the Frederick County Housing Study
• Represent the division in meetings, presentations, audits, and public forums; serve as liaison to boards, committees, and stakeholder groups.
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employees position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met 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.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Economics, Urban Planning, Political Science, Human Services, Public Administration or related field
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in Human Services, Housing, or Community Development, which must include at least 2 years of experience supervising or managing staff and 2 years of budget and fiscal work experience which includes grant management

Substitutions for the above-listed required education and experience are a Master's Degree with 4 years experience as described above, which must 2 years of experience supervising or managing staff and 2 years of budget and fiscal work experience which includes grant management duties.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

• Advanced knowledge of federal HUD regulations and programs - HCV, CDBG, LIHTC, and state housing development programs
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration (including personnel, budgeting, accounting, and management activities), and the ability to apply them in overseeing a variety of housing and community development projects and programs
• Advanced knowledge of necessary technology, including specific housing program software
• Skill in managing and supervising a team
• Skill in managing and implementing a program
• Skill in financial management
• Skill in managing federal and state grants, and overseeing compliance of subgrantees
• Strong and effective written and verbal (English) communication skills, including the ability to effectively and clearly prepare and present complicated information to officials, peer groups and citizen groups
• Ability to work effectively and compassionately with vulnerable households, extremely low-income residents, seniors, people with disabilities, and those impacted by behavioral health or trauma
• Ability to effectively research and interpret complex Federal and State guidelines and regulations
• Ability to effectively compile, prepare and administer a budget
• Ability to effectively utilize and administer the grant application process
• Ability to effectively supervise and direct the work of others
• Ability to effectively access and utilize computerized fiscal, data management and word processing systems and equipment
• Ability to effectively compile and prepare program reports, grant applications and other complex written work
• Ability to lead workgroups, including with staff in other County Divisions and with community participants
• Strong organizational and problem-resolution skills including the ability to manage complex projects and establish priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with local government officials, Federal and State program administrators, subsidized housing clients, co-workers and the general public

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Experience in affordable housing finance, such as housing bonds, tax-incremental financing, Payment-in-Lieu of Taxes (PILOT), etc.
• Related experience working with or for Federal, State or local government
• Experience administering the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program
• Experience overseeing compliance of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program
• Experience partnering with nonprofit or for-profit developers to build or preserve affordable housing

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly sit, frequently reach and perform repetitive motions
• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Ability to provide own transportation as needed for meetings and other commitments
• Available for varied work hours as needed for meetings and other commitments

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

• An evaluation of education and experience
• One or more interviews

Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov

Retirement Plan:

A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance:

County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

Dental Insurance:

Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employees completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts:

The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

Life Insurance:

Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:

The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employees direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.

Educational Reimbursement Program:

County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employees capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesnt remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.

Employee Assistance Program:

This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.

Leave

Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year

0 - 2 years 11 days

2 - 10 years 17 days

10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.

Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employees child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.

Holidays:

The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.

For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.

All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.

01

Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, your application may not be considered further.

• I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.

02

Which best describes your level of education?

• Less than Bachelors degree received
• Bachelors degree received
• Advanced degree received

03

In the text box below, please enter the field of study for the degree you earned.

04

How many years of experience in human services, housing, or community development do you have?

• Less than 4 years of experience
• 4 years of experience
• 5 years of experience
• 6 or more years of experience

05

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.

06

Did your human services, housing or community development experience include at least 2 years of experience supervising or managing staff?

• Yes
• No

07

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.

08

Did your human services, housing or community development experience include at least 2 years of budget and fiscal work experience?

• Yes
• No

09

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.

10

Did your budget and fiscal work experience include grant management duties?

• Yes
• No

11

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.

12

Do you have related experience working with or for Federal, State or local government?

• Yes
• No

13

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.

14

Do you have experience administering the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program?

• Yes
• No

15

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.

16

Do you have experience overseeing compliance of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program?

• Yes
• No

17

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.

18

Do you have experience partnering with nonprofit or for-profit developers to build or preserve affordable housing?

• Yes
• No

19

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.

20

Do you have experience in affordable housing finance, such as housing bonds, tax-incremental financing, Payment-in-Lieu of Taxes (PILOT), etc.?

• Yes
• No

21

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.

Required Question

Employer Frederick County Government

Address 12 East Church Street

Frederick, Maryland, 21701

Phone 301-600-1070

Website http://www.FrederickCountymd.gov/jobs