Executive Director- Community Development

Executive Director- Community Development

Salary

$70,000.00 - $75,000.00 Annually

Location

200 N. River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

02044

Department

Community Development

Opening Date

06/29/2026

Closing Date

7/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits

Description

The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the effective operation of the County's Office of Community Development, ensuring the effective administration of federal, state and local grant programs to maximize benefits to Luzerne County residents, while ensuring full compliance with federal/state/local regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible to the County Manager and the Division Head for Community Planning and Economic Growth for the operations of the Luzerne County Office of Community Development. This includes the application and administration of the County's Community Development Block Grant, the Emergency Solutions Grant Program, the HOME Investment Partnership Program funds, and all activities related to the use of these funds.
• Responsible for administration of any specialized program/project funds received from the federal government, the state and other funding entities, along with all activities related to the use of these funds.
• Responsible for planning, administering, and monitoring all programs carried out through the County's Office of Community Development. Carry out the financial analysis of projects, provide technical assistance to sub-recipients and program participants, conceptual design of new programs, review and redesign of ineffective or outdated programs, project development, and citizen involvement.
• Make recommendations to the Division Head for Community Planning and Economic Growth and the County Manager regarding use of program funds; design of new programs; revisions to existing programs; eligibility of funding requests; staffing needs; budget, and personnel and salary issues.
• Work with representatives of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure program compliance, obtain administrative guidance, and maintain an up-to-date understanding of HUD regulations, policies, guidelines, and new funding opportunities. Interact with other regulatory and financial agencies to ensure full compliance with applicable requirements.
• Work closely with local and regional economic development organizations to maximize the potential for increased opportunities for quality career opportunities for County residents. Serve as the Countys liaison with the areas community and economic development related organizations, non-profit agencies, health and human service organizations, as well as local, state, and federal agencies for the overall betterment of the County, as well as for community and economic development planning purposes.
• Oversee staff and operations of the Countys Office of Community Development, and its multi-million-dollar budget, ensuring timely and efficient use of all resources to maximize the impact of programs on the quality of life of County residents.
• Responsible for the accurate completion and timely submission of the Consolidated Plan, Action Plan, and Amendments and Consolidated Annual Performance Report in accordance with HUD regulations and time frames.
• This job description describes a general framework of this specific job. However, in order to meet the needs of Luzerne County Government or its departments, employees may be assigned other duties, in addition to or in lieu of those described above, and any duties are subject to change at any time.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Extensive experience and knowledge in Community Development programs/regulations.
• Knowledge of various federal, state, and local grant programs Governmental budgets and fiscal policies.
• Economic development, community development, public/human services, housing, and municipal issues in Pennsylvania and Luzerne County.

Ability to:

• Oversee and administer all programs of the community development department.
• Design and coordinate programs in accordance with the County's community development needs to bring maximum benefit to County residents.
• Develop, administer, and revise written policies and procedures affecting community development programs.
• Comprehend federal and state regulations and administer programs in accordance with these regulations.
• Implement and maintain a system for overseeing project performance and contractual compliance.
• Train, supervise and evaluate staff.
• Establish effective working relationships with community and economic development agencies, municipal administrators, elected officials, and provide services in a professional manner.
• Make presentations and speak comfortably and extemporaneously in front of groups.
• Prepare and submit reports and other documents.
• Utilize technology to maximize staff and personal productivity.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Develop and monitor budgets.
• Safeguard confidential information.
• Meet timelines and schedules.
• Travel occasionally and drive an automobile.

Skills to:

• Manage personnel and programs.
• Develop policy supporting regulations and procedures.
• Develop and monitor budgets.
• Design, implement and evaluate services and programs.
• Solve problems
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities.
• Utilize various software programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent combination of experience and training which has provided the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities cited above. Strong communication and networking skills; strong writing and computer software literacy are essential.

The County of Luzerne is an EEO/ADA employer

I. Medical Insurance

The coverage begins for the employee the on the first of the month following the first full 30 days of full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Cost to the employee to participate in the plan varies by the coverage selection and the number of dependents; and may be subject to collective bargaining agreement. The employee may also elect to opt out of the Countys medical insurance if proof of coverage is provided. Under this arrangement, the employee is provided with an annual opt out payment.

II. Vision and Prescription

The coverage begins for the employee on the first of the month following the first full 30 days of full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Contributions may vary, subject to collective bargaining agreement.

III. Dental Coverage

The coverage begins for the employee on the first of the month following the first full 30 days of full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Contributions may vary, subject to collective bargaining agreement.

IV. Life Insurance

A $50,000 life insurance policy is afforded to full-time employees, unless specified differently in a collective bargaining agreement. It remains in effect as long as the employee is actively employed and terminates upon resignation or retirement.

V. Retirement

All full-time employees and part-time employees working more than 1,000 hours per year qualify for Luzerne County retirement benefits, in which employees must contribute 5% of their earnings, and may choose to add to an additional voluntary contribution, not to exceed an additional 10%.

Employer Luzerne County

Address Penn Place Building, Suite 225

20 N. Pennsylvania Avenue

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 18702

Phone 570-826-8801

Website http://www.luzernecounty.org