Director of Business & Housing Development

Salary: $108,264.00 - $147,037.00 Annually
Location : 30 Church Street Rochester, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Neighborhood & Business Development
Bureau: Commissioner's Office
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: 9/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

General Description
This position is responsible for managing the Bureau of Business and Housing Development, with responsibility for program administration, policy development, resource allocation, and staff supervision. The incumbent plays a key role in shaping housing, property, and neighborhood development initiatives; providing leadership to division managers; and serving as a liaison between the City, community groups, developers, and external partners. The employee works under the general direction of the Commissioner of NBD. Performs related work as required.

Typical Work Activities

• Manages the operation of the Bureau of Business and Housing Development, including establishing priorities and procedures, determining organization structure, and assigning and reviewing staff work;
• Provides direction to division managers regarding the acquisition, management, and disposition of properties and the administration of housing programs;
• Develops and implements programs and projects consistent with departmental goals and City policies;
• Recommends new and revised policies to address Bureau activities;
• Meets with community groups, neighborhood associations, and the general public to explain programs, discuss concerns, and resolve issues;
• Directs the selection, training, assignment, and evaluation of Bureau personnel;
• Prepares the Bureau's annual budget and assists the Commissioner with the preparation of the Department's overall budget;
• Negotiates contracts for professional services and determines the appropriate level of financial assistance to support private development within the City;
• Participates in the development of the City's Consolidated Plan, including the programming of Federal resources;
• Assists the Commissioner in coordinating the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development's Capital Improvement Program;
• Coordinates special projects at the direction of the Commissioner.

Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma or Equivalent PLUS:

1. Master's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Economics, or a closely related field AND three (3) years of experience (or its part-time equivalent) leading projects or teams in housing, economic development, community development, or a closely related field, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity; OR

1. Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Economics, or a closely related field AND five (5) years of experience (or its part-time equivalent) leading projects or teams in housing, economic development, community development, or a closely related field, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity; OR

1. Associate's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Economics, or a closely related field AND seven (7) years of experience (or its part-time equivalent) leading projects or teams in housing, economic development, community development, or a closely related field, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity; OR

1. Nine (9) years of experience (or its part-time equivalent) leading projects or teams in housing, economic development, community development, or a closely related field, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity.

Appointment is contingent upon Civil Service Commission approval of the revised classification specification and minimum qualifications.
For full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

For less-than full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers numerous growth opportunities to include the potential to transition into full-time, permanent employment.
01

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• I do not have a High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED)
• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree

02

If you have a degree, please indicate your major or field of study.
03

How many years of full-time equivalent experience do you have leading projects or teams in housing, economic development, community development, or a closely related field?

• Less than 3 years
• 3 - 4 years
• 5 - 6 years
• 7 - 8 years
• 9 or more years

04

How many years of supervisory experience do you have?

• Less than 3 years
• 3 - 4 years
• 5 - 6 years
• 7 - 8 years
• 9 or more years

05

Briefly describe your supervisory experience, including the types and levels of staff you supervised.
06

Please describe your qualifying housing/economic/community development experience.
Required Question