HOUSING DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Housing Development Specialist – Pontiac Home Repair & Land Management

Department: Housing Vitality

Reports To: Housing Vitality Manager

Status: Full time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Housing Development Specialist oversees the daily operations of Pontiac’s home rehabilitation programs and the strategic management of municipal land assets. This role involves high-level coordination between residents, contractors, and city leadership to ensure the successful deployment of federal and local housing funds.

The specialist will play a critical role in neighborhood stabilization by facilitating the sale of city-owned lots and ensuring all housing initiatives comply with strict federal oversight.

Essential Functions

Program Administration & Compliance

• Oversee programs funded by HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), including CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) and HUD HOME sponsored initiatives.
• Manage the full application lifecycle for residents, making formal eligibility determinations for repair services based on program guidelines.
• Maintain meticulous electronic records and database entries to ensure "audit-ready" compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Assign contractors to approved projects and verify that all licenses and insurance coverages remain current.
• Review project milestones and coordinate timely payments to vendors and contractors.
• Conduct follow-up and final inspections to ensure work quality meets program standards and local building codes.

Land Management & Public Advocacy

• Facilitate the strategic sale and disposition of city-owned lots to promote local housing initiatives.
• Attend and present at City Council meetings to facilitate the approval and sale of municipal lots.
• Market housing programs to the community through targeted outreach to ensure equitable access to resources.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong ability to interpret and apply complex federal (HUD/CDBG), state, and local ordinances related to housing and community development.
• Ability to communicate clearly with residents, contractors, and city officials in face-to-face settings, public meetings, and formal written reports.
• Contribute to the development and evaluation of affordable housing research and program resource allocation.
• Demonstrate resourcefulness in resolving conflicts between vendors and residents or navigating complex title/lien issues.

Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or Urban Planning preferred).
• Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in housing development, housing rehabilitation, neighborhood revitalization, or a closely related field.
• Technical Knowledge: Direct experience working with HUD-funded programs (CDBG, HOME) is highly preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Michigan Driver’s License.