Project Manager of Community Development Programs (U)

San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It’s a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose — and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.

The role combines strategic planning with hands-on execution, working closely with developers, City departments, consultants, nonprofit partners, and community stakeholders to deliver timely, compliant, and impactful projects. From project feasibility and design through budgeting, regulatory compliance, and public engagement, the Project Manager ensures that initiatives are aligned with funding requirements and community priorities.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in affordable housing and community development, proven grant administration experience, and a collaborative leadership style that fosters cross-functional teamwork and builds lasting partnerships. This is a unique opportunity for a results-oriented professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and is committed to delivering equitable, high-quality outcomes for the residents of San Bernardino.

The Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate is an experienced project manager with comprehensive knowledge of community development and affordable housing programs, particularly those funded through federal and state sources such as CDBG, ESG, HOME, PLHA, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), and other Low- and Moderate-Income (Low-Mod) housing funds. They are strategic and solutions-oriented, with the ability to translate community needs into compliant, fundable, and impactful initiatives.

This individual is adept at navigating complex and layered funding structures, managing consultants and budgets, and fostering strong collaboration with internal departments, public agencies, and nonprofit stakeholders. They bring a solid foundation in public-sector project management, an in-depth understanding of regulatory compliance, regulatory agreements, real estate documents, and a demonstrated passion for delivering equitable, sustainable community development outcomes.

Key strengths include:

• 5+ years managing housing/community development programs or related projects.
• Proven ability to manage funding from diverse sources including CDBG, ESG, HOME, PLHA, LIHTC, HTF, and local Low-Mod funds.
• Proficient in interpreting and applying federal, state, and local regulations to ensure projects meet funding eligibility and compliance standards.
• Proficient in coordinating with legal counsel, underwriters, and developers to structure, negotiate, and close financing packages for housing developments.
• Strong background in leading end-to-end development cycles, from feasibility and due diligence through entitlements, funding, construction, and occupancy.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for public meetings and interdepartmental collaboration
• Ability to juggle multiple high-profile projects with professionalism and precision
• Familiarity with local government structure, policies, and reporting requirements
• Certification as a PMP (preferred, not required)

Next, you may meet with community-based organizations and housing service providers to discuss upcoming ESG or LIHTC funding opportunities, offering technical assistance on eligibility, documentation, and application timelines. These conversations often shape how limited public funds are aligned with local housing priorities.

By midday, you’re likely coordinating with internal teams—planners, engineers, building officials, and finance staff—to resolve a project constraint, analyze cash flow, or clarify procurement and contracting protocols. You might also be reviewing loan agreements, regulatory covenants, or development proformas tied to an affordable housing deal moving toward closing.

In the afternoon, you're preparing a briefing for executive leadership or the City Council on HUD reporting requirements, NOFA cycles, or funding strategy recommendations. Later, you may visit a project site to monitor construction progress or attend a public workshop to inform residents about upcoming investments and gather community input.

Throughout the day, you skillfully balance compliance and creativity, project timelines and funding deadlines, and the need for strategic coordination across departments and stakeholders. Every task—big or small—contributes to building a more inclusive, sustainable, and livable San Bernardino.

Education, Training and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Planning, Engineering, Architecture or a related field. A Master’s degree is highly desirable.

Accreditation shall be by a national or regional accreditation body that is recognized by the Secretary of the United States Department of Education.  

 Five (5) years of progressively responsible program or project management experience involving community development and housing initiatives, including responsibility for grants applications and administration of grant awards; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience within a municipal agency.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

A valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City’s vehicle insurance policy. For out-of-state applicants, a valid driver’s license is required. A valid Class “C” California Driver’s License must be obtained within ten (10) days of appointment (CA Vehicle Code 12405c).

Certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) is preferred but not required.

Knowledge of:

1. Principles and practices of public administration and project management.
2. Procedures for planning and establishing plans, specifications, construction and inspection for City projects. 
3. Design and construction principles, methods, materials and equipment. 
4. Budget preparation and administration. 
5. Applicable laws and ordinances. 
6. Contract language administration and content. 
7. Other City departments, agencies and organizations affected by capital improvement projects. 
8. Principles and regulations governing federal and state affordable housing funding sources, including LIHTC, PLHA, HOME, and HTF.
9. Techniques for layering funding sources and preparing applications to support complex community housing development.

  Ability to:

1. Use common office software including Microsoft Office.
2. Evaluate alternative courses of action and reach sound conclusions within established guidelines.
3. Interpret and apply housing-related statutes and regulations from HUD, HCD, and other funding agencies.
4. Develop and present funding strategies, leveraging multiple sources to maximize affordable housing output.

Recruitment Timeline

This recruitment will remain open until the position is filled.

Priority Application Review Deadline:
Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
Applications received after this date may not be considered in the first round of interviews.

Tentative Interview Schedule:

First Round Interviews: Week of August 4, 2025 (or as mutually agreed upon by Human Resources and the Department)

Second Round Interviews: Week of August 11, 2025 (or as mutually agreed upon by Human Resources and the Department)

**All dates are subject to change at the discretion of the personnel officer**

All applicants are required to submit an online application through the City’s official website at www.sbcity.org. This recruitment will remain open until filled or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Applications must be fully completed and clearly demonstrate that the minimum qualifications for the position are met. All information provided is subject to review, investigation, and verification. While resumes may be uploaded as supplemental documentation, they will not be accepted in place of a fully completed City application.

Following the initial screening, the most qualified candidates whose backgrounds best match the needs of the City will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement. Candidates will remain under consideration until a final selection is made, and an offer is accepted. The City of San Bernardino reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time and may determine that none of the applicants, including those who meet the minimum qualifications, are suitable for the position.

Successful candidates shall be required to: 

• Pass a reference and background verification. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
• Degree verification
• Pass a pre-employment medical exam and Drug screen. 
• Starting salary based on education and/or experience and internal equity. 

Accordingly, the City will provide information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm authorization to work in the United States.

For more information about E-Verify, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website at www.uscis.gov

The City of San Bernardino is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City follows a nepotism policy, which may impact hiring decisions if an applicant has relatives currently employed by the City.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department directly at (909) 384-5161. 

This bulletin is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract, expressed or implied. Its contents may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice.

For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Human Resources at Fernandez_Li@sbcity.org. Additional information is available at www.sbcity.org.