Reports to: Chief Programs Officer. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30pm. Location: Baltimore, Maryland. FLSA Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt. Salary: $85,000-90,000.
PURPOSE
Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore (NHS) is seeking a Director of Community Relations to lead the strategy and execution of strengthening community relationships, advancing affordable housing outcomes, and overseeing realty-based initiatives in Baltimore. This role oversees engagement programs and projects end-to-end (planning, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement) with clear financial stewardship and rigorous data tracking. This role also bridges the gap between community advocacy and real estate transactions, ensuring that residents have direct pathways to homeownership.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Community Relations & Partnerships
- Design and lead outreach strategies (forums, listening sessions, events, and presentations) that increase engagement of community residents and awareness of affordable housing resources.
Reality & Housing Asset Activities
- Deliver comprehensive "Direct-to-Realty" strategies tasked with intentionally transitioning residents from community engagement and financial education programs into active homebuying.
- Align NHS property listings and sales strategies with community stabilization goals.
- Analyze Baltimore real estate trends, including dispositions, auctions, and private sales, to identify opportunities for property acquisition and preservation.
Budget & Performance Oversight
- Track project budgets and ensure cost controls are maintained.
- Identify and implement cost-saving strategies without compromising quality or compliance.
- Approve invoices, change orders, and draws.
- Report regularly on project status, risks, timelines, and expenditures.
Program Management
- Deliver community engagement programs and realty initiatives focused on affordable housing access, wealth-building through homeownership and community stability & equity.
- Set annual goals, outcomes, and KPIs; develop work plans and feedback loops for continuous improvement.
- Ensure policy, compliance, and ethical standards are embedded in program design (e.g., fair housing, privacy, accessibility).
Financial Management
- Provide monthly expenditure updates and recommendations to Chief Programs Officer; forecast resources and adjust plans to stay on budget.
Communications & Reporting
- Prepare briefings, Board/leadership updates, grant reports, and success stories highlighting measurable outcomes and community voice.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Manage, coach, and develop team; set goals, provide feedback and support professional growth.
COMPETENCIES
- Community Relations & Partnerships
- Build trusted, long-term relationships with Baltimore residents, neighborhood associations, real estate professionals, nonprofits, local/state partners, and faithbased organizations.
- Represent NHS at community meetings, coalitions, and public events, serving as a visible, proactive ambassador across Baltimore neighborhoods.
- Partner with community residents on initiatives to ensure programs reflect lived experience and community priorities.
- Reality & Housing Asset Activities
- Partner with internal teams to ensure marketing for NHS-listed properties reaches intended target market of underserved populations and residents.
- Financial Management
- Partners with internal teams supporting organizational fundraising (e.g., grant input, narratives, budgets) and steward funder relationships through clear impact reporting.
- Communications & Reporting
- Partners with internal teams to craft accessible, culturally responsive content for digital, social, and print channels that amplify program impact.
- Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Promote an inclusive, high-performance culture grounded in equity, humility, transparency, and learning.
- Champion collaboration with broader internal team (e.g., programs, marketing, finance) to align efforts and deliver integrated services.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in community relations/engagement, affordable housing, or nonprofit program leadership.
- Demonstrated success managing programs and complex projects from inception through evaluation.
- Strong familiarity with the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) regulations (a current Maryland Real Estate License is preferred).
- Experience with budgeting, grant compliance, and financial reporting.
- Strong understanding of affordable housing systems, fair housing principles, and Baltimore’s community dynamics.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in public relations, nonprofit management, community development, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
- Valid government issued ID.
- Satisfactory background check.
- Satisfactory reference check.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Strategic thinker and reliable executor with strong analytical, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent communication (public speaking, writing) and relationship building across diverse audiences.
- Knowledge of real estate transaction cycles, including escrow, inspections, and closing processes.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and resident centered practice.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365; familiarity with CRM/data tools and major social media platforms.
MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
This position does have supervisory responsibilities.
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