Housing and Community Development Planning Administrator

Posting Close Date

Applicants must submit their completed application by 09-29-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

As part of this online application process, all applicants are required to submit both an updated resume and cover letter at the time of application.

Applications received that do not contain both a resume and a cover letter addressing the prompt below will be considered incomplete and will not be considered further in this recruitment process.

COVER LETTER PROMPT:

As mentioned above, submitting a cover letter is required for this recruitment. Failure to do so, will result in your application being dispositioned . In the cover letter succinctly describe your interest in the position, your experience that makes you a good candidate, and include an example of a specific project or program you have worked on that uniquely positions you for the role.

INTERVIEW INFORMATION:

Qualified applicants will be invited to an in person panel interview.

In person hiring interviews may also be held after initial panel interviews take place.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

- This position is grant funded and funding is reviewed on an annual basis.

- This Job Profile will be moving to a higher pay range beginning October 5, 2026. Any job offers made after this date will be placed within the new range of $42.80-64.20 ($89,024-133,536). Position Specific Summary

The Housing and Community Development Planning Administrator at the City of Tucson’s Housing and Community Development Department is responsible for community strategic and long-term plans, homeless response system planning and the HUD Continuum of Care, community engagement and media/stakeholder relations, Thrive Zones, and special initiatives implemented by HCD. The Planning Division provides broad support to other HCD operational divisions in the preparation and ongoing progress measurement of federal, state, and local plans required by grantmaking bodies, Mayor and Council, and the community.

Work is performed under the supervision of the department director. This position exercises supervision over division staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leads strategic planning, policy development, and interdepartmental coordination for the Housing and Community Development (HCD) department, including major initiatives such as the Housing Affordability Strategy, People, Communities and Homes Investment Plan (P-CHIP), Continuum of Care, Choice Neighborhoods, and the Prosperity Initiative. Provides expert consultation and support to HCD divisions and the Director’s Office on housing availability, affordability, sustainability, and community development policies. Oversees participation in citywide planning efforts like Plan Tucson and supports the Commission on Equitable Housing and Development.

Oversees the creation, implementation, and evaluation of planning tools, reports, and publications including master plans, measurement frameworks, the HCD Annual Report, and community-wide homelessness reports. Ensures planning staff are trained in best practices and tools such as GIS and project management frameworks and directs strategic benchmarking and reporting activities to track progress and inform decision-making across HCD initiatives.

Leads inclusive community outreach and engagement strategies focused on historically disenfranchised groups and neighborhoods, ensuring culturally and linguistically appropriate practices are embedded across departmental initiatives. Provides guidance to project staff collaborating with the Continuum of Care (CoC) Board, committees, subcommittees, and coalitions to strengthen community partnerships and representation.

Oversees the development and execution of mass communication and public awareness efforts, including social media, newsletters, websites, and coordinated campaigns with local, state, and federal partners. Directs media relations in collaboration with the City of Tucson Public Information Officer to amplify outreach and visibility.

Leads the planning, implementation, and oversight of place-based community improvement initiatives, including the Thrive Zones and Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant program (Thrive in the 05), in collaboration with internal and external partners. Ensures meaningful community participation throughout all phases of planning and execution to promote equitable development and neighborhood revitalization.

Manages funding, performance, and reporting for place-based initiatives, including the development of grant proposals, administration of federal and state awards, budget oversight, and tracking of project deliverables. Documents and evaluates the effectiveness and sustainability of activities to inform future investments and strategic direction.

Manages all aspects of Planning Division staffing and supervision, including direct oversight of managers, staff, interns, and volunteers. Serves as hiring manager, conducts interviews and testing, assigns work, and ensures alignment with City policies and legal requirements. Provides ongoing coaching, performance evaluations, and professional development to promote staff success and operational excellence.

Oversees administration and compliance of the HUD Continuum of Care program, ensuring timely execution of responsibilities such as annual funding competitions, point-in-time counts, and required reporting. Supports Continuum of Care staff in meeting Board-assigned tasks and fosters collaboration across teams to advance strategic goals and community impact.

Leads cross-sector coordination and communication for Housing and Community Development (HCD) programs and special initiatives, such as the Prosperity Initiative. Collaborates with internal divisions, external agencies, and community groups to align efforts and ensure effective program delivery.

Oversees the development and presentation of strategic plans, public information materials, and GIS-based tools, ensuring content is accessible and impactful across print, digital, and oral formats. Prepares and delivers presentations to the Mayor and City Council to communicate program goals, progress, and outcomes.

Oversees the Tucson House Resident Services Team to ensure alignment with the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant.

Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Mostly office environment.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor's degree

Experience

Five (5) years of relevant experience

Equivalency

Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

License/Certifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in social work, planning, public policy, public administration or related field.
• Three (3) years of experience working with federal grant programs

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile

J1480 - Community Services Administrator View full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent .

Compensation Grade

G110

Hourly Range

$35.37 - 53.05 USD The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Exempt

Position Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Department

Housing and Community Development

Department Link

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Housing-and-Community-Development

Background Check

This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

ABOUT US

Benefits

The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being,