DHCD – Director of Strategic Business Initiatives

• Director of Strategic Business Initiatives
• PROGRAM MANAGER SENIOR II (045487)
• DHCD – Division of Business Development
• Salary: $111,484.00 – $134,802/year (Grade 24/Step 5-15, with promotional growth to $173,775/year)
• Filing Deadline: 3/9/2026 11:59:00 PM

This is a Management Service position with full Maryland State Benefits

Work that Matters.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is a national leader in the financing of affordable housing and revitalizing communities. This is an opportunity to join this nationally-recognized, award-winning organization and apply your skills to this high public purpose and challenging area. Annually, DHCD finances approximately 2,700 units of multifamily rental housing in 40 properties, amounting to $350 million in construction and permanent financing. Funding comes from a variety of sources, including state-appropriated funds, taxable and tax-exempt revenue bonds, federal low-income housing tax credits, federal HOME funds and other federal funds. Additionally, DHCD administers rental assistance programs and innovative initiatives designed to expand affordable housing opportunities for persons with disabilities, increase the energy efficiency and sustainability of affordable multifamily developments, and preserve rental housing.

Grade:

24

This position offers a salary range of $111,484 – $134,802/year, with potential for advancement up to $173,775 based on qualifications, equity, and hiring guidelines. Initial salary offers are determined by qualifications, experience, and available budget, and typically do not exceed $134,802/year.

Position Duties:

The Director of Strategic Initiatives manage and grow two important business development programs for the State: The Opportunity Zone program and the NourishMD Grant Program.

The federal Opportunity Zone program was recently made permanent and Governor Moore has delegated to DHCD to designate the next round of Opportunity Zones in Maryland by September 29, 2026. This requires data analysis, stakeholder engagement and consultations, and business development strategy-making around each zone. Afterzones are designated, this position will be responsible for driving investments into the targeted areas, forming partnerships to further that goal, and finding creative ways for the State to assist in identifying opportunities for investment.

The NourishMD Grant Program provides $25,000 – $150,000 in grants to for-profit and nonprofit retailers to further fresh and healthy food access in communities in food deserts. This program receives a combination of State and federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program. The inaugural round of funding initiated in January of 2026 with up to $3.8 million in funding available.

This position provides an opportunity to take a hands-on approach to place-based economic development in communities across Maryland that have a high degree of need based on income levels, poverty rates, or food access.

DHCD offers a flexible work schedule, telework and job-sharing options training, advancement and career path opportunities, casual business dress on Fridays, and a competitive salary. There is ample parking and our offices are located in walking distance to the New Carrollton MARC Train Station. This position reports to the DHCD headquarters in Lanham, Maryland and requires 2 days in-person work each week.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and/or university in government, business, finance, real estate development, or a related field.

Experience: Three years of management experience and three years’ experience managing an external- facing government program; or three years’ small business operations or development experience; or three years’ experience in the real estate development financing process.

Notes: Candidates may substitute additional experience as described above on a year-for-year basis for the education requirement.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications

• A post graduate degree from an accredited college and/or university in business development, business administration, government administration, finance, or real estate development.
• Experience managing business financing programs for the federal government, Maryland State, or a local jurisdiction in Maryland.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s Diversity.