Assistant Director for Community Development

Organizational Overview

Our West Bayfront (OWB) is a community-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Erie’s West Bayfront neighborhoods. Through collaborative partnerships, OWB works to:

• Strengthen housing stability and affordability
• Support local businesses and economic opportunity
• Improve parks, public spaces, mobility, and environmental quality
• Foster community connection, engagement, and pride
• Advance long-term, equitable neighborhood revitalization

OWB brings neighbors together to shape the future of the community—ensuring that development is informed by resident voices and rooted in local identity.

Position Overview

The Assistant Director for Community Development  supports housing, small business, and economic development initiatives. This role also provides essential support for OWB’s rental properties—ensuring strong property management practices and compliance with local and state housing requirements.

The Assistant Director works closely with the Executive Director and Property Asset Manager to advance community development projects, coordinate grant activities, and strengthen partnerships across the neighborhood.

Key Responsibilities

Community Development

• Lead and support neighborhood revitalization initiatives, including housing rehabilitation and small business support
• Assist Executive Director with implementation of neighborhood plans and track progress toward strategic goals
• Conduct outreach to residents, businesses, and partners to identify needs and opportunities

Property Management & Compliance

• Collaborate with the Property Asset Manager to support day-to-day oversight of OWB rental units
• Ensure compliance with local rental licensing, safety inspections, and state/federal housing standards
• Support tenant screening, leasing, rent collection, and move-in/move-out processes
• Maintain tenant documentation, leases, notices, and communication records
• Assist with coordinating maintenance, contractor scheduling, and rehabilitation work
• Maintain property records, compliance documentation, and reporting for public funders (e.g., HOME, PHARE)

Strategic Asset Development

• Contribute to real estate planning, acquisition due diligence, and neighborhood-level property strategy
• Assess long-term capital needs and recommend improvements to sustain affordability and asset value

Project Management

• Manage assigned development projects from planning to completion
• Oversee contractor and consultant work related to housing or commercial corridor initiatives
• Track timelines, budgets, and deliverables

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Represent OWB at meetings, workshops, and neighborhood events
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with residents, businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies
• Support volunteer initiatives tied to neighborhood improvement

Grant Support

• Assist with implementing grant-funded projects, collecting data, and preparing required reports
• Work with the Executive Director and Grant Specialist on compliance and documentation

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in community development, planning, nonprofit management, business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 2–4 years of experience in community development, housing programs, property management, or related work
• Strong understanding of rental housing regulations and compliance
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and project management skills

Preferred:

• Experience with HUD, PHFA, or other regulated housing programs
• Real Estate experience
• Knowledge of Erie’s neighborhoods and community landscape
• Grant management or compliance experience

Skills & Traits:

• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
• Collaborative with a strong commitment to equitable, community-led development
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with housing or property management software is a plus.