Director, Neighborhood & Community Services

Job Overview

Note:

This position will be open until filled. First review of applications will take place on December 19, 2025.

The City of Tacoma is seeking a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as Director of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS). This executive-level position provides strategic direction, leadership, and oversight to a multifaceted department focusing on human services. The NCS Department funds community programs that strengthen our community by supporting efforts to improve livability, education, safety, civic engagement, equity and accessibility. The Department also leads the City response to homelessness services in alignment with the City’s Homelessness Strategy.

Integral to all of the work of the Department is the partnership with the community: NCS works with community members to facilitate safe, clean, attractive neighborhoods.

This position serves as an advisor to the City Manager and oversees the operations of the department, including managing a biennial budget exceeding $47 million. The work of this position involves overseeing programs that address complex and often politically sensitive issues, including homelessness, community safety, and may also include housing needs and services.

This position requires a strong, compassionate leader who is collaborative, able to manage complex and sensitive issues, and is skilled at managing diverse teams and resources. This leader must be able to work effectively with local, state, and federal leaders and across City departments, community organizations, and government agencies to achieve shared goals; they must also be responsive to resident and business-owner needs.

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all NCS programs, initiatives, and staff.
• Ensure departmental priorities and programs align with goals and direction of the City Council and City leadership.

• Lead, mentor, and support a diverse team of professionals committed to public service.
• Manage work programs, set performance expectations, and oversee recruitment, development, and retention of staff.
• Foster an inclusive workplace culture that values teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.
• Work closely with staff to manage organizational change effectively and foster a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure staff deliver high-quality support to boards, commissions, and community initiatives.

• Advise the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and City Council on human services, neighborhood, and community issues within the NCS portfolio.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with community members, community-based organizations, nonprofits, and regional agencies.
• Engage with community members to provide information and ensure responsiveness to concerns or requests.
• Lead NCS participation in the development of policy recommendations and legislative initiatives.
• Represent NCS at local, state, and federal levels; prepare and present briefings and reports to a range of audiences.

• A strategic and inclusive leader with a deep commitment to equity, transparency, and community engagement.
• Experienced in public administration, human services, or community development within a complex municipal or governmental environment.
• Adept at managing large budgets
  , complex contracts, navigating politically sensitive issues, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• An exceptional communicator, capable of building trust and credibility across all levels of government and the community.

The current salary range for the director position is $ - $ annually.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision benefits for the whole family; paid holidays and personal time off; participation in Tacoma's Public Employees' Retirement System and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities.

For more information on the City of Tacoma's benefit package feel free to explore City of Tacoma Benefits.

The Director of Neighborhood and Community Services has the authority to develop and implement departmental policy and to make operational decisions critical to the success of NCS programs and services. The Director serves as a principal advisor to the Deputy City Manager and City Manager and provides strategic recommendations to City Council on matters related to the NCS portfolio. The Director oversees and administers the department’s biennial budget exceeding $47 million and including multiple revenue sources, ensuring sound fiscal management, accountability, and alignment of resources with community priorities.

Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, planning or directly related field.

10 years professional experience in community engagement, human services, social services, including prior supervisory,…