Community Development Manager

Position Summary

Arsenal Place is launching a major community revitalization effort in Selma, Alabama, transforming distressed spaces and buildings into safe, attractive, attainable housing and economic opportunity.

We are seeking an experienced Community Development Manager to lead planning, coordination, and implementation of redevelopment activities, lead housing development, and revitalization initiatives. Thereby, creating a diversified, revenue-generating, and fundraising model that allows the position to become fully or substantially self-sustaining by Year 2.

This role oversees site assessments, planning, permitting coordination, contractor engagement, community outreach, and revitalization. The Manager ensures that all redevelopment projects move from concept to completion efficiently, compliantly, and with strong community alignment.

In addition, this position plays a key role in supporting the long-term financial sustainability of redevelopment efforts by contributing to fundraising, capital development, and earned-revenue activities tied to housing development and asset disposition.

The CDO blends community development, construction oversight, real estate strategy, earned-revenue generation, and development (fundraising) in support of long-term organizational sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Community Development Planning

• Lead planning and strategy for the development of distressed areas in Selma, Alabama
• through the vision of Arsenal Place.
• Projects to include, revitalization of Arsenal Place Owned Property in East Selma, and acquisition and development of new properties; house flipping in the Old Town and Arsenal Place general vicinity; renovation of existing sites to include the Homeless Shelter and the development of an affordable housing community, to assist with the affordable housing crisis in Selma.
• Conduct site assessments to determine feasibility, infrastructure needs, zoning requirements, and development priorities.
• Develop phased plans for revitalization projects, utility connections, and site improvements.
• Collaborate with architects and designers to create conceptual development plans.

City & Regulatory Coordination

• Working with the City of Selma’s Planning, Permitting, Inspections, and Zoning departments.
• Prepare and submit development documents, zoning applications, land-use requests, and permit packages.
• Ensure all redevelopment activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations.

Project & Construction Coordination

• Coordinate land clearing, site prep, utility installation, and construction activities.
• Work directly with contractors, engineers, and service providers to maintain timelines and quality standards.
• Oversee procurement of materials, bids, cost estimates, and vendor contracts.
• Ensure all construction meets safety, code, and compliance requirements.

Community Engagement

• Facilitate communication with neighborhood residents, community groups, and stakeholders.
• Present plans, gather feedback, and build community support for redevelopment.
• Identify opportunities to engage local workforce development programs in construction and site prep work.

Program Administration & Reporting

• Maintain project documentation, including site plans, permit records, timelines, and budget tracking.
• Prepare progress reports for funders, board members, and leadership.
• Support grant writing and funding proposals related to housing, revitalization, and community development.

Fundraising, Capital Development & Revenue Support

• Support fundraising and capital development efforts related to redevelopment, housing construction, and rehabilitation projects.
• Assist in identifying and pursuing grants, donations, sponsorships, and other funding sources aligned with community development initiatives.
• Help develop project budgets and cost models that support cost recovery and long-term sustainability.
• Coordinate documentation and reporting related to funder requirements for capital and development projects.
• Support strategies for earned revenue generation, including home sales, lease-to-own models, or other asset disposition approaches approved by leadership.
• Contribute to planning efforts that transition redevelopment initiatives toward partial or full self-sufficiency over time.

Innovation & Best Practices

• Stay informed on successful tiny home communities, affordable housing models, and revitalization strategies in comparable communities.
• Recommend sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable development approaches.
• Identify additional funding opportunities, partnerships, and redevelopment tools.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in community development, construction management, urban planning, public administration, or related field OR equivalent professional experience.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in community development, site planning, construction coordination, or redevelopment.
• Strong understanding of zoning, permitting, and municipal development processes.
• Experience managing contractors and coordinating construction or development projects.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, especially with city officials and community groups.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Preferred

• Experience in managing subcontractors with a focus on tiny home or modular housing development and revitalization projects.
• Skills to personally assist in the completion of construction projects in order to expedite project completion and guarantee efficiency.
• Knowledge of Alabama building codes and Selma municipal processes.
• Background in neighborhood revitalization or housing initiatives.
• Experience working on grant-funded community development projects.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person