Community Development Specialist

City of Chattanooga•Chattanooga, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the City of Chattanooga Team! Chattanooga is a vibrant and growing community known as the "Scenic City," nestled along the Tennessee River and surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It's a hub of outdoor adventure and innovation, home to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Chattanooga State Community College. Our organization consists of 2,600 employees committed to excellence in public service. We offer careers with purpose, aiming to make Chattanooga the best city in America. We provide competitive compensation, work-life balance with generous paid time off and flexible scheduling, exceptional wellness programs including a centralized health clinic and pharmacy, and a focus on professional development and upward mobility. The City of Chattanooga is immersed in nature, offering ecological richness and world-class outdoor adventures. Our mission is to work together to build a safe, vibrant, and sustainable city for all Chattanoogans. This grant-funded position performs administrative activities related to housing and community development funding received from HUD and other federal/state agencies. It involves understanding complex regulations, communicating with grantor agencies, providing technical and administrative support to sub-grantees, and maintaining compliance documentation. The Community Development Specialist is the first level of a three-level community development series.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Planning or a related field
Two (2) years experience in a housing or social service-related field involving governmental programs
Valid Driver's License
Knowledge of grant management principles - highly desired is management of HUD CPD grants including CDBG, HOME, and McKinney-Vento (HEARTH) Act
Knowledge of Housing preservation and production principles
Knowledge of Applicable Federal, State and local laws, ordinances, codes, rules and regulations
Knowledge of Public relations principles
Knowledge of Financial accounting principles
Knowledge of Report preparation methods
Knowledge of Program management principles
Strong interest in public sector or public administration
Strong, effective communication skills, both verbal and written
Proficiency in Google Suite, Word and Excel
Strong organizational skills
Ability to carry out an assignment within the context of benchmarks and deliverables
Ability to work independently and on team projects
Self-motivation with the ability to identify client needs and offer solutions
Time management skills for organizing multiple deadlines and multiple clients
Ability to conduct oneself professionally and to collaborate with clients on program planning, management, budgeting, etc.
Meeting facilitation and presentation skills
Ability to relate positively to local government employees and elected officials

Nice To Haves

Management of HUD CPD grants including CDBG, HOME, and McKinney-Vento (HEARTH) Act

Responsibilities

Engage in a variety of functions aimed at improving the lives of low-to moderate-income households through increased access to housing, community services, and economic opportunities.
Forge partnerships to address community needs.
Provide program support services including developing program objectives, preparing Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs), evaluating project proposals, and applying HUD and other program regulations.
Assist in managing the Division’s role in facilitating projects, programs, and activities that increase access to affordable housing, community services, and economic opportunities.
Prepare contract documents, monitor the progress of funding recipients, and provide technical assistance.
Provide policy and partnership support to the Division, inter-governmental partners, private partners, and nonprofit and for-profit partners.
Assist in coordinating the funding cycles of various funding sources including HUD Community Planning and Development (CPD) awards (CDBG, HOME, ESG).
Prepare documents associated with HUD’s Community Development & Planning Programs, such as Consolidated Plans, The Annual Plan, and Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER).
Assist the HCI Manager in the process of awarding funds, preparing funding recommendations, memos, resolutions, and other materials for City Council.
Manage the City’s relationship with, and provide technical assistance to, non-profit and for-profit organizations funded or seeking funding from the HCI Division.
Negotiate contract terms with outside vendors, consultants, or organizations and monitor and evaluate their fiscal and legal liability.
Manage the assets of the Division’s loans and grants portfolio, and provide analysis and recommendations.
Develop and administer housing and community development programs that support affordable new construction, acquisition of existing affordable housing, rehabilitation, and first-time home ownership.
Manage a portfolio of grantees to ensure compliance with local, State, and Federal regulations, including environmental reviews and prevailing wage requirements.
Provide support and oversight to planning and developing housing projects sponsored or co-sponsored by the City of Chattanooga.
Monitor the performance of grantees and write performance reports as needed.
Facilitate payments due to partner entities for funded activities, per contractual agreements.
Conduct due diligence reviews on applications for community development and public services, housing grants and loans and coordinate Council approval on final staff recommendation.
Interpret, explain, and direct the enforcement of all applicable standards, codes, and regulations.
Prepare detailed written reports, policies, procedures, and contracts.
Assist clients (non-profit entities, for-profit entities, governmental entities, and City departments) with planning for proposed activities for funding.
Provide technical assistance for clients that receive HCI funding, including program administration, development of policy and procedure manuals, preparation of environmental reviews, and annual reporting requirements.
Participate in staff meetings and relative training sessions.
Travel to meet with clients for required meetings, public hearings, staff training, etc.
Develop plans, objectives, and implementation strategies for outreach, technical assistance, and partnership initiatives.
Act as a representative of HCI in collaborations with community stakeholders and inter-departmental work within the area.
Research, analyze, and summarize data on relative key initiatives in partnership with HCI’s interagency and private partners, nonprofit and for-profit.
Assist with the development of Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) priorities, guidelines, and processes.
Monitor the progress of relative collaborations and initiatives in which the HCI is participating, and engage in problem-solving as needed when challenges arise.
Evaluate new funding programs and opportunities for the City and its partners to access these new programs.
Investigate and develop new opportunities for HCI to provide support and assistance to City housing and community development advocates.
Research, analyze, and help develop affordable housing policy solutions addressing City needs.
Meet regular attendance requirements.
Maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.
Accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
Perform other duties as assigned.