Community Development Specialist

City of Chattanooga•Chattanooga, TN

2d•$51,487 - $62,201•Onsite

About The Position

The Community Development Specialist performs administrative activities related to housing and community development funding received by the City through the Housing and Community Investment Division (HCI) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other federal and state agencies. This role involves understanding complex regulations, communicating with grantor agencies, preparing reports, and providing technical and administrative support to sub-grantees. The position operates under limited supervision and is the first level in a three-level community development series. The primary goal is to improve the lives of low-to moderate-income households through increased access to housing, community services, and economic opportunities by forging partnerships and supporting various programs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Planning, or a related field.
Two (2) years of experience in a housing or social service-related field involving governmental programs.
Valid Driver's License.
Knowledge of grant management principles, particularly HUD CPD grants (CDBG, HOME, 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, 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.
Strong interest in public sector or public administration.

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), and evaluating project proposals.
Understand and apply HUD and other program regulations.
Assist in managing the Division’s role in facilitating projects, programs, and activities.
Prepare contract documents.
Monitor the progress of funding recipients.
Provide technical assistance to and work with entities on related issues.
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.
Prepare 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 in response to requests to subordinate, refinance, or restructure existing loans.
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.
Facilitate payments 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 recommendations.
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 receiving HCI funding, including program administration, development of policy and procedure manuals, preparation of environmental reviews, and annual reporting requirements.
Participate in staff meetings and relevant 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 relevant 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 relevant collaborations and initiatives in which the HCI is participating, and engage in problem-solving as needed.
Evaluate new funding programs and opportunities for the City and its partners.
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 essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
Perform other duties as assigned.