Executive Director- Community Development

Luzerne County•Wilkes-Barre, PA

About The Position

The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the effective operation of the County’s Office of Community Development, ensuring the effective administration of federal, state and local grant programs to maximize benefits to Luzerne County residents, while ensuring full compliance with federal/state/local regulations.

Requirements

Extensive experience and knowledge in Community Development programs/regulations.
Knowledge of various federal, state, and local grant programs
Knowledge of Governmental budgets and fiscal policies.
Knowledge of Economic development, community development, public/human services, housing, and municipal issues in Pennsylvania and Luzerne County.
Ability to oversee and administer all programs of the community development department.
Ability to design and coordinate programs in accordance with the County’s community development needs to bring maximum benefit to County residents.
Ability to develop, administer, and revise written policies and procedures affecting community development programs.
Ability to comprehend federal and state regulations and administer programs in accordance with these regulations.
Ability to implement and maintain a system for overseeing project performance and contractual compliance.
Ability to train, supervise and evaluate staff.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with community and economic development agencies, municipal administrators, elected officials, and provide services in a professional manner.
Ability to make presentations and speak comfortably and extemporaneously in front of groups.
Ability to prepare and submit reports and other documents.
Ability to utilize technology to maximize staff and personal productivity.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to develop and monitor budgets.
Ability to safeguard confidential information.
Ability to meet timelines and schedules.
Ability to travel occasionally and drive an automobile.
Skills to manage personnel and programs.
Skills to develop policy supporting regulations and procedures.
Skills to develop and monitor budgets.
Skills to design, implement and evaluate services and programs.
Skills to solve problems
Skills to delegate tasks and responsibilities.
Skills to utilize various software programs.
Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of experience and training which has provided the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities cited above.
Strong communication and networking skills; strong writing and computer software literacy are essential.

Responsibilities

Responsible to the County Manager and the Division Head for Community Planning and Economic Growth for the operations of the Luzerne County Office of Community Development.
Application and administration of the County’s Community Development Block Grant, the Emergency Solutions Grant Program, the HOME Investment Partnership Program funds, and all activities related to the use of these funds.
Administration of any specialized program/project funds received from the federal government, the state and other funding entities, along with all activities related to the use of these funds.
Planning, administering, and monitoring all programs carried out through the County’s Office of Community Development.
Carry out the financial analysis of projects, provide technical assistance to sub-recipients and program participants, conceptual design of new programs, review and redesign of ineffective or outdated programs, project development, and citizen involvement.
Make recommendations to the Division Head for Community Planning and Economic Growth and the County Manager regarding use of program funds; design of new programs; revisions to existing programs; eligibility of funding requests; staffing needs; budget, and personnel and salary issues.
Work with representatives of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure program compliance, obtain administrative guidance, and maintain an up-to-date understanding of HUD regulations, policies, guidelines, and new funding opportunities.
Interact with other regulatory and financial agencies to ensure full compliance with applicable requirements.
Work closely with local and regional economic development organizations to maximize the potential for increased opportunities for quality career opportunities for County residents.
Serve as the County's liaison with the area's community and economic development related organizations, non-profit agencies, health and human service organizations, as well as local, state, and federal agencies for the overall betterment of the County, as well as for community and economic development planning purposes.
Oversee staff and operations of the County's Office of Community Development, and its multi-million-dollar budget, ensuring timely and efficient use of all resources to maximize the impact of programs on the quality of life of County residents.
Responsible for the accurate completion and timely submission of the Consolidated Plan, Action Plan, and Amendments and Consolidated Annual Performance Report in accordance with HUD regulations and time frames.
Employees may be assigned other duties, in addition to or in lieu of those described above, and any duties are subject to change at any time.