Housing and Commercial Development Specialist - Variable Hour Benefit Eligible

City of Aurora•Aurora, CO

3d•$26 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing and Commercial Development Specialist plans, coordinates, administers, and monitors affordable housing, housing rehabilitation, commercial rehabilitation, and community development programs funded through CDBG, HOME, ESG, OLHCHH, and other federal, state, and local sources. The specialist manages assigned projects from application through closeout, ensuring timely implementation and compliance with applicable requirements. The role coordinates with residents, businesses, developers, nonprofit organizations, consultants, contractors, City departments, and funding partners, and provides technical expertise in grant administration, construction oversight, environmental review, compliance monitoring, and program reporting for the Housing and Community Development Division. This is a Variable Hour Benefit Eligible position, with the selected candidate able to work up to 40 hours per week. The position is supported by grant funding and employment is eligible only through April 1, 2030. The hiring range is $26.00–$32.50 per hour, commensurate with experience. Eligible employees may elect medical, dental, and vision benefits, accrue paid time off, and receive 11 paid holidays.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 3 years of experience in HUD or other federal programs, CDBG, HOME, ESG programs, community development and affordable housing programs, planning, and/or grant administration.
A valid driver's license and clean Motor Vehicle Report.
Knowledge of the structure, purpose, and administration of government and foundation grant programs.
Knowledge of community or citizen outreach principles and strategies.
Knowledge of affordable housing, housing rehabilitation, commercial rehabilitation, and community development principles and practices.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local grant administration requirements, HUD regulations, and applicable federal compliance requirements.
Knowledge of construction methods, estimating, project scheduling, and contract administration.
Knowledge of environmental review requirements under 24 CFR Part 58.
Knowledge of public procurement and contracting principles, budget preparation, financial tracking, and grant reimbursement processes.
Knowledge of project management principles and practices and customer service and community engagement techniques.
Strong project management and organizational skills; effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.
Ability to review contracts and construction documents, monitor budgets, conduct financial analysis, research, analyze data, and prepare technical reports.
Conflict resolution and customer service skills; ability to manage time and prioritize multiple projects and deadlines.
Presentation and public speaking skills.
Proficiency using Microsoft Office, project management software, and grant management databases.
Ability to establish and maintain effective, positive working relationships with City departments, community organizations, and citizens.
Ability to solve problems independently, apply critical thinking and sound judgment, conduct research, and prepare concise reports.
Ability to perform periodic field inspections, including walking over uneven terrain and climbing stairs; ability to travel to project sites and meetings.
An equivalent combination of training and experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), Davis-Bacon, Section 3, the Uniform Relocation Act (URA), Fair Housing, environmental review requirements (24 CFR Part 58), and other federal compliance requirements.
Experience managing construction contracts, project budgets, reimbursement requests, and project closeout.
Experience working with nonprofit organizations, developers, contractors, architects, engineers, lenders, and public agencies.
Experience using IDIS, HEROS, DRGR, Neighborly, or other grant management systems.
Bilingual in Spanish or another language commonly spoken in the community.

Responsibilities

Coordinate, promote, implement, and administer housing, commercial rehabilitation, and community development programs.
Manage assigned projects from application through closeout, ensuring timely completion and compliance with program requirements.
Review project eligibility and determine compliance with applicable funding requirements.
Coordinate with residents, businesses, developers, nonprofit organizations, consultants, contractors, internal City departments, and funding partners.
Provide technical assistance to applicants, funding recipients, contractors, and community partners.
Assist in developing housing and community development initiatives and program improvements.
Serve as project manager for assigned rehabilitation and development activities.
Review construction estimates, work write-ups, plans, specifications, and cost proposals.
Review contractor payment requests, change orders, and project closeout documentation.
Assist with administration of federal, state, and local grant programs.
Monitor project budgets, expenditures, and funding commitments; review reimbursement requests and supporting documentation.
Track project performance, expenditures, and grant accomplishments; maintain complete and accurate project files and supporting documentation.
Coordinate with Compliance Staff on environmental reviews in accordance with 24 CFR Part 58.
Monitor projects and programs for compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and City requirements; conduct project monitoring, file reviews, risk assessments, and compliance reviews.
Identify compliance concerns and work with project partners to resolve findings or corrective actions.
Assist in monitoring affordability requirements, project completion requirements, and grant performance measures.
Support HUD monitoring activities and prepare requested documentation for monitoring or audits.
Compile program data and prepare reports required for grant administration.
Assist in preparing HUD-required reports, including the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, CAPER, IDIS reporting, and other federal reports.
Conduct research, analyze program performance, and prepare recommendations to improve program effectiveness.
Travel to project sites, public meetings, and partner locations throughout the City.