Housing and Commercial Development Specialist - Variable Hour Benefit Eligible

City of Aurora•Aurora, CO

2d•$26 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Aurora is seeking a dedicated and collaborative Housing and Commercial Development Specialist to join their team. This role is crucial for planning, coordinating, administering, and monitoring affordable housing, housing rehabilitation, commercial rehabilitation, and community development programs. These programs are funded through various federal, state, and local sources, including CDBG, HOME, ESG, and OLHCHH. The specialist will act as a project manager, overseeing all project phases, ensuring compliance with regulations, and coordinating with a wide range of stakeholders including residents, contractors, developers, nonprofit organizations, consultants, city departments, and funding partners. The position offers technical expertise in housing and community development, grant administration, project implementation, construction oversight, environmental review, compliance monitoring, and program reporting.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
At least 3 years of experience in HUD, Federal programs, CDBG, HOME, ESG programs, community development and affordable housing programs, planning, and/or grant administration.
Valid driver’s License with clean Motor Vehicle Report
Knowledge of structure, purpose, and administration of government and foundation grant programs
Knowledge of community or citizen outreach principles and strategies.
Knowledge of principles and practices of affordable housing, housing rehabilitation, commercial rehabilitation, and community development.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local grant administration requirements.
Knowledge of 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.
Knowledge of budget preparation, financial tracking, and grant reimbursement processes.
Knowledge of project management principles and practices.
Knowledge of customer service and community engagement techniques.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.
Contract and construction document review.
Budget monitoring and financial analysis.
Research, data analysis, and technical report preparation.
Conflict resolution and customer service.
Time management with the ability to 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 and positive working relationships with City, Departments, community organizations and citizens
Ability to solve problems independently
Ability to apply critical thinking and sound judgment to resolve problems and manage challenging situations
Ability to conduct research and prepare concise reports on findings.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of HUD regulations, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), Davis-Bacon, Section 3, 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 (Spanish or another language commonly spoken in the community) preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinates, promotes, implements, and administers housing, commercial rehabilitation, and community development programs.
Manages projects from application through closeout, ensuring timely completion and compliance with program requirements.
Reviews project eligibility and determines compliance with applicable funding requirements.
Coordinates with residents, businesses, developers, nonprofit organizations, consultants, contractors, and internal City departments.
Provides technical assistance to applicants, funding recipients, contractors, and community partners.
Assists in developing new housing and community development initiatives and program improvements.
Serves as project manager for assigned rehabilitation and development activities.
Reviews construction estimates, work write-ups, plans, specifications, and cost proposals.
Reviews contractor payment requests, change orders, and project closeout documentation.
Assists with administration of federal, state, and local grant programs.
Monitors project budgets, expenditures, and funding commitments.
Reviews requests for reimbursement and supporting documentation.
Tracks project performance, expenditures, and grant accomplishments.
Maintains complete and accurate project files and documentation.
Coordinates with Compliance Staff for the Environmental Reviews in accordance with 24 CFR Part 58.
Monitors projects and programs to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and City requirements.
Conducts project monitoring, file reviews, risk assessments, and compliance reviews.
Identifies compliance concerns and works with project partners to resolve findings or corrective actions.
Assists with monitoring of affordability requirements, project completion requirements, and grant performance measures.
Supports HUD monitoring activities and prepares documentation requested during monitoring or audits.
Maintains project files and supporting documentation.
Compiles program data and prepares reports required for grant administration.
Assists in preparation of HUD-required reports, including the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, CAPER, IDIS reporting, and other federal reporting requirements.
Conducts research, analyzes program performance, and prepares recommendations to improve program effectiveness.