Lead Program Specialist (Hybrid)

County of Anoka • Anoka, MN

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Community and Government Relations Department is seeking a Lead Program Specialist to support and advance a wide range of housing and community development initiatives. This position plays a key role in coordinating and overseeing programs and special projects from initial planning through full implementation. Primary responsibilities include assisting in the development of procedures related to housing and community development activities, such as project feasibility assessments, underwriting, financing strategies, program design, and coordination of marketing and outreach efforts. The Lead Program Specialist will also monitor program progress and prepare required reports for funders, elected officials, and internal stakeholders. In addition, this position is responsible for cultivating and maintaining strong working relationships with community organizations, partner agencies, employees, and city representatives to support effective collaboration and overall program success. This role requires a proactive, detail‑oriented professional who can successfully manage multiple priorities while contributing to the strategic goals of the department. This is a full-time, exempt, hybrid position.

Requirements

• Requires a bachelor’s degree and at least 6 years of job-related experience.
• In lieu of the required education, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Business, Finance, Public Administration, Housing, Urban Studies, or a related field.
• Comprehensive knowledge of affordable housing development and community development programs, including related policies, procedures, and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong understanding of public financing mechanisms, funding sources, and financial structures commonly used in housing and community development projects.
• Demonstrated experience with regulatory compliance, including the ability to interpret, apply, and monitor adherence to federal, state, and local requirements.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex information, prepare high‑quality reports, and engage effectively with diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Organize and facilitate the planning, implementation, monitoring, and coordination of programs, special projects, and grant applications.
• Coordinate and oversee programs and special projects.
• Capture and maintain data.
• Analyze findings and determine outcomes.
• Monitor program progress and prepare required reports to funders.
• Serve as liaison to state and federal agencies.
• Present progress, findings and recommendations.
• Provide case management services and determine plans for participants according to operating principles.
• Update and maintain changes in program guidebooks and other documentation.
• Provide recommendations related to program coordination, policies, and project budgets.
• Resolve customer and agency complaints.
• Ensure the services and programs are marketed to customers.
• Assist supervisor with efforts to ensure licensing standards and compliance.
• Conduct quality control audits of critical safety and security policies and procedures including well-being checks, head counts, and emergency procedures.
• Develop and provide staff training for new and existing staff.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to a subordinate group, and may act as a lead providing daily work direction and managing timeline of weekly activities depending on assignment.

Benefits

• 24 days paid of flexible time off
• up to 12.5 holidays your first year
• Comprehensive insurance, including medical, dental, vision, flex benefits and more
• Medical and dental clinic exclusive to employees, located at the Anoka County Government Center
• Pension plan and other retirement investment options
• Advancement opportunities exist for individuals motivated to move up within Anoka County.
• Advancement/professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level