Lifelong Communities Program Manager

CITY OF DECATUR•Decatur, GA

4h•Onsite

About The Position

This is a professional position that manages the lifelong community initiatives and programs within the City of Decatur’s Community and Economic Development Department (CED). This position is responsible for the development and implementation of the City’s vision and goals related to creating a community that can support people of all ages, economic status and abilities throughout their lifetimes, and specifically incorporating the needs of older adults in all aspects of community planning and design. This position also promotes community development through management of the annual Season of Giving program and serves as a staff liaison to the Lifelong Community Advisory Board. This position also is a City liaison to the Decatur Land Trust and the Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project Board; and assists on local and regional planning efforts.

Requirements

Knowledge of general planning principles and concepts.
Ability to comprehend and make inferences from rules, regulations, and ordinances and apply them to issue decisions and make recommendations on policy proposals.
Ability to understand organizational implications of decisions.
Ability to work with residents from all economic, cultural, and diverse backgrounds.
Project management skills.
Ability to organize and lead dynamic volunteer teams around assigned projects.
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
Aptitude and ability to utilize computer resources required by the City including word processing, web-based platforms, spreadsheets, and databases.
Independent judgment and discretion in setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.
Must be able to sit, walk, and stand for long periods.
Must be able to sit for long periods at a keyboard or work station.
Must be able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects and materials of heavy weight (50 lbs.).
Have the ability to walk and stand in an outdoor setting, which may include exposure to weather conditions, such as heat or cold, as well as dust, pollen and allergens.
Some tasks require visual and sound perception and discrimination and oral communications ability.
Must be able to drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
A Bachelor’s degree with major course work in urban and regional planning, public health, social work, gerontology, housing and human environments, or a related field AND three years of experience in the planning and community development field and project management.
Any combination of education and experience to provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.
Possess a valid Georgia driver’s license (Class C) or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment (or a military waiver).

Responsibilities

Serves as primary staff to the Lifelong Community Advisory Board, which includes tasks such as meeting deadlines, preparing monthly agendas, public notices, minutes of the meetings, related board correspondence, and maintaining accurate records.
Researches, develops, and implements the City’s affordable housing initiatives.
Reviews and recommends improvements to existing policies that address any impediments to achieving a lifelong community.
Facilitates community education on available resources and initiatives related to the lifelong community program.
Drafts and issues letters, memos, and reports, and delivers professional presentations and recommendations at public meetings, as needed.
Serves as staff contact for affordable housing and lifelong community initiatives, including attending trainings and community partner meetings, as well as serving on task forces and committees as needed.
Serves as the City liaison to Decatur’s Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project Board and develops community partnerships to effectively provide home repairs and yard work for low-income senior citizens through the MLK Service Project.
Manages the Season of Giving program, including oversight of the application process for low-income senior citizens and families, communications with prospective donors, assigning wish lists to donors, intake of donations, shopping for additional gifts with donated funds, and distribution of gifts to recipients.
Manages relevant City website pages related to affordable housing and lifelong community activities to ensure that information is up to date and is a valuable tool to the community.
Performs any other daily duties as may be required to accomplish Department goals and objectives as assigned