Neighborhood Development Planner

James City County•Williamsburg, VA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs advanced work developing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive housing and community development projects, policies, and procedures in accordance with federal, state, and County regulations. This position is for a career-minded individual seeking to provide affordable housing at the local level. The position is responsible for acquiring and utilizing multiple federal, state and local funding sources to solicit help from design professionals, navigate the development review process, and provide project management to develop neighborhoods and build housing affordable primarily to households earning less than 80% AMI.

Requirements

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree with major course work in planning, real estate, public or business administration, or related field.
Knowledge of County and departmental goals and policy as well as federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations governing affordable housing; community development; real estate law and practice; construction methods, procurement; federal labor standards; zoning; planning and code enforcement; principles and practices of administrative management; fiscal and budgetary principles; and leadership techniques.
Skill in use of computer software including Microsoft Office Suite and ArcGIS Pro.
Ability to work with citizen groups to explain complicated projects, obtain useful feedback, develop consensus, and obtain commitments for participation; negotiate fair and favorable property acquisition contracts; communicate effectively orally and in writing; establish and maintain professional working relationships.
Must possess, or be able to obtain within 30 days of hire, a valid Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on James City County’s criteria.

Nice To Haves

AICP and/or considerable experience in property acquisition, community development, and management are preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts research, analyzes data, and provides recommendations regarding potential affordable housing projects.
Writes grant applications and reviews and provides policy advice to staff for grant applications; gathers and analyzes data regarding demographics, neighborhood needs, and cost estimating projects.
Manages funding opportunities such as Community Development Block Grant programs and projects that include record keeping, staff and citizen relations, and engineering and construction oversight to successfully complete projects.
Prepares reports, memorandums, and other correspondence in support of programs and grants.
Facilitates property acquisition in accordance with federal and state laws and County policy, including working closely with the County Attorney to procure appraisals, research titles, and draft purchase contracts and closing documents; reviews other technical and legal contracts, agreements, and documents in coordination with the County Attorney’s Office.
Assists to develop, evaluate, and implement the Neighborhood Development Division goals, objectives, policies, and procedures in accordance with federal, state, and County regulations and policies.
Assists to develop and monitor Neighborhood Development Division budget, program, and grant budgets.