Assistant Director Community Development and Planning

Under general direction, assists the Director of Community Development and Planning in planning, organizing and directing activities, program and staff of the City of Gardner (the “City”) Community Development Department (the “Department”), including performing complex professional, administrative, and supervisory work in managing the City’s Community Development Block Grant Mini Entitlement Program. Responsible for seeking grants, contract management for other federal, state and local programs. Provides professional assistance and direction to department staff, acts on behalf of the Director during absences and performs related work as assigned by the Director.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for administration and management of City of Gardner Mini Entitlement Program.

• Performs search, review and applies for grant funding from various sources relative to community development. Finds matching funding sources and makes sure all rules and regulations pertaining to the source are followed in order to submit a grant application for a successful outcome.
• Performs all aspects of contract management. Makes sure contract documents meet the regulations required for each funding source, contractors and sub-grantees are performing tasks per contract, prepares quarterly narratives and financial oversight.
• Provides general oversight and support for every funded project under the Mini Entitlement Program (review plans, makes site visits, assists engineers and contractors with permitting through various departments, and authorizes change orders and approves payments.
• Maintains program files per funding source and City regulations.
• Reviews and evaluates reports generated by consultants or outside agencies as they pertain to Community Development projects.
• Maintains certification as a Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official in order to procure goods and services and properly bid construction contracts for the various Community Development projects when necessary.
• Meet with outside organizations and groups to assess and identify funding sources for the various community programs that apply for Mini Entitlement funds.
• Works with the City’s outside auditing firm in their effort to prepare the annual audit. Works with other state agencies in their efforts to perform grant audits.
• Co-manages the Housing Rehabilitation program with the Financial/Project Manager by meeting with homeowners to determine eligibility, coordinates with the lead and rehab inspectors, reviews cost estimates, prepares contract documents, assists in bidding, and performs construction oversight and contract close-out.
• Prepares the agenda and runs the Community Development Block Grant Steering Committee.
• Supervises the Financial/Project Manager and provides support, periodic audits and administers financial functions in his/her absence.
• Assists in the preparation of the annual budget and annual report.
• In the Director’s absence, provides guidance to staff, affixes signature to necessary documents and assists the public with general inquiries.
• Maintains the Department’s webpage.
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

Qualifications:

• Must have the ability to communicate effectively with the general public as well as with other City and Commonwealth officials.
• Ability to analyze complex issues and to develop relevant and realistic plans, programs and recommendations.
• Ability to conduct independent research and to analyze and interpret result.
• Ability to establish cooperative working relationships with a variety of governmental agencies.
• Ability to speak in public to various groups.

§ Thorough working knowledge of federal and state community development grants and regulations.

§ Knowledge of grant policies, procedures and methods.

§ Working knowledge of computer equipment and software.

Requirements:

• Must possess a Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, or related field and three to five (3-5) years of experience in finance, budgeting, construction management, community development and grant writing and management; or any equivalent combination of education, and experience
• Knowledge of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Intelligrants reporting system is preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official Certification (MCPPO) preferred (ability to obtain MCPPO within 18 months from date of hire).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $74,903.61 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $74,904