Community Development Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Community Development Specialist provides grant writing, grant administration, and technical assistance services to contracted municipalities and non-profit organizations within the planning district. Services provided may include project development, grant application preparation, data collection, budgeting and financial reporting, and management of specific community development programs funded through Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Economic Development Administration, Appalachian Regional Commission, Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, USDA Rural Development, and others. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following tasks are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. 

• Prepares grant applications to include collection of demographic data, engineering reports, and citizen input to demonstrate community need and willingness to participate.
• Administers community development grants to include report generation, activity tracking, environmental reviews, federal labor compliance, special requests from the community, and community meeting management. Generates reports used in evaluating grantee performance, financials, and project performance.
• Manages water/wastewater, broadband, community development, and public safety projects to include overall project management, evaluating change orders, conducting on-site inspections, labor compliance monitoring, preparing notices of completions, and records management.
• Functions as liaison with municipal and non-profit officials to assure compliance with grant-related regulations.
• Oversees the procurement process (following Virginia State Procurement Standards) and evaluates and selects program participants, contractors, engineers, and architects for grant funded initiatives.
• Works with member jurisdictions and regional organizations to identify and cultivate potential projects.
• Coordinates and completes general planning projects as requested by member jurisdictions and regional organizations.

 MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Attend conferences and meetings in support of assigned projects and programs.
• Provides input into the annual planning process.
• Coordinates and completes general planning and technical assistance projects as requested by member jurisdictions and regional organizations.
• Works with member jurisdictions and regional organizations to identify and cultivate potential projects.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

 SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position functions under general direction and uses a wide range of procedures in meeting job responsibilities; plans and arranges own work; and refers unusual cases and situations to the Executive Director. This position reports to the Executive Director.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position may be responsible for the supervision of other staff, as assigned by the Executive Director.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Physical Demands

• Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort involving some combination of sitting, walking, stooping, kneeling; and may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of generally light weight.
• Subject to working hours significantly beyond regularly scheduled hours; attends evening and overnight meetings.

Sensory Requirements

• Uses a keyboard for typing or data entry
• Uses a mouse or other input device for data input – word processing, databases, etc.
• Uses computer, telephone, calculator, and other basic office equipment.

Environmental Factors

• Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
• Tasks may be performed outside during all seasons.
• Travels to off-site locations both within and outside the West Piedmont Planning District.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Bachelors’ degree in planning, public administration, business administration or related field and two to three years’ experience in community development, planning, and/or public administration.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the geography of the region
• Knowledge of basic office equipment
• Strong knowledge of appropriate software applications – MS Office, Adobe Acrobat, web applications
• Ability to analyze and solve moderately difficult and complex problems
• Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public, elected officials, town/county/city staff, and WPPDC staff
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Licenses or Certifications:

A valid state driver’s license is required.

To apply, please submit cover letter, resume, and references to Kristina Eberly, Executive Director at keberly@wppdc.org. For more information visit www.westpiedmontpdc.org.

Position is open until filled.

WPPDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We kindly ask that previous applicants refrain from reapplying. Thank you for your understanding.