Community Development Manager

GENERAL SUMMARY: This position is responsible for the management and supervision of the Housing and Community Development Department’s community development and grants division. Working closely with the Department Director, this position develops and maintains relationships with community partners and works collaboratively to plan, organize and direct affordable housing initiatives. This position manages the City’s Community Development Block Grant program and federal production grant programs.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Work in this class includes highly responsible professional and managerial duties handling matters relating to community development programs, federal grants, and community partnerships. This position is characterized by a high degree of knowledge, judgment, and initiative in planning, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive programming required for the expenditure of federal funds in full compliance with federal regulations. Under the general supervision and direction of the Housing and Community Development Director, the employee is responsible for meeting program and work plan objectives. Work is reviewed by the Director through reports, conferences, meeting of compliance objectives, and results achieved.

JOB DUTIES:

• Responsible for strategic planning of comprehensive community and small-scale
  affordable housing development projects.
• Supervision and staff development of positions of the Community Development division.
• Coordinate City department responsibilities involving housing and affordable housing
  opportunities.
• Responsible for the sustainability of funding sources for affordable housing 
  initiatives, including grant writing, partnership development, and identification of funding sources.
• Manages development agreements for housing programs, projects, and the
  maintenance of those agreements.
• Develops and maintains partnerships with community partners, including but not limited to AHNI, HEART, GDHTF, VNA, contractors, developers, lenders, and realtors.
• Comprehensively manages the City’s relationship to grants with IFA, RRP, HOME,
  LHAP, and TIF.
• Responsible for the division’s City Council documents, public hearings, intent to apply
  notices, and contracts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Community Development and Affordable Housing –
  • Knowledge of CDBG and production grant programs, proficiency in applicable
    federal, state, and local laws, including fair housing planning and environmental
    review requirements.
  • Knowledge of federal data management and reporting systems.
  • Understanding of federal, state, and local funding sources, mortgage lending
    practices, loan underwriting, and real estate law.
  • Knowledge of stakeholder engagement and the ability to maintain relationships
    with community partners.
• Customer Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer
  services. This includes customer and employee needs assessment, meeting quality
  standards for services, and evaluation of employee satisfaction.
•  Computers and Technology - Knowledge of and ability to use computer software applicable to the duties of the position.
• Judgment, Decision Making and Complex Problem Solving
• Negotiation and Persuasion
• Reading, Written and Verbal Comprehension, Active Listening and Communication
• Employee Engagement – Plan, evaluate, and supervise the work of employees; encourage professional development. Supervisory experience and general knowledge
  of human resource management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least five years of highly responsible professional housing and grants program
  experience involving community engagement, and supervisor and management
  guidance and training.
• Possession of a bachelor’s degree in planning, development, management, public
  administration or a related field.
• Experience working in a housing services, non-profit or government organization or environment.
• Or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the essential knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Possession of or ability to maintain a valid Iowa Driver’s License, or alternatively, 
  the ability to travel independently throughout the community

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in planning, development, management, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience managing a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant program, specifically funded through the Office of Lead & Healthy Homes.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
•  Office setting (government).
•  Predominantly indoor, climate-controlled environment.
•  Seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods.
•  Regular work in the community with partner organizations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
•  Occasional lifting (e.g., files, boxes of paper—typically under 25 lbs).
•  Heavy computer and software use (e.g., databases, spreadsheets, document management systems).
•  Frequent use of printers, copiers, and scanners.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:
•  Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of their place of employment as soon as practicable after appointment, but within two
years of employment or appointment.

SUPERVISORY STATUS: Administrative

FLSA STATUS: Exempt