COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS (CDP) COORDINATOR

NATURE OF POSITION

The primary responsibility of the CDP Coordinator is to facilitate the City of Walla Walla Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, including the preparation of the City's Consolidated Plan and administering the City's Annual Action Plan, and to ensure the development, administration, and management of CDBG activities and programs in compliance with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations. This position also supports, manages and promotes various community development initiatives. Such initiatives include, but are not limited to Multi-Family Tax Exemption, Opportunity Zone activities and New Market Tax Credit-related projects designed to stimulate local investment and economic growth. This position assists with community engagement and outreach for City initiatives that advance community caretaking and neighborhood involvement, housing and affordable housing, public infrastructure, and strategic code enforcement through education and community partnerships, along with other assigned projects. It provides administrative oversight for state and federal grant funds, grant-funded projects, and related agency contracts to ensure compliance. In addition, this position conducts research and needs assessments; reviews requests and recommends proposals for funding; analyzes data and compiles information and reports for presentations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General direction and oversight are provided by the Deputy Director of Development Services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Identify appropriate grant opportunities; research and prepare grant proposals, outline plans, strategies, goals, and objectives; organize public hearings on community needs and responsive proposals. Coordinate the planning, implementation and ongoing administration of grants and grant funded programs; allocate funding and coordinate funding deadlines; prepare and/or update annual funding reports. Prepare reports detailing activities and progress toward program goals and objectives; conduct research and analyze data such as environmental reviews, and/or other materials related to grant activities; disseminate information to appropriate parties. Coordinate CDBG programs and other federally/state funded programs; provide program administration; make policy recommendations on issues related to community needs to be addressed with CDBG and other resources; ensure compliance with HUD requirements. Prepare the Annual Action Plan for submittal to HUD; review and update the Citizen Participation Plan and multi-year Consolidated Plan. Learn and maintain knowledge of current CDBG regulations. Train and provide technical assistance to subrecipients on relevant CDBG regulations. Create and maintain strong relationships with community-based organizations and other local agencies that support community development projects and programs. Works with all City departments in providing support neighborhood engagement for a variety of City programs and community initiatives. Works with the CDBG Advisory Board and other boards and commissions. Provides recommendations to the City Council related to CDBG program. Research and organize data, costs and information needed to prepare specifications for professional and technical services to be obtained by contract. Process documents, investigate and resolve administrative obstacles related to service delivery, monitor work progress, and contract payments to ensure timely contract performance. Represent the department during negotiations of the specific terms and conditions of contracts as assigned by the Deputy Director of Development Services. Assure legal and policy compliance throughout the contract decision-making and preparation process. Process regulatory documentation as required. Respond to inquiries from internal and external sources; present written and oral reports on administrative and policy subjects as required. Update applicable databases and tracking systems related to the department. This position requires local travel to project sites, community meetings, and partner agency locations. Occasional travel for training or conferences may be required.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance, which is essential for successful job performance. Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure excellent customer service with internal and external customers. Execute assignments, projects, and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes; work independently and effectively with little direction. Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals. Provide assistance to staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned. Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community. Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Proficient with techniques used to research, identify, evaluate, and summarize data related to local laws and regulations for the preparation of projects and reports. Understand the fundamental intent of federal and state laws and regulations that relate to public administration including the State Homeless Housing and Assistance Act and related programs. Interpret and apply the intent and specific provisions of laws and regulatory provisions to particular conditions affecting the department. Understand the basics of construction and capital project management to quantify activity and costs; identify available alternatives and explain the probable costs, benefits, and challenges of differing courses of action. Provide verbal and written information, direction, and advice to a wide variety of people and officials, including presenting information at public meetings. Communicate ideas and assert a point of view in complex situations. Exhibit and instill a high public service priority in contacts with the public and others encountered in the work. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with public/nonprofit agencies, decision makers, grantees, state and federal program staff, and citizen groups. Facilitate public involvement, including the development and execution of community participation strategies.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Operate standard office machines such as computers, calculators, fax, and copiers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Speaking and hearing to conduct work and exchange information on the telephone or in person; sitting and standing for extended periods of time; seeing to read and analyze financial and statistical data; bending at the waist; lifting light objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Predominantly located in an office environment and requires moving about City facilities and other venues. Primary job conditions include working in a climate-controlled environment and will require extended periods of sitting, typing, telephone use, and evaluation of quantitative data. Must be able to work with minimal supervision; schedules may occasionally require more than 8 hours in a day or work times outside normal office hours.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in public administration, business, community development, urban studies, or a related field, and three or more years of previous grant management, budgeting, compliance monitoring, or program administration experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be provided to show sufficient evidence of the successful performance of the essential elements of the job, such as those listed above. Must possess a valid driver's license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Previous experience writing grant funding proposals and/or administering state and federally funded programs. Work experience in community development or related field. HUD-sponsored CDGB training, Certified Grant Writer (CGW) or similar credentials. Bilingual in Spanish is highly desired. This organization participates in E-Verify, click the link below to view more information: Click here to see more information regarding E-Verify