CITY OF MADISON POSITION DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 CITY OF MADISON POSITION DESCRIPTION 1. Name of Employee: (or vacant ): Vacant Work Phone: TBD 2. Class Title: (i.e. payroll title) Community Development Specialist 1 or 2 3. Working Title: Community Development Specialist 4. Name & Class of First-Line Supervisor: Linette Rhodes, Provisional Community Development Grants Supervisor Work Phone: Department, Division & Section: Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development Community Development Division 6. Work Address: 30 West Mifflin Street, 8 th Floor Madison, WI Hours/Week Start time: End Time: 8. Date of hire of this position: N/A 9. From approximately what date has the employee performed the work currently assigned. N/A 10. Position Summary: This position performs responsible, professional work within the City s Community Development Division (CDD). CDD collaborates with residents, community-based organizations and other stakeholders in efforts to improve the quality of life for City residents and build cohesion and identity within neighborhoods. In general, these activities aim to benefit members of lower-income households and others who face social or economic barriers. CDD offers financial support to projects that expand or improve the supply of affordable housing, preserve the quality of existing housing stock, support small businesses, create jobs, develop or maintain physical assets within neighborhoods that provide public benefit and contribute to a sense of place, and help neighborhoods plan for the future. Money to support CDD s work comes from local property taxes and from funding the City receives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (primarily through the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership Grant Programs) and the State of Wisconsin. CDD uses these resources to advance the City s community development objectives. Page 1

2 As part of a team working under the general supervision of the Community Development Grants Supervisor, the Specialist s role is to help determine how to use these resources to achieve desired outcomes. The incumbent must understand, or have experience with, community development practices and have knowledge of the regulatory, financial and procedural frameworks around HUD funding. Success requires active collaboration with internal and external partners; interpretation and application of complex regulations, policies and procedures; focus on performance outcomes and a commitment to the principles of racial equity and social justice. The Specialist will possess or acquire a basic working knowledge of the policies, practices, program objectives and key issues in one or more of these subject areas neighborhood revitalization, housing and economic development, and the role community facilities play in serving neighborhoods and bringing residents together. Knowledge of the basic concepts of real estate development is desirable. 11. Functions and Worker Activities: (Do NOT include duties done on an Out of Class basis.) The CD Specialist is a member of the CDD team charged with managing multiple funding streams used by the City to pursue its community development goals. The Specialist helps administer programs that assist local partners with activities that promise to improve housing conditions, revitalize neighborhoods, aid small business owners, or support facilities in neighborhoods that primarily serve a public function. This work entails a wide range of responsibilities. The Specialist will underwrite project proposals, make funding recommendations, administer contracts, manage projects, ensure adherence to program and contract requirements, and help community partners achieve successful outcomes. The position may also participate in interdisciplinary efforts focused on broader strategies affecting the vibrancy of neighborhoods, shared prosperity, social justice or community well-being. The job will give the Specialist opportunity to take individual initiative and exercise professional judgment. The CD Specialist s responsibilities include the following, and related, activities: 45% A. Project and Contract Management Using established guidelines, and in accordance with relevant regulatory and financial frameworks, negotiate, prepare and manage contracts and/or loan agreements with organizations awarded Page 2

3 funding. Interpret and apply relevant laws, regulations and guidelines as they pertain to specific activities, projects or contracts. Administer assigned contracts and loan agreements. Review reimbursement requests for eligibility, consistency with approved budgets and readiness for payment. Review status reports and other information submitted by agency for timeliness, completeness and content. Monitor open projects to track progress toward completion of stated goals. Maintain good communication with agencies to determine whether they are meeting expectations, encountering delays or requiring assistance. Monitor project budgets and expenditures. Provide technical assistance, as needed, to help agencies understand and comply with regulatory requirements, resolve problems, facilitate partnerships and complete their projects successfully and on time. Maintain program files, databases and other information documenting funded agencies activities and expenditures. Alert CDD managers, in a timely manner, when significant issues or concerns regarding a specific project, activity or agency arise. Support implementation of CDD-assisted capital projects involving new or renovated community facilities. Participate in the design process by helping to gather public input; work with hired design professionals or City facilities management staff and end users/operators to ensure the project meets the intended use within budget allowances. 30% B. Program Management Review and evaluate funding applications submitted in response to City-issued requests for proposals (RFPs). Evaluate proposals for completeness, eligibility, financial feasibility, project readiness, organizational capacity, and responsiveness to any other program objectives or criteria spelled out in the RFP or imposed by the City or by HUD. Secure from applicants any supplemental information needed to underwrite proposals. Help formulate recommendations with respect to awarding funds to specific projects or activities deemed best able to achieve the desired outcomes within specified program areas. Identify partnership opportunities for funded agencies, and with other funders, that can help improve program outcomes or leverage other resources. Establish and cultivate good working relationships Page 3

4 with City colleagues and with other public and private entities that have an interest or play a role in local community development efforts. Use performance measurement data to help evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the City s programs and processes, particularly with an eye toward opportunities for improving outcomes and meeting unmet needs. Participate in efforts to engage members of the public, community partners and other stakeholders to convey information about key community development initiatives and solicit input that informs City actions and helps ensure equitable access to City resources. Upon request, investigate evidence-based best practices in other communities that might be useful in shaping or improving City practices or programs. Prepare and deliver, as requested, written or oral reports, summaries, correspondences and presentations to various audiences on topics related to pertinent community development issues. 10% C. Federal Compliance and Planning Participate with other members of the CDD team to identify and compile information regarding program activities required to prepare Madison s 5-Year Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan and Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report. Participate, as needed, in supplying information requested as part of financial or program monitoring, or audits, conducted by City auditors or by HUD. Coordinate with City colleagues and external partners to ensure compliance with federal regulations around topics pertaining to various labor and procurement standards. Monitor and remain current on federal regulatory or administrative changes that pertain to the City or the activities or organizations it supports. Participate in both annual and longer-term planning and priority-setting efforts related to HUD funding and broader Division/City objectives. 10% C. City-wide Activities Participate in interdisciplinary teams involving Division or other City staff focused on addressing racial, economic, social or other obstacles that interfere with housing choices, household stability, neighborhood stability or economic mobility. Provide information to the public, community organizations and others regarding CDD programs, initiatives or activities. Conduct and/or help conduct racial equity analyses to help improve how the City gathers community input, makes decisions and allocates its resources. 5% D. Perform other duties as assigned.. Page 4

5 12. Primary knowledge and skills required: Generally, the qualifications for this position include: 1) A general knowledge of the concepts and principles surrounding community development. 2) Knowledge of the basic principles, concepts and techniques associated with public grant or loan administration, budgeting and public finance. 3) Knowledge and/or experience in one or more of the following: affordable housing development; neighborhood revitalization; design, finance and/or construction processes for residential and/or commercial real estate development; entrepreneurship; small business development and community engagement. 4) Ability to read, interpret and apply ordinances, statutes or other government regulatory frameworks. (Knowledge of or experience working with HUD s CDBG and HOME programs is strongly preferred.) 5) Ability to gather, organize and analyze information or data, draw out key findings and communicate them clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences. 6) Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, community members and other partners encompassing varying cultural, social and economic backgrounds. 7) Ability to work effectively in a team setting by exhibiting self-motivation, contributing to shared goals, communicating with team members, completing assignments in a timely fashion, adapting to changes in work assignments, and maintaining regular attendance. 8) Cultural competency as evidenced by: a. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse co-workers, community members and other partners; b. Ability to consider different viewpoints and interact effectively within multicultural settings c. Ability to understand and respect values, attitudes, and beliefs that differ across cultures, and to consider and respond appropriately to these differences in all aspects of work. 9) Ability to anticipate challenges and problem solve. 10) Ability to use relevant computer software, including word processing and spreadsheet software. 11) The ability to elicit and utilize meaningful community input. 13. Special tools and equipment required: None 14. Required licenses and/or registration: Possession of a valid driver s license or the ability to otherwise meet the transportation requirements of this position. 15. Physical requirements: Ability to drive through neighborhoods and to visually observe and inspect neighborhoods and property. Ability to travel to and attend gatherings outside the office setting. 16. Supervision received (level and type): 17. Leadership Responsibilities This position is responsible for supervisory activities (Supervisory Analysis Form attached). has no leadership responsibility. provides general leadership (please provide detail under Function Statement). 18. Employee Acknowledgment Page 5

6 I prepared this form and believe it accurately describes my position. I have been provided with this description of my assignment by my supervisor. Other comments (see attached) EMPLOYEE 19. Supervisor Statement: DATE I have prepared this form and believe that it accurately describes this position. I have reviewed this form, as prepared by the employee, and believe that it accurately describes this position. I have reviewed this form, as prepared by the employee, and find that it differs from my assessment of the position. I have discussed these concerns with the employee and provided them with my written comments (which are attached). I do not believe that the document should be used as the official description of this position (i.e., for purposes of official decisions). Other comments (see attached). SUPERVISOR DATE Page 6