Community Development Officer 

The Community Development Officer (CDO) reports to the Director of Community and Economic Development and works with other Community and Economic Development (CED) staff in the performance of duties. The primary responsibilities of the CD Officer are the implementation and management of the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects and programs.  The objectives for the CDBG program include: benefit for low- and moderate-income persons, prevention or elimination of slums or blight, or to address community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community for which other funding is not available.

DUTIES:

Serve as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) grant administrator and ensure all provisions and requirements of the grant are met and followed.

Enhances community development through an emphasis on consolidated planning to expand and strengthen partnerships between local government and the private sector.  This may include representing the City in meetings with potential developers, participating in trade shows and business outreach, and serving as a point of contact and resource for private sector entities interested in CDBG-eligible activities.

Works with other State, regional and local community development agencies and groups working to attract, retain and expand employment opportunities through the CDBG program in the Bangor region.

Through the administration of the CDBG grant, assists the Director with continuous community improvement efforts regarding the City’s delivery methods and processes, and identifying ways to deliver better service to community development clients.

Assesses development and housing needs of the community with an eye towards identifying and responding with the appropriate application of CDBG funds by maintaining continuing contact with community leaders, civic groups, public officials, and the public.

Assists the Director with devising and implementing plans and programs to address community and housing needs via CDBG funds where appropriate.

Develops and manages federal, state, and locally funded housing, revitalization, and development programs to principally address needs of low and moderate-income persons within the community while meeting one (or more) or the objectives for the CDBG program.

Recommends policy and major program initiatives to Director in regard to CDBG programs and funds, as needed.

Manages various Community Development project as a result of CDBG funding, including project design, construction, inspection, project records, and reports.

Coordinates Community Development funded Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance activities.

Prepares and submits state and federal grant applications as authorized.

Assists Director in preparing annual Division budget, and oversees administering grant monies and budget upon approval.

Develops the City’s Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan and presents Plan to City Council for final approval. Once approved, responsible for submitting in IDIS.

Maintains and implements the City of Bangor Community Development Citizen Participation Plan, including required public notices and the advertisement and conduct of public hearings for projects such as the Anti-Poverty Plan and the Relocation Minimization Plan.

Manages the work of the Community Development Analyst.

Responsible for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Integrated Dispersal and Information System (IDIS) to ensure accurate and complete input of all required Community Development plan, project, and activity data, along with performance and accomplishment information. Periodically draws down federal funds to replenish City of Bangor funds expended for the CDBG program. Develops and maintains a log of all IDIS drawdown activities and verifies with both the Finance Department and Account Clerk the City’s receipt of drawn down federal funds.

Prepares and submits to HUD the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) from data obtained from IDIS and local financial and accomplishment records.

Attendance at meetings of the City Council, Requisite hearings and workshops as part of the CDBG program’s processes and public outreach.  Responsible for planning, managing, monitoring, and evaluating the activities of many subrecipients as well as training subrecipients and community partners on the expectations around federal funding to ensure projects are well- designed, adequately funded, have timely delivery, and maintain federal regulations and City requirements.

Provides ongoing technical assistance to subrecipients, internal City administering departments, developers and other partners to ensure projects that are timely, in compliance and successful in their delivery and goals.

Assists others in understanding federal and local CDBG program requirements.

Conduct Part 58 Environmental Reviews for CDBG using the federal HEROS portal.

Works with funded organizations to ensure compliance with Davis Bacon and related required acts/statutes.

Sets goals for and evaluates performance for Section 3, MWBE compliance and other performance-based compliance requirements.

Assists with public communication and notification focusing on CDBG funding, conducts community meetings with citizen groups concerning community development and assists community members to access CDBG funding.

Prepares and negotiates data driven terms for grant agreements for assigned subrecipients, including detailed budget and scope of work.

Evaluates and update relevant CDBG policies and procedures, as well as funding application and other relevant documents.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Position requirements include a four-year degree related to business, community and economic development, public administration, marketing, or a related field and at least five to seven years of relevant experience. An advanced degree and/or an expansive work record of progressively responsible positions are desirable. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, to insure effective communications with the general public, community leaders, developers, and others during varied situations and circumstances;

• Must be conversant with federal, State, and local business development assistance programs;

• Must have working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to administering various community development programs and projects, including CDBG administration;

• Knowledge of the purpose, objectives, policies, procedures, and regulations of the federal CDBG program to include knowledge of 2 CFR Part 200 and other cross-cutting requirements;

• Demonstrated ability to establish positive and productive relationships to promote the City in a variety of professional settings;

• Proven experience with general community development activities and programs;

• Creative and strategic thinking ability;

• The ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with a variety of private and public sector stakeholders;

• An established career, visibility, and reputation known within the community development communities;

• Demonstrated ability to interact with and have credibility with senior leadership;

• Possess strong organizational skills and excellent time and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects under tight deadlines, as well as the ability to schedule, initiate, and coordinate the work of others and maintain progress reports, records, and payments;

• Five to seven years of experience in a comparable or related organization and a demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of public and/or private sector business and economic development activities;

• Ability to operate effectively in a large organization and to closely coordinate efforts with peers, superiors, and policy makers;

• Ability to creatively address problems and devise solutions;

• Must enjoy managing many projects simultaneously;

• Undertakes special projects or assignments as may be made from time to time by the Director;

• Performs related duties as assigned or required; and

• Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle.

WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Community and Economic Development Officer maintains a working relationship with Division and Department staff, many other City staff, City Council, members of various boards and commissions, community and business leaders, local, state, and federal agency representatives, and members of the general public for the purpose of coordinating Community Development projects, as well as devising, planning, and implementing new program policies and priorities.

Reports directly to the Director of Community and Economic Development.

OTHER:

Incumbent performs inspections and site visits in varying weather conditions and is exposed to the normal hazards associated with the construction trade and demolition activities.

This is a supervisory position managing the work of the Community Development Analyst.

This is a fulltime position with a salary range from $31.16 - $41.85/hr and includes a comprehensive benefits package.  City Employment Application and accompanying materials (e.g. resume, cover letter) can be sent to apply@bangormaine.gov or dropped off or mailed to City of Bangor, 73 Harlow St, Bangor, ME  04401.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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Equal Opportunity Employer