HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior Community Development PlannerUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Senior Community Development Planner
Department: Neighborhood & Development Services
Division: Neighborhood Services
Supervisor: Neighborhood Services Coordinator
FLSA: Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 29
Job Number:
Job Summary
Directs the opera�onal, financial and personnel ac�vi�es of Community Development staff.
Develops applica�ons for and administers various federal, state, and local community-
development programs including Community Development Block Grant, HOME and other
federal, state and local programs. Par�cipates in design of local affordable housing programs.
Performs research and planning studies related to community development.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Coordinates administra�on of federal Community Development Block Grant program
and HOME Investment Partnerships Program, monitors alloca�on of funds, ensures
compliance with federal regula�ons and project accoun�ng requirements for projects
and sub-recipients.
• Performs as lead staff for Housing and Community Development Commission, prepares
agendas, packets, and legal no�ces for Housing and Community Development
Commission mee�ngs.
• Supervises and assigns work for the Associate Planner -Grant Specialist, Community
Development Program Assistants, and Housing Rehab Specialists, Reviews assignment to
keep projects on schedule.
• Develops and monitors budgets for community development programs and staff.
• Directs development of the 5-Year Consolidated Plan for Housing, Jobs and Services for
Low-Income Residents, the City’s plan to spend our federal, state and local community
development dollars.
• Prepares agreements, conducts reviews, and provides technical assistance for applicants
in the administra�on of programs.
• Prepares necessary documenta�on for federally required City Steps Consolidated Plan,
Annual Ac�on Plan, CAPER, and other reports.
• Researches, analyzes and recommends strategies and guidelines for development of City
Council policies and procedures related to affordable housing and other community
development issues.
Updated: March 2024
• Communicates with local for profit and nonprofit organiza�ons, local financial
ins�tu�ons, small businesses and housing developers, facilitates development of
affordable housing, community and economic development opportuni�es in City.
• Writes and administers grants for federal and state funds, ensures compliance and
provides repor�ng.
• Directs prepara�on and maintenance of Community Development related web pages.
• Advises and meets with appropriate boards and commissions, stakeholders, City Council
and the general public regarding housing and community development issues.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs other du�es as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and two years of related
experience; or a Master’s degree and one year experience; or six years of related
experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in
Public Administration, Urban Planning, Business Administration, Non-profit
Management, or related. Experience in housing and community development.
• Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with sa�sfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of
age. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Master’s degree from an accredited educational institution and three to five years of
related experience; or seven years of related experience and/or equivalent combination
of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to analyze and cri�que plans and proposals for community development.
• Ability to effec�vely present informa�on to city leadership, federal/state program
representa�ves, public groups, and/or other stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain effec�ve working rela�onships with co-workers, city
departments, service providers, state and federal officials, and the public.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instruc�ons furnished in writen, oral, diagram, or
schedule form.
• Ability to prepare and present technical reports and resolu�ons.
• Ability to read and interpret legal agreements and documents, federal regula�ons,
financial reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from housing providers, partner
agencies, regulatory agencies, or members of the community.
• Ability to serve as a liaison between the City and grant applicants/recipients.
• Ability to solve prac�cal problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in
situa�ons where only limited standardiza�on exists.
Updated: March 2024
• Ability to work independently to make decisions and work through complex issues; uses
cri�cal thinking skills and sound judgment in comple�on of work.
• Ability to write presenta�ons and press releases that conform to prescribed style and
format.
• Knowledge of community development programs and affordable housing issues,
techniques, and financing.
• Knowledge of development process and local government opera�ons.
• Must be able to serve as a liaison between the City, city commissions and grant
applicants/recipients.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
Supervision
Involves leadership role such as regularly guiding, training, and providing direction to
permanent staff in completing daily tasks and assignments. May perform additional supervisory
duties at the direction of the Department or Division Head to include disciplinary action,
assisting with hiring or firing, and writing or delivering performance reviews.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in
an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of
time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant
work pace pressure.
Updated: March 2024
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood & Development Services Director (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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