CDBG Grant Administrator

Benton Harbor City; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Benton Harbor City is seeking a Community Development Block Grant Administrator to coordinate federally funded programs, write grants, and manage related reporting and compliance. The role involves interfacing with City departments, HUD, and local agencies, ensuring timely applications and audits.

The Administrator will monitor grants, prepare progress reports, and assist in planning other federal, state, and local programs affecting development activities, while maintaining records and

Qualifications

• Ability to plan, direct, and control complex community development and human service programs.
• Establish effective working relationships and use judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing; prepare and maintain records and reports.
• Compile and analyze complex data; maintain attention to detail.
• Work effectively under stress and changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the CDBG Program with City departments and HUD liaison.
• Plan and implement grant application processes; review applications and make recommendations.
• Prepare annual reports for CDBG; monitor projects for compliance with regulations.
• Prepare contracts for consulting services and construction projects.
• Coordinate public meetings and hearings regarding fund allocations.
• Maintain grant files and provide information to recipients and applicants.
• Evaluate applications, negotiate contracts, and monitor progress with recipients.

Skills

Communication skills

Data analysis

Public administration

Grant management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration/Public Service/Business Administration

Job description

Community Development Block Grant Administrator

General Summary

Under general supervision, coordinates federally‑funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program activities and other related federal, state, and local programs. Writing of grants, sub‑agreements, special reports, and work with various computer applications. Functions and tasks include coordination with various City departments and City‑assisted agencies; assisting the Director as City liaison to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); assisting local agencies and non‑profits using or seeking CDBG funding; maintaining records, monitoring of CDBG recipients, and preparing annual application and reports to the City, state, and federal governments.

Essential Job Functions

• Implement, administer, and coordinate the CDBG Program.
• Coordinate grant administration with various divisions and departments of the City and other governmental agencies.
• Plan and implement the grant application process; perform preliminary review of grant applications and make recommendations.
• Prepare annual reports for the CDBG Program and conduct field monitoring of CDBG projects to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
• Prepare and monitor contracts for consulting services and construction projects needed to carry out CDBG activities and projects.
• Direct, coordinate, and evaluate the planning and execution of all activities of assigned complex targeted block grant activities.
• Prepare applications and reports, implement all computerized progress reporting and financial controls required by HUD.
• Organize, write, and coordinate written applications in response to requests for proposals; submit grants for review and approval.
• Attend and participate in community meetings regarding the impact of allocations of funds; coordinate public hearings and other related meetings.
• Act as a staff resource for committees; prepare periodic progress reports to comply with grant requirements.
• Maintain files for all grant requests; perform related duties as required.
• Act as liaison with recipients and potential recipients of CDBG funds providing program information, funding availability, and assistance with completing applications.
• Evaluate program/project applications, recommend funding recipients and amounts; negotiate and prepare contracts with recipients; monitor and evaluate recipient progress; review payments for contract services.
• Prepare annual Program Progress Report, Grantee Performance Report, and other reports required by the City and HUD.
• Coordinate visits by HUD‑monitoring officials and prepare responses to HUD findings and comments.
• Assist in planning, preparation, reviewing, and implementation of other federal, state, and local programs that impact the same areas as the CDBG Program; prepare state and federal grant applications.
• Work with Finance Department staff on projects/programs of mutual interest, public presentations, staff reports, filing, and other finance‑related activities.

Physical and Emotional Demands

Required to talk, hear, and engage in effective two‑way communication; use hands to finger, handle, squeeze, lift, or feel and reach with hands and arms. Occasionally must stand for extended periods or walk a reasonable distance and stoop or kneel. Incumbent must lift and/or move items of 30‑40 lbs. May need to work with computers requiring extensive reading from a screen, comprehension, and keyboarding. Must be able to climb stairs and have normal to above writing and reading skills. Work is performed in a business office setting with moderate noise levels.

Qualifications

• Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Public Service, or Business Administration and a minimum of two (2) years of work experience in Community Development is preferred. Two (2) or more years of responsible professional‑level government finance and grant accounting experience is also preferred. Experience with federal grants (CDBG, Section 8, HUD HOME Investment) is highly desired. Ability to communicate and work with diverse populations is required.
• Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of laws, policies, and principles of community planning; grant application and administration procedures; reporting and fiscal requirements; city ordinances and state/federal statutes governing community and economic development activities; internal compliance data requirements. Good knowledge of personnel management techniques and general public administration approaches.
• Skills: Ability to plan, direct, and control complex community development and human service programs; establish effective working relationships and use judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness; communicate effectively orally and in writing; prepare and maintain records and reports; compile and analyze complex data; maintain attention to detail; work effectively under stress and changing priorities.