Housing Programs & Grants Manager

City-of-Frederic; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Frederick is seeking a Grant Manager to oversee grant funding including CDBG, HOME, and other HUD/state programs. You will interact with government officials, community groups, and the public; occasional evening meetings are required.

Responsibilities include developing plans/budgets, preparing HUD reports, ensuring compliance, and providing guidance to staff and stakeholders across departments. A strong background in grants is essential.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to community economic development grants (HUD/CDBG).
• Knowledge of contract management and grant administration.
• Knowledge of public administration principles and governmental organizations.
• Knowledge of state and federal accounting procedures governing governmental fiscal programs.
• Knowledge of HUD and CDBG regulations.
• Strong organizational and written/spoken communication skills.
• Ability to research issues, analyze data, and present at public meetings.
• Ability to interact with the public and respond to housing inquiries.
• Ability to prepare statistical and financial reports.
• Ability to work with officials, staff, and partners.

Responsibilities

• Administers all aspects of the City’s CDBG program including plan development and budgets.
• Prepares HUD reports such as CAPER.
• Conducts environmental assessments and maintains records.
• Monitors grant/loan terms and payment requests.
• Enter data in HUD IDIS for compliance and timeliness.
• Provides technical assistance on program requirements and compliance.
• Prepares program performance reports and maintains files.
• Supports community organizations and developers on Federal/State grants.
• Represents the city at public meetings and with partners.

Skills

HUD/CDBG regulations

Contract management

Public administration

Accounting procedures

HUD regulations

Communication (oral & written)

Data analysis

Public meetings

Microsoft Office

Program/project management

Staff supervision

Interagency coordination

Problem solving

Self-motivation

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning or related field

Two years HUD/CDBG experience (as required)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

HUD IDIS (grant management system)

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for managing and administering grant funding received by The City of Frederick, including but not limited to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, HOME Investment Partnership Program, and other federal and state grants. The Grant Manager requires broad and specific knowledge of community and affordable housing development and will have frequent contact with government officials, community groups and the general public. Occasional evening meetings will be required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administers all aspects of the City of Frederick’s CDBG Program, including developing the Consolidated Plan and annual action plan, citizen participation plan, annual budget, budget amendments and program guidelines.
• Prepares Annual and Semi-Annual Reports for submission to HUD including the CAPER.
• Conducts environmental assessments and maintains an environmental review record on approved projects.
• Reviews requests for payment and monitors compliance with grant/loan terms and conditions.
• Establishes projects and enters related data, including payment information, in the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS) to ensure compliance and timeliness.
• Provides technical assistance to staff, sub-grantee, and stakeholders on program requirements and compliance regulations for contractor eligibility, employee interviews, Davis Bacon, Section 3 and MBE/WBE.
• Prepares periodic reports on program performance, maintains financial and other records, and document compliance with required certifications.
• Undertakes other community development activities by assisting community organizations, property owners, developers of qualifying projects with Federal or State community development, neighborhood revitalization grants, loans or other programs.
• Works with citizens in assessing their needs and programs that would apply to their situations.
• Administers the Sold on Frederick, Acquisition for Affordable Housing, Operation Rehab, and Maryland Mortgage Partnership programs.
• Administers the granting program for Rental Licensing Funds and the City Housing Fund to include NOFA, grant agreements, funds distribution, reporting and monitoring.
• Administers the Housing Counseling Program and provides supervision to staff.
• Prepares annual programs budgets, maintains all necessary files, prepares annual reports, and assists in annual audit.
• Works with the following city departments: Finance, Planning, Economic Development, and other City departments on analyses, findings, and recommendations.
• Make presentations at public meetings to the City Council, Planning Commission, Fair Housing Commission, and other organizations.
• Performs various administrative, reporting, and compliance functions of grants administered by the Department of Housing and Human Services to subgrantees.
• Make policy recommendations to the Housing Policy Advisor.
• Maintains a professional and positive attitude with other staff, residents, sub-recipients, City officials, and non-profit administrators.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, community development, public administration, real estate development, economics or related field preferred. Five (5) years of relevant work experience may be substituted in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
• Two (2) years of experience in HUD/CDBG administration.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES AND/OR LICENSES:

• Vehicle Operator’s license with satisfactory driving record that meets insurability standards of the City’s insurance carrier is required. The employee must maintain the license for the duration of their employment.

REQUIRED SKILLS (Communication/Language; Mathematical; Computer; etc.):

• Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to community economic development grants (HUD/CDBG).
• Knowledge of contract management and grant administration.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration and governmental organizations.
• Knowledge of state and federal accounting procedures governing participation in governmental fiscal programs.
• Knowledge of HUD and CDBG regulations.
• Must have strong organizational skills and effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to research issues, analyze data, write and communicate clearly, and present oral reports effectively at public meetings.
• Ability to interact with the general public and to respond to inquiries, by phone and walk-ins, concerning housing issues.
• Ability to prepare statistical and financial reports.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with officials, staff and others.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to plan and implement multiple programs and projects.
• Ability to supervise, train and direct work of staff and volunteers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, municipal governments, community groups and funding agencies.
• Ability to resolve procedural and/or operational problems in the administration of contracts.
• Ability to work with minimum of supervision, be self-motivated, and capable of taking initiative.

OTHER DESIRABLES:

• Knowledge of the Code of Federal Regulations applicable to HUD-CDBG.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to frequently move about for long periods of time. The employee is required to occasionally remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time, to compile and retrieve information from computers, phones, etc., to draft and write, and to handle paperwork. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to observe and inspect items directly in front or to either side of self, to assess items at a distance, to distinguish colors, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITION:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to work in a typical office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.