Community Development Specialist

*COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST * The Barren River Area Development District (BRADD), a multi-jurisdictional planning and development agency, is seeking a motivated individual for the position of Community Development Specialist.
This position works closely with the Department for Local Government (DLG), local elected officials, and other state agencies.
The position provides assistance to local governments within the region to enable economic and community growth; assists in obtaining funding for projects; provides project assistance to ensure compliance with funding agencies; and performs related duties as required.
*REQUIREMENTS*: * Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, or closely related field supplemented by one (1) year work experience in Planning or a related field (a Master’s Degree will substitute for one year of work experience).
A Master’s degree is preferred, but not required.
* Experience with state and federal programs is desired.
* Must be team oriented, able to handle multiple tasks, and work effectively with other staff, public officials and the general public on a regular basis.
* Must be detailed oriented and well organized.
* Applicant must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
* Must have a vehicle and a valid driver’s license.
* Computer skills are required.
*Essential Duties and Responsibilities* *1.
*Project Development: a.
Works with local government officials and community stakeholders to identify development needs and develop project concepts that align with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and local Strategic Plans to maximize benefits with minimal costs.
b.
Develops project teams, including local government officials and other agencies/stakeholders which can bring the project to reality.
c.
Develops funding packages after costs are estimated and sources of potential funding are identified.
d.
Contacts and meets with potential funding agencies to lay groundwork for project and to obtain concurrence of the funding potential for the project.
*2.
* Application Development/Implementation: a.
Assists local officials with preparation of pre-applications and applications for CDBG, ARC, USDA: Rural Development, and any other applicable funding sources.
b.
Works with funding agencies to achieve approval.
c.
Implements and administers funded projects.
Assists in the monitoring of open projects, provide technical assistance to grant recipients to ensure contracts are met, ensure proper utilization and expenditure of funds, and provide project completion assistance including progress reports and final close out reports.
d.
Ensures compliance of environmental regulations, labor laws, and other federal/state laws and administrative regulations.
e.
Monitors and reports number of completed, submitted, and successful loan and/or grant applications submitted on behalf of local governments and/or other eligible applicants.
*3.
* Public Relations: a.
Maintains regular contact with local government officials and administrative agencies.
b.
Conducts periodic public meetings required to comply with application requirements, to provide general public education on issues, and/or to explain public policy in controversial situations.
c.
Attends and presents information to Fiscal Court, City Council, statewide planning meetings, and other pertinent meetings as requested.
d.
Provides information and technical assistance to developers.
*4.
* Training & Development: a.
Attends and participates in seminars, conferences, and workshops to remain current on community and economic development.
Please visit the BRADD website at www.
bradd.
org for additional position details and a full job description.
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and complete the BRADD job application located on the BRADD website.
BRADD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability.
Review of applications will continue until position is filled.
Job Type: Full-time Pay: From $40,000.
00 per year Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Health savings account * Life insurance * Retirement plan * Vision insurance Schedule: * Monday to Friday Education: * Bachelor's (Preferred) License/Certification: * Driver's License (Preferred) Work Location: In person