Housing and Commercial Development Specialist - Variable Hour Benefit Eligible

OVERVIEW OF JOB  

Plans, coordinates, administers, and monitors affordable housing, housing rehabilitation, commercial rehabilitation, and community development programs funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH), and other federal, state, and local funding sources. 

Serves as a project manager throughout all phases of assigned projects, ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements while coordinating with residents, contractors, developers, nonprofit organizations, consultants, city departments, and funding partners. The role provides technical expertise in housing and community development programs, grant administration, project implementation, construction oversight, environmental review, compliance monitoring, and program reporting in support of the Housing and Community Development Division. 

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Coordinates, promotes, implements, and administers housing, commercial rehabilitation, and community development programs.  

• Manages projects from application through closeout, ensuring timely completion and compliance with program requirements.  

• Reviews project eligibility and determines compliance with applicable funding requirements.  

• Coordinates with residents, businesses, developers, nonprofit organizations, consultants, contractors, and internal City departments.  

• Provides technical assistance to applicants, funding recipients, contractors, and community partners.  

• Assists in developing new housing and community development initiatives and program improvements.  

• Serves as project manager for assigned rehabilitation and development activities.  

• Reviews construction estimates, work write-ups, plans, specifications, and cost proposals.  

• Reviews contractor payment requests, change orders, and project closeout documentation.  

• Assists with administration of federal, state, and local grant programs.  

• Monitors project budgets, expenditures, and funding commitments.  

• Reviews requests for reimbursement and supporting documentation.  

• Tracks project performance, expenditures, and grant accomplishments.  

• Maintains complete and accurate project files and documentation. 

• Coordinates with Compliance Staff for the Environmental Reviews in accordance with 24 CFR Part 58.  

• Monitors projects and programs to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and City requirements.  

• Conducts project monitoring, file reviews, risk assessments, and compliance reviews.  

• Identifies compliance concerns and works with project partners to resolve findings or corrective actions.  

• Assists with monitoring of affordability requirements, project completion requirements, and grant performance measures.  

• Supports HUD monitoring activities and prepares documentation requested during monitoring or audits.  

• Maintains project files and supporting documentation.  

• Compiles program data and prepares reports required for grant administration.  

• Assists in preparation of HUD-required reports, including the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, CAPER, IDIS reporting, and other federal reporting requirements.  

• Conducts research, analyzes program performance, and prepares recommendations to improve program effectiveness. 

The listed primary duties and responsibilities are not a comprehensive list of expectations for the job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.   

An equivalent combination of training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. 

Education: 

• High School Diploma or GED 

Experience 

• At least 3 years of experience in HUD, Federal programs, CDBG, HOME, ESG programs, community development and affordable housing programs, planning, and/or grant administration. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of HUD regulations, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), Davis-Bacon, Section 3, Uniform Relocation Act (URA), Fair Housing, environmental review requirements (24 CFR Part 58), and other federal compliance requirements.  

• Experience managing construction contracts, project budgets, reimbursement requests, and project closeout.  

• Experience working with nonprofit organizations, developers, contractors, architects, engineers, lenders, and public agencies.  

• Experience using IDIS, HEROS, DRGR, Neighborly, or other grant management systems.  

• Bilingual (Spanish or another language commonly spoken in the community) preferred. 

​Licenses and Certifications Required:   

Knowledge: 

• Knowledge of structure, purpose, and administration of government and foundation grant programs;  

• Community or citizen outreach principles and strategies. 

• Principles and practices of affordable housing, housing rehabilitation, commercial rehabilitation, and community development.  

• Federal, state, and local grant administration requirements.  

• HUD regulations and applicable federal compliance requirements.  

• Construction methods, estimating, project scheduling, and contract administration.  

• Environmental review requirements under 24 CFR Part 58.  

• Public procurement and contracting principles.  

• Budget preparation, financial tracking, and grant reimbursement processes.  

• Project management principles and practices.  

• Customer service and community engagement techniques.  

Skills: 

• Strong project management and organizational skills.  

• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.  

• Contract and construction document review.  

• Budget monitoring and financial analysis.  

• Research, data analysis, and technical report preparation.  

• Conflict resolution and customer service.  

• Time management with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines.  

• Presentation and public speaking skills.  

• Proficiency using Microsoft Office, project management software, and grant management databases. 

Abilities: 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with City, Departments, community organizations and citizens  

• Solve problems independently  

• Apply critical thinking and sound judgment to resolve problems and manage challenging situations 

• Conduct research and prepare concise reports on findings. 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Essential Personnel: 

When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel. 

Physical Demands: 

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with frequent computer use.  

• Frequently sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and use hands to operate standard office equipment.  

• Occasionally lift or move materials weighing up to 25 pounds.  

• Conduct periodic field inspections of construction sites, rehabilitation projects, commercial properties, and housing developments, requiring walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and exposure to varying weather conditions.  

• Ability to travel to project sites, public meetings, and partner locations throughout the City. 

Work Environment: 

• Standard office equipment including printers, scanners, copiers, and audiovisual equipment.  

• Digital camera, measuring tools, and other equipment used during construction or housing inspections.  

• City vehicle (or personal vehicle, if authorized) for travel to project sites and meetings. 

Equipment Used: 

• This job may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.