Community Development & Relations Assistant

The Community Development and Relations Division of the Development Services Department is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving City of Goldsboro by increasing affordable housing options, driving neighborhood revitalization, ensuring equitable access to housing and resources, and promoting an atmosphere free of discrimination.

The Community Development & Relations Assistant serves as the organizational and community liaison backbone of the division. This role supports the administration of HUD, federal, and state-funded programs by assisting with compliance, documentation, and reporting requirements in coordination with the Senior Specialist and Manager. By maintaining critical records and connecting citizens with resources, the Assistant ensures the division operates efficiently and remains highly responsive to the public. This role is directly supervised by the Community Development & Relations Manager. 

 

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Support the office with various administrative tasks, such as preparation of payroll, pay requests, maintain the division’s webpage, and recording meeting minutes.
• Assist with processing program paperwork and keeping records in compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Maintain the Environmental Review Record for all department activities by completing checklists, preparing legal documents, and submitting requests for release of funds to HUD.
• Coordinate homebuyer assistance programs by disseminating information to the general public, realtors, and bankers, and by preparing promotional materials for public informational events.
• Provide technical assistance to non-profit organizations and assist in the review of applications for Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) status.
• Serve as the "Intake Lead" for all housing and community programs, performing initial pre-screenings for eligibility and guiding residents through the application process with a focus on high-quality customer service.
• Maintain a comprehensive list of non-profit, community, and faith-based organizations to make resources readily available to the community, align goals, establish partnerships, and avoid duplication of services.
• Receive and respond to public inquiries regarding federal and state funded programs.
• Provide administrative support for grant submissions by compiling required demographic data, maps, census tracts, and partner support letters for NCHFA and USDA applications, and ensuring all digital and physical grant files are audit ready.
• Provide assistance to City of Goldsboro residents looking for resources (food, financial assistance, etc.).
• Assist with processing and tracking program-related financial activities, including payments, reimbursements, and grant documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Basic knowledge of HUD-funded programs (CDBG, HOME) and related federal/state housing initiatives as they apply to administrative support functions.
• Knowledge of federal compliance requirements including Section 3, Davis-Bacon, Fair Housing, Environmental Reviews (ERR), and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) for documentation and recordkeeping support.
• Knowledge of community development principles, affordable housing programs, and local government operations.
• Knowledge of office administration, records management, and grant documentation practices in a public sector environment.
• Knowledge of customer service principles and public information practices for assisting residents and program applicants.
• Ability to perform accurate data entry, maintain organized and audit-ready records, and support grant and program documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, residents, and community partners in a professional and customer-focused manner.
• Ability to assist with program intake, applicant screening, and resource referrals.
• Ability to follow policies and procedures while managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to collect, organize, and compile data for reports, applications, and compliance needs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Skill in Microsoft Office Suite and basic database systems.
• Skill in administrative support tasks including filing, scheduling, and preparing correspondence and program materials.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Graduation or GED equivalent.  
• Associate’s degree in planning, community development, community relations, public administration, economic development preferred.
• Three (3) years of community development or community relations experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Must possess and maintain a valid NC state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• None.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE
The City of Goldsboro is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES
May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the City.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS
It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses. 
Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.