Grants Supervisor

GENERAL SUMMARY: This position manages and supervises the activities of the Community Development division’s grants team, including providing supervision to the grant program production staff. Work includes managing the City’s Community Development Block Grant contracted services and purchase of service grants, and the urban revitalization tax abatement program for existing structures. Working closely with the Community Development Manager, this position is responsible for staff development and management of federal grant programs.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Work in this class requires strong administrative, supervisor, and technical skills to manage the development of grant-funded projects, federal grant production performance, and staff development and performance. Employees in this position are expected to exercise significant individual initiative and judgment. Work is performed under the supervision of the Community Development Manager. Work is reviewed through observation, reports, conferences, and results achieved.JOB DUTIES:

• Manages grants program production and performance in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Supervises grants production staff, including the management of direct service required for grant compliance.
• Manages the City’s urban revitalization tax abatement program for existing structures.
• Responsible for managing and maintaining Community Development Block Grant(CDBG) and general fund contracted services and purchase of services grants.
• Develop, execute and manage CDBG capital projects, including subrecipient assistance, preparing Environmental Reviews, ensuring subrecipient compliance with applicable federal regulations, and monitoring project performance through satisfactory completion.
• Coordinate homeowner rehabilitation programs, including intake, determining eligibility, scheduling inspections, posting bid documents, and preparing loan and contract documents.
• Coordinate City-owned residential property maintenance, working effectively with other City departments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Community Development and Affordable Housing
  • Knowledge of CDBG and production grant programs, proficiency in applicable federal, state, and local laws, including fair housing laws and environmental review requirements.
  • Knowledge of federal data management and reporting systems.
  • Understanding of federal, state, and local funding sources.
• Customer Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service as a public servant.
• Computers, Technology, and Data Management - Knowledge of and ability to use computer software applicable to the duties of the position. Ability to gather, analyze, and utilize relevant data.
• Judgment, Decision Making and Complex Problem Solving – Ability to exercise sound independent judgement, make decisions autonomously, and solve complex problems utilizing available resources.
• Reading, Written and Verbal Comprehension, Active Listening and Communication
• Employee Engagement – Plan, evaluate, and supervise the work of employees; encourage professional development.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least three years of experience working with federal grant programs or housing services programs.
• Supervisory experience working with a workforces.
• Possession of a bachelor’s degree in planning, development, management, public administration, or related field.
• Experience working in a housing services, non-profit or government organization or environment.
• Or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the essential knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Possession of or ability to maintain a valid Iowa Driver’s License, or alternatively, the ability to travel independently throughout the community.
• Must obtain certification for State of Iowa Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor & Lead Abatement Contractor, Healthy Homes Practitioner, and Property Maintenance & Housing Inspector certification (IPMC) within 12 months of start date.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in planning, development, management, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience managing a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant program, specifically funded through the Office of Lead Hazard Control & Healthy Homes.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Travel to various project locations including construction sites and function in a variety of weather conditions common in Iowa.
• Office setting (government), indoor, climate-controlled environment.
• Seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods.
• Regular work in the community with partner organizations. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sustain focus and energy for inspections that may average 4-6 hours, plus stamina for physical activity.
• Moving efficiently in confined or unstable spaces like crawl spaces or attics.
• Lifting and carrying equipment (ladders, tools), bending stopping, crouching, reaching, and balancing as needed to observe conditions. 
• Good vision (including low light/glare to spot defects).
• Occasional lifting (e.g., files, boxes of paper—typically under 25 lbs).
• Heavy computer and software use (e.g., databases, spreadsheets, document management systems).
• Frequent use of printers, copiers, and scanners. 

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:

• Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of their place of employment as soon as practicable after appointment, but within two years of employment or appointment. 

SUPERVISORY STATUS: Administrative 

FLSA STATUS: Exempt