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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior Community Development PlannerUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review) CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Senior Community Development Planner Department: Neighborhood & Development Services Division: Neighborhood Services Supervisor: Neighborhood Services Coordinator FLSA: Exempt Civil Service: Yes Pay Grade: 29 Job Number: Job Summary Directs the operational, financial and personnel activities of Community Development staff. Develops applications for and administers various federal, state, and local community- development programs including Community Development Block Grant, HOME and other federal, state and local programs. Participates in design of local affordable housing programs. Performs research and planning studies related to community development. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. • Coordinates administration of federal Community Development Block Grant program and HOME Investment Partnerships Program, monitors allocation of funds, ensures compliance with federal regulations and project accounting requirements for projects and sub-recipients. • Performs as lead staff for Housing and Community Development Commission, prepares agendas, packets, and legal notices for Housing and Community Development Commission meetings. • Supervises and assigns work for the Associate Planner -Grant Specialist, Community Development Program Assistants, and Housing Rehab Specialists, Reviews assignment to keep projects on schedule. • Develops and monitors budgets for community development programs and staff. • Directs development of the 5-Year Consolidated Plan for Housing, Jobs and Services for Low-Income Residents, the City’s plan to spend our federal, state and local community development dollars. • Prepares agreements, conducts reviews, and provides technical assistance for applicants in the administration of programs. • Prepares necessary documentation for federally required City Steps Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, CAPER, and other reports. • Researches, analyzes and recommends strategies and guidelines for development of City Council policies and procedures related to affordable housing and other community development issues. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Communicates with local for profit and nonprofit organizations, local financial institutions, small businesses and housing developers, facilitates development of affordable housing, community and economic development opportunities in City. • Writes and administers grants for federal and state funds, ensures compliance and provides reporting. • Directs preparation and maintenance of Community Development related web pages. • Advises and meets with appropriate boards and commissions, stakeholders, City Council and the general public regarding housing and community development issues. • Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all community members and coworkers. • Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and two years of related experience; or a Master’s degree and one year experience; or six years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Business Administration, Non-profit Management, or related. Experience in housing and community development. • Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with satisfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass criminal background check. Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Master’s degree from an accredited educational institution and three to five years of related experience; or seven years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Ability to analyze and critique plans and proposals for community development. • Ability to effectively present information to city leadership, federal/state program representatives, public groups, and/or other stakeholders. • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, city departments, service providers, state and federal officials, and the public. • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. • Ability to prepare and present technical reports and resolutions. • Ability to read and interpret legal agreements and documents, federal regulations, financial reports, and legal documents. • Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties. • Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from housing providers, partner agencies, regulatory agencies, or members of the community. • Ability to serve as a liaison between the City and grant applicants/recipients. • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Ability to work independently to make decisions and work through complex issues; uses critical thinking skills and sound judgment in completion of work. • Ability to write presentations and press releases that conform to prescribed style and format. • Knowledge of community development programs and affordable housing issues, techniques, and financing. • Knowledge of development process and local government operations. • Must be able to serve as a liaison between the City, city commissions and grant applicants/recipients. • Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Outlook). Supervision Involves leadership role such as regularly guiding, training, and providing direction to permanent staff in completing daily tasks and assignments. May perform additional supervisory duties at the direction of the Department or Division Head to include disciplinary action, assisting with hiring or firing, and writing or delivering performance reviews. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant work pace pressure. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Reviewed/Approved by: Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood & Development Services Director (4/2024) and requirements of this job description, and I agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. Employee Date ________________________________ __________________