Community Development Specialist

Community Development Specialist – Economic Development Department Job Summary: This exempt, grant‑funded position supports the City’s housing and community development initiatives by managing HUD and other federal and state grant programs, providing technical assistance, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Compensation Salary: $51,487 – $62,201 annually (GS9) – Grant Funded. Work Hours Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. (EST). Hours may vary due to assignments or projects. Work Location 101 East11th Street, Chattanooga, TN. Employment Status Exempt – City of Chattanooga. Department Economic Development. Classification Summary This role performs administrative activities related to housing and community development funding received through the Housing and Community Investment Division (HCI) from HUD and other agencies. Essential Functions Engage in programmatic activities to improve low‑to moderate‑income households’ access to housing, community services, and economic opportunities. Develop program objectives, prepare Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs), evaluate project proposals, and apply HUD and other program regulations. Manage the Division’s role in facilitating projects, programs and activities that increase access to affordable housing, community services, and economic opportunities. Prepare contract documents, monitor the progress of funding recipients, and provide technical assistance to partners. Coordinate funding cycles of various sources, including HUD CPD awards (CDBG, HOME, ESG) and other federal and state grants. Prepare and finalize HUD documents such as Consolidated Plans, Annual Plan, CAPER, and other required reports. Assist in the award process, prepare funding recommendations, memos, resolutions, and other materials for City Council. Manage relationships with, and provide technical assistance to, non‑profit and for‑profit organizations funded or seeking funding from the HCI Division. Negotiate contract terms with vendors, consultants, and organizations, ensuring compliance with legal and fiscal requirements. Oversee a portfolio of grantees to ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations, including environmental reviews and prevailing wage requirements. Provide support for planning and developing housing projects sponsored or co‑sponsored by the City. Monitor grantee performance, write reports, and facilitate payments to partner entities. Conduct due diligence reviews, coordinate Council approvals, and interpret enforcement of applicable standards, codes, and regulations. Prepare written reports, policies, procedures, and contracts. Assist clients in planning activities for HCI funding and provide technical assistance for program administration, policy development, environmental reviews, and reporting. Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and public hearings; travel to client meetings as required. Develop outreach plans, objectives, and implementation strategies for outreach, technical assistance, and partnerships. Act as representative of HCI in collaborations with community stakeholders and interdepartmental work. Summarize and analyze data on key housing and community initiatives. Continuously evaluate new funding programs and opportunities for the City and its partners. Maintain regular attendance, maintain positive relationships with staff and citizens, and complete duties with or without reasonable accommodations. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Planning or related field and two (2) years experience in a housing or social service‑related field involving governmental programs, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Licensing and Certifications Valid Driver’s License. Knowledge and Skills Knowledge of grant management principles, HUD CPD grants (CDBG, HOME, McKinney–Vento), housing preservation and production, federal/state/local laws, public relations, financial accounting, program management, and report preparation. Desired skills include strong interest in public sector, effective verbal and written communication, proficiency in Google Suite, Word, and Excel, organizational and time‑management skills, ability to work independently or as part of a team, professional conduct, meeting facilitation, and presentation skills. Physical Demands Reaching, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Work Environment Light – the job requires lifting up to 20 pounds occasionally or up to 10 pounds frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly. Special Requirements Safety Sensitive: No / Department of Transportation – CDL: No / Child Sensitive: No Supplemental Information Pre‑employment screening will include a background check. EEO Statement The City of Chattanooga, Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, 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. Job Information JES3.13.25 – KJF260463 #J-18808-Ljbffr