Community Initiatives Program Administrator

Community Initiatives Program Administrator

The Community Initiatives Program Administrator serves as the City's designated Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Administrator, providing full leadership and oversight of all program and compliance responsibilities, including designation as the CDBG Environmental Compliance Officer. It also plans and administers additional housing and community development grants that advance the City's strategic community investment goals. The role manages complex projects, contracts, and financial activities while leading community outreach efforts to ensure programs effectively meet resident and stakeholder needs.

The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.

• Plans, coordinates, and administers HUD-funded programs including CDBG, CDBG-DR, CDBG-MIT, HOME, and other housing or community development initiatives.
• Creates and implements programs that meet CDBG or other applicable grant requirements, including the City's CDBG Home Rehabilitation and Repair Program.
• Serves as program liaison with state and federal agencies, auditors, community organizations, media, and the public to ensure transparency and compliance.
• Prepares and manages key planning documents such as the 5-Year Consolidated Plan, annual Action Plans, Citizen Participation Plan, CAPER, and related amendments.
• Conducts annual grant application processes, updates forms and calendars, and drafts program-specific policies and procedures.
• Coordinates with other City staff to identify best uses of federal funding for City projects within the required regulations and timing.
• Publishes required notices, conducts workshops, and reviews applications for completeness and eligibility.
• Supports electronic reporting systems (HUD IDIS, DRGR), assists with monitoring visits, and prepares for audits and compliance reviews.
• Monitors adherence to federal requirements including Davis Bacon and related acts, Environmental Review, Fair Housing, Section 3, Section 504, and EEOC policies.
• Represents grant programs before City Council, boards, commissions, and community organizations.
• Prepares and reviews procurement documents; monitors contracts for compliance with program and City standards.
• Coordinates and participates in pre-bid and pre-construction conferences; provides technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepares and manages subrecipient agreements, amendments, and compliance monitoring; coordinates timely reporting and demographic data collection.
• Utilizes HUD systems for performance reporting, activity creation, and closeout; researches policies and procedures to support program development.
• Supervises informally assigned staff and provides guidance as needed.
• Manages program and project budgets to meet HUD timeliness requirements and ensures the accuracy and compliance of draw requests.
• Maintains alignment between City financial accounts and HUD/state systems by reconciling accounts, preparing required financial reports, and monitoring fund balances.
• Coordinates substantial amendment processes and ensures timely submission of required documentation.
• Prepares environmental reviews when needed; oversees construction projects and contractor procurement.
• Processes purchase and payment requests for subrecipients and contractors.
• Coordinates special events and receptions; prepares press releases, flyers, and newsletters; assists with event photography.
• Assigns work activities and provides training to other personnel as needed.
• Attends meetings, including those held during evenings and weekends, based on program or community needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned or needed to support departmental goals and program delivery.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, or a related field
• Three (3) years of experience in CDBG program administration, either as a program administrator, activity lead, HUD representative, or consultant providing direct CDBG compliance or program support. Additional work experience can be substituted in lieu of a bachelor's degree on a year per year basis.
• Must have completed the week-long Basically CDBG training, either online or in person.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in public administration is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local codes, ordinances, and regulations governing grants and program compliance, with emphasis on HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) requirements.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication across diverse audiences.
• Skill in using Microsoft Office Suite for program administration, documentation, and reporting.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply regulatory guidelines to create and implement CDBG grant-funded programs, and to determine…