Community Investment Manager

TOWN OF SMITHFIELD | RHODE ISLAND

Department of Planning & Economic Development

This position functions as a professional manager within the Department of Planning & Economic Development and works under the general supervision of the Director of Planning & Economic Development.

The Community Investment Manager is responsible for advancing the Town’s economic and community development priorities through economic development initiatives, grant development and administration, strategic partnerships, and implementation of projects and programs. The position serves as the primary staff liaison to the Economic Development Commission and provides professional capacity to translate Town plans, policies, and community priorities into actionable initiatives.

The position leads the Town’s grant development function, including identification of funding opportunities, preparation and coordination of grant applications, administration of awarded funds, compliance and reporting, and maintenance of a coordinated Town-wide grant program.

The Community Investment Manager also works with businesses, property owners, community organizations, institutions, Town departments, state and federal agencies, and other partners to strengthen Smithfield’s economic base, support locally rooted economic activity, advance redevelopment and community investment, and improve the long-term economic resilience of the Town and its residents.

• Serve as primary staff liaison to the Economic Development Commission, including preparing meeting materials, conducting research, coordinating initiatives, and implementing Commission priorities.
• Develop and maintain an annual economic and community development work program in coordination with the Director and Economic Development Commission, including priorities, implementation responsibilities, schedules, and measurable outcomes.
• Develop and implement strategies that strengthen the Town’s commercial and employment base, fiscal sustainability, locally rooted economic activity, village centers, and long-term economic resilience.
• Conduct regular outreach to Smithfield businesses, employers, property owners, entrepreneurs, and community organizations to identify needs, address barriers, support retention and expansion, and develop partnerships with the Town.
• Connect businesses and community organizations with appropriate municipal, state, federal, nonprofit, and financial resources and provide assistance navigating relevant programs.
• Identify underutilized properties, redevelopment opportunities, and areas where coordinated public and private investment could advance adopted Town goals.
• Research and analyze economic, demographic, fiscal, business, employment, and property-use trends and prepare recommendations to inform Town policies, investments, and economic-development initiatives.

• Maintain a coordinated Town-wide grant program, including a pipeline of grant-ready projects, funding opportunities, Final date to receive applicationss, local-match requirements, awards, and outstanding obligations.
• Lead or coordinate the preparation and submission of municipal grant applications, including scopes of work, narratives, budgets, schedules, supporting documentation, and interdepartmental approvals.
• Administer or coordinate awarded grants through closeout, including agreements, budgets, reimbursements, reporting, procurement coordination, compliance documentation, audits, amendments, and performance measurement.
• Assist Town departments in developing grant-ready projects and determining whether proposed applications are consistent with Town priorities, financial…