What You'll Be Doing

**This is a federal entitlement grant funded position and may end upon loss of grant funding.**

Wake County is Looking For You!!!

The Community Development Specialist (CDS) plays an integral role in coordinating the work that supports the efforts of Wake County’s municipalities to build and preserve affordable housing. The CDS will support the Affordable Housing Planner in administering Planning Unit programs including the Community Investment Partnership Program (CIPP) which provides municipalities and local service providers with federal funding to support community projects and the Public Land Disposition Program (PLD) which facilitates the development of affordable housing on County-owned land. In addition to planning and program administration, the CDS will perform significant tasks related to municipal engagement, strategy and housing education.

The ideal candidate will be passionate for serving households in need of housing stability and interested in improving housing accessibility through local policy, programs and initiatives. They will have a basic knowledge of affordable housing development, land use policy and municipal government through a mixture of experience and education. The candidate would also be an excellent learner with a willingness to understand department processes, programs and procedures.

Essential Functions:

• Project management and administration of CDBG Public Facility funding through the Community Investment Partnership Program (CIPP), including supporting contract administration and monitoring project budgets and timelines
• Support municipal affordable housing strategy through gathering and analysis of quantitative and qualitative municipal data related to land use, residential development and affordable housing, as well as researching best practices in affordable housing preservation and development
• Gather and maintain quantitative and qualitative data using Department, County, Federal financial software applications
• Coordination with County and Department staff on Planning Unit programs
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge base of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to be a resource for Municipal and County staff
• Support Request for Proposal (RFP) processes, including editing and reviewing documents, coordinating release and assisting with proposal evaluation
• Support program review and implementation, including assisting with policy and procedure management

NOTE: Finalists for this role may be required to submit a writing sample.

About Our Team

Wake County Department of Housing’s goal is to ensure that quality affordable housing is available for all Wake County residents. As the population and economy continue to grow in Wake County, the need for affordable housing development and preservation increases. Not only do more units of affordable housing need to be built, housing services must be provided to support families and individuals to access or maintain safe, decent, affordable housing. Affordable housing is also critical to preserving Wake County’s economic competitiveness by offering housing for workers at all income levels, supporting housing stability and economic opportunity for its residents and furthering Wake County’s commitment to healthy and inclusive growth. The Department’s programs include Community Revitalization, Development Financing, Rental Assistance, Homeless Services, Community Outreach, Emergency Shelter, Veterans Services and Permanent Supportive Housing.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Community Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration or related field
• Three years of job-related experience
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Five years’ experience in urban and regional planning, municipal government, affordable housing and/or community development
• Familiarity working in or with municipal government planning departments to implement strategies to preserve and increase affordable housing
• Possess a master’s degree in public administration, urban and regional planning, community development, construction management or equivalent
• Knowledge and experience administering HUD entitlement programs related to affordable housing, particularly the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Focus, passion and interest in administering housing programs and initiatives that give Wake County residents greater access to housing and neighborhood stability
• Knowledge and/or experience with HUD entitlement program administration, especially the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
• Knowledge and/or experience with HUD compliance tasks including annual monitoring, environmental reviews, Davis Bacon and Section 3 reporting
• Knowledge and experience managing projects in municipal planning, construction, design and/or engineering
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high-level of organization between multiple projects and tasks
• Ability and willingness to learn and take prompt action to accomplish objectives and achieve goals beyond what is required
• Excellent decision-making, customer service and communication skills, including verbal, listening and written
• Ability to build solid cross-functional relationships and maintain partnerships internally and externally to meet deadlines on multiple projects

About This Position

Location: WCOB Raleigh, NC 27601

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:15pm

Hiring Range: 23.57 - 37.00

Market Range: 23.57 - 37.00

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 2/27/2025

What Makes Wake Great

Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

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• Wake County Government

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