COMMUNITY PROGRAM SPECIALIST IV

DESCRIPTION

The Economic Development Department is recruiting for one at-will, unclassified, full-time Community Program Specialist IV. The Cannabis Equity Community Program Specialist will report to the Business Development Officer in the Business Development Bureau and assist in the development and implementation of the Cannabis Social Equity Program. This is a temporary position funded through grants awarded by the State of California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). This is a grant-funded position and is contingent on the continuance of grant funding. While there is a possibility of additional grant funding in the future, it is not guaranteed.

The cannabis program in Long Beach, including the Cannabis Social Equity Program, is overseen by the Office of Cannabis Oversight (OCO) in the City Manager Department. The Cannabis Equity Community Program Specialist will also work closely with the OCO when developing new programs and policies related to expanding the Equity Program. For more information on the Long Beach cannabis regulatory program and Equity Program, please visit www.longbeach.gov/cannabis .

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Assist in the development, implementation, and management of the Cannabis Equity Program Cannabis Social Equity Program;
• Collaborate with the Office of Cannabis Oversight (OCO) and relevant departments to execute the Equity Business and Equity Hire Programs;
• Support OCO in identifying and developing policies and initiatives to enhance opportunities for eligible applicants and licenses;
• Administer state grants from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), including application review, tracking, and reporting;
• Oversee financial processes related to the program, including payment processing, accounting, and other financial duties;
• Conduct Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and manage vendor contracts for the Direct Technical Assistance Program;
• Build and maintain partnerships with vendors, ensuring regular reporting and updates to management on progress and areas for improvement;
• Manage and respond to inquiries through the Cannabis Equity Business and Equity Hire email accounts;
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program objectives.
  

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or closely related field (Proof required at time of application*);
• Three (3) year full-time professional experience providing supportive services in grant funded programs, projects, and services
• A Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or closely related field from an accredited college or university may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required professional experience. (Proof of education required).
• Experience offering specific and substantial preparation for the duties of the position may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis;
• Possess a valid California Drivers License;
• May be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends to support community events.

*Required documents, such as transcripts, degrees, certificates, or licenses, must be uploaded to the online application in PDF format at the time of filing. Any documents submitted must contain either the applicant's name or other identifying characteristics on the document. Proof of education for academic degrees should indicate the type of degree and date of degree conferral. Candidates who possess degrees or units from outside the United States must attach proof of educational equivalency at the time of filing.

DESIREABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience working at a state or local jurisdiction is preferred, but not required.
  
• Fluency in one of the three major City languages (Spanish, Khmer, Tagalog).
  
• Experience designing and implementing programs that advance racial equity and economic inclusion.
  

SELECTION PROCEDURE

This recruitment will close at 11:59 PM Pacific Time on April 10, 2025. To be considered, applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and proof of education (if qualifying with a degree and applicable to position) in PDF format. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements, including submission of all required attachments, will not be considered.

Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience, and for level and relatedness of education. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in further selection procedures. The selected candidate may be required to go through a background check and a physical examination prior to appointment. For questions regarding this recruitment, please call (562) 570-7198.

The City of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. The City of Long Beach is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work by supporting staff and community partners. We are committed to promoting transparency by publishing updated demographic information for employees, including workforce diversity data and pay by race and gender.

The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act

The City of Long Beach intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please call (562) 570-7198.

The City of Long Beach is committed to maintaining fairness and transparency in our hiring practices. We believe in providing equal opportunities to all applicants and ensuring that every applicant is evaluated based on their qualifications and merit. If you believe that you have been unjustly disqualified based on minimum qualifications for an unclassified job opportunity, you have the right to appeal the decision. Find out more about the Unclassified Applicant Appeal Process by visiting Applicant Appeal Process (longbeach.gov) .

In support of the City's Language Access Policy, bilingual skills (Spanish, Khmer and/or Tagalog) are desirable for positions interacting with the public. This information is available in an alternative format by request at the agency contact on the bulletin. If special accommodation is desired, please contact the agency two (2) business days prior, if applicable.

For technical support with your governmentjobs.com application, please contact (855) 524-5627.

Employee Benefits

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally.As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:

• Medical and Dental Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Retirement Plan (P.E.R.S.)

• Paid Vacation, Personal Holidays and Sick Leave

• Deferred Compensation

• Credit Union Membership

• Free Bus Transportation (Long Beach Transit)

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Free Employee Parking
• Paid Parental Leave*
*Paid Parental Leave - after six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours/192 hours for sworn platoon) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17).

Closing Date/Time: 4/10/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Long Beach

• 5625707057

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