Community Development Coordinator - Traverse City, United States - Grand Traverse County Michigan

Description

Grand Traverse County is a team of passionate and incredible people who are committed to providing responsive, effective quality service to our up-north community. We strive to be a leader in innovative, effective, collaborative, and sustainable county government. We offer stable work environments and competitive salaries to both full- time and part-time employees. Understanding the many challenges facing today's professionals and families, we offer a competitive compensation package including an impressive list of benefits and time off.

Job Description:

The Community Development Coordinator (CDC) will play a crucial role in fostering positive change, growth, and well-being within our community. Under general supervision, this position coordinates all planning project review processes and serves as the liaison for the County departments, local units of government, and others to disseminate information related to ongoing community development projects and requests. The CDC reports to the County Administrator and will assist in the implementation of the policies of the Grand Traverse Board of Commissioners.

Serves as contact with the community and County staff on all process issues; disseminates, coordinates, and provides information regarding County development requirements and various incentive opportunities; responds to questions and provides explanation of relevant ordinances and rules related to community development for the public, consultants, developers, builders and other County staff as requested; establishes and maintains lines of communication and provides an integrated information network.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but are not limited to the following)

Interacts with the public, local municipalities, County departments, and others, to obtain and provide information and assistance in a variety of circumstances. Accurately, promptly, and diplomatically responds to requests for information and assistance. Communicates orally and in writing with the public, outside agencies, coworkers, and other County personnel providing accurate technical information and recommendations.

Community Engagement:

• Responsible for managing, community surveys, administering, and coordinating all aspects of major and complex planning projects ensuring coordination of all phases of planning, implementation, and management of projects through coordination with all County departments in the development review process.
• Develop and implement strategies to actively engage community members in local development initiatives.
• Organize and facilitate meetings, workshops, and events to encourage participation and collaboration among residents.
• Have a working knowledge of ordinances and permitting processes of local municipalities.

Project Management:

• Oversee various community development projects, ensuring they align with the county's growth objectives and are executed efficiently.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including local government, businesses, and non-profit organizations, to identify and prioritize development opportunities.
• Proficiently monitor various projects' permits through the GTC EPIC-GT portal.

Grant Writing and Fundraising:

• Research and identify funding opportunities from government grants, foundations, and other sources to support community development projects.
• Prepare and submit grant proposals, manage grant budgets, and explore innovative fundraising avenues related to community development.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Collect and analyze data related to community demographics, needs, and resources.
• Prepare regular reports on community development activities and outcomes, providing insights to inform decision-making.

Partnership Building:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local organizations, businesses, and government entities to foster collaboration and resource-sharing.
• Seek out and establish partnerships that enhance the county's capacity for sustainable growth.
• Coordinate construction-related permitting with various county departments and local government agencies.

Education and Outreach:

• Develop educational programs and resources to empower residents with knowledge about community development, sustainable practices, and local opportunities.
• Implement outreach initiatives to ensure information is accessible to all members of the community
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, FORMAL TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE (minimum requirements)

• Bachelor's degree in community development, urban planning, public administration, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.
• Proven experience in community development, project management, or a related role.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Familiarity with rural development challenges and opportunities.
• Proficient in data analysis and report writing.
• Grant writing and fundraising experience is highly desirable.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES

Requires AICP certification, a valid driver's license, personal vehicle insurance and must maintain eligibility to drive as per the County's Vehicle policy.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (minimum requirements - legal or contractual pre-employment obligations and/or requirements, such as drug testing, background check, etc.)

A background check may be required initially and periodically for an individual hired, transferred, reclassified, promoted, or currently working in this job. Appointment to or continued employment in this job is contingent upon a satisfactory background check which may include but is not limited to confirmation of a person's identity; review of criminal conviction records; verification of educational degree, license, or certificate required for the position; review of Department of Motor Vehicles records; Department of Justice fingerprint scan; and/or drug and alcohol testing as required and allowable by law. A satisfactory background check is defined as the absence of a criminal history record that bears a demonstrable relationship to the applicant's or employee's suitability to perform the required duties and responsibilities of the position.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Work involves the development of new guidelines and techniques, establishing criteria or developing new information where guidelines may not exist for all situations and considerable independent judgment, personal discretion, and resourcefulness are needed to interpret circumstances, and to make decisions in major areas where there may be uncertainty in approach, methodology, and interpretation. Errors at this level could lead to extraordinary costs, major litigation, destruction of property, loss of funding, or failure of the agency to accomplish its mission and may require the intervention of the County's senior executives to resolve or may not be resolvable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• May be required to climb or balance; reach with hands and arms; sit; stand; stoop, kneel, or crouch; talk and hear; smell; use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• May occasionally be required to lift/move up to 25 pounds.
• The employee may be required to travel in his or her own vehicle.
• Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, COMPETENCIES (minimum requirements)

• Advanced proficiency in English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and simple mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios, etc.
• Skill in the use of personal computer software, including spreadsheet development and word processing.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with customers, co-workers, and representatives of other agencies.
• Skilled in researching and resolving problems to ensure compliance.
• Ability to comprehend, process, and apply both verbal and written skills appropriate to the job. Consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment.
• Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Ability to use County resources effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to comprehend, process and apply both verbal and written skills appropriate to the job.
• Ability to apply and tactfully enforce complex rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.

Compensation:
Salary: $95, $119,422.00

Grand Traverse County is a great place to live, work and play. Come join our team and experience what northern Michigan is all about, apply today

You really should see what we have to offer:

• Medical: The County offers employees a high-deductible plan through Priority Health. To help cover the cost of the deductible, Grand Traverse County will deposit a contribution amount up to $2,000 into an employee Health Savings Account every year. You may also direct deposit funds into this account every pay period.
• Vision: The County provides a no cost plan for employees. We also offer an enhanced plan through EyeMed.
• Dental: Our dental insurance provider is Delta Dental. You will pay no costs or premium for diagnostic and cleaning services.
• Wellness: Grand Traverse County is committed to creating a culture of health. We provide a variety of incentives and programs that allow you to live a healthy lifestyle.
• Employee Recognition: We highly value our employees, which we show by providing our employees awards and recognition throughout the year, and on anniversary dates.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Employees are reimbursed up to $5,250 annually for enrollment in courses at an accredited college, university, or trade school.
• Vacation: Grand Traverse County provides a generous amount of vacation days to benefitted employees so you can spend time with family and friends.
• Holidays: The County gives you 12 days a year to celebrate holidays. Beyond these 12 days, you will receive additional floating holidays to use at your discretion.
• Personal Leave: Employees receive up to 64 hours annually depending on contract, to use for appointments, take care of family needs and other personal reasons. Employees are paid every year for unused personal leave up to 40 hours.
• Parental Leave: Employees may take up to 6 months of leave to begin at birth or date of adoption of their child.
• Retirement: Grand Traverse County offers a defined contribution through MERS. The plan includes a generous match that fully vests after 6 years of employment. We also offer a deferred compensation 457b Plan.
• Life Insurance: Benefitted employees automatically receive life insurance.
• Short Term Disability: The County provides a plan through Mutual of Omaha, which pays two thirds of your salary or wages for a maximum of 182 days.
• Long Term Disability: The County provides a plan through Mutual of Omaha, which pays 60 percent of your salary or wages for a maximum of 24 months.