Description

GENERAL PURPOSE

Plans, coordinates, and manages federal, state and municipal grant programs; performs current and long range comprehensive planning work and manages complex grant specific projects; performs a variety of professional level work such as providing information and assistance to the general public, and outside agencies; assists in economic development, neighborhood and downtown revitalization initiatives; review land use, write reports and make presentations to a variety of boards; create maps and perform analysis in GIS; and prepare grant applications for special projects as assigned. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the City Manager and/or Assistant City Manager

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises direct supervision over the Planning and Community Development Department and the Texarkana-Bowie County Family Health Center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for general oversight of the City’s federal, state and municipal grant programs including but not limited to all HUD, EPA and federal grant awards including programmatic and financial reporting:

Responsible for federal housing related grant funding including HUD CDBG, CoC and ESG programs. 

Responsible for City’s EPA Region 6 Brownfields Program and associated programs. 

General oversight of State of Texas grant awards including Recreation Trails Grants, State Energy Office, TDHCA EH programs and Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grants from the Texas Military Preparedness Commission (TMPC).

General oversight of the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA) HOME program. 

General oversight of local funding through the city’s donation account. 

Responsible for general downtown development process:

Advises downtown applicants regarding early-stage due diligence issues related to planning, grants, loans, and/or land development codes. 

Manages the City’s agreement for use of the Hotel Grim Palm room, office and general public space for events and programming.   

Participates in the general city-wide development process: 

Advises applicants regarding early-stage due diligence issues related to planning, development, and/or land development codes. 

Long Range Planning projects: 

Responsible for the implementation of a Comprehensive Vision & Master Plan through city-wide departmental work plans and budgets 

Responsible for Comprehensive Master Plan updates and reporting to Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council 

Coordinate and/or participate in various City Master Plan, Special Area and/or Sector Plan updates 

Assists in the coordination of Geographic Information System maps products.

Develops and manages projects and programs to ensure the objectives of the City Council’s Strategic Focus Areas and Department’s Goals and Strategic Plan are met.

Responsible for city boards, neighborhood associations and commissions as assigned: 

Responsible for Historic Landmark Preservation Committee. 

Responsible for the Keep Texarkana Beautiful Committee. 

Responsible for developing and providing City assistance to neighborhood associations recognized by the City Council. 

Serves as a member of the MPO Technical Committee and ad hoc MPO committees as needed. 

Serves as a member of the Texarkana Homeless Coalition as the city liaison to the board. 

Assists with the Community Development Corporation and serves as a city liaison to the board. 

Assists Building Code and Inspections in the preparation of agenda materials for the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. 

Research, develops and writes ordinances and amendments for consideration by the City Council.

Analyzes proposals, drafts staff reports, trains, and presents to Board or Commission. 

Miscellaneous: 

Conduct a variety of technical and analytical activities for the Planning & Community Development Department

Meet with developers, engineers, surveyors and citizens to provide information on various development-related issues

Peripheral Duties:

Performs all other related duties as assigned or required.

Seeks external resources to enhance the goals of the city.

Assists with and attends community projects such as city-wide beautification efforts, neighborhood celebrations, downtown events, ribbon cuttings, etc. 

Requirements

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

(a)  Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Political Science, Public Administration, or a related field. (Master’s degree preferred) 

(b)  Five years related experience with grant writing, contract administration, and/or urban planning including demonstrated success in obtaining federal and state funding is preferred.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

(a)  Requires strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work with various boards, commissions, City Council, departments and the general public.

(b)  Self-motivated, highly enthusiastic and technically competent

(c)   Ability to manage multiple projects in a timely and effective manner

(d)  Knowledge of contract administration and preparing grant applications

(e)  Comprehensive knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, equipment, and techniques; knowledge of adult learning techniques

(f)    Strong accounting skills that include applying concepts of basic algebra as well as calculating figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages; 

(g)  Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists;

(h)  Experience with and knowledge of basic computer operations including being proficient with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) and database applications

Special Requirements

(a)  Valid State Driver’s License; 

(b)  Flexible schedule with weekend work required and ability to attend evening meetings

(c)   Occasional overnight travel required. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, use hands to operate, finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
 

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.