Community Development Specialist

SUMMARY:

This position is essential for driving real estate growth within the organization. It involves overseeing the financial feasibility, coordination, and evaluation of projects, as well as providing technical and planning support to the Director of Housing & Community Development. The role will be key in implementing the activities of the Land Bank Authority and the Vacant Property Board, as well as managing real estate portfolios.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• This position plays a vital role in advancing urban renewal, redevelopment, and conservation efforts. Responsibilities include overseeing the acquisition, rehabilitation, construction, demolition, environmental assessments, and remediation of residential, commercial, and industrial properties in accordance with the Urban Redevelopment Law.
• This position supports the Supervisor in securing tax-exempt bond financing for multi-family and nonprofit residential development projects. It also assists with the preparation and oversight of project budgets and financial forecasts to promote fiscal responsibility and ensure transparency.
• Manages capital project financing and feasibility activities for adaptive reuse, mixed-use, and development opportunities undertaken by the Authority including real estate owned by LCHRA.
• Conduct market research to identify trends and opportunities for new real estate developments or improvements.
• Contributes to project planning by reviewing contractor bids and proposals to ensure compliance with energy regulations and applicable local, state, and federal codes.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders—including community members, local government officials, and potential investors to advance real estate initiatives. This includes leading public outreach and community engagement efforts to gather input and foster collaboration.
• Delivers presentations to advocate for Land Bank Authority and Vacant Property Reinvestment Board programs, as needed, to municipalities and school boards.
• Speaks on behalf of various acquisition / rehabilitation programs local boards and municipal government bodies to gain approval for projects.
• Oversees the Vacant Property Reinvestment Program, managing property referrals, issuing legal notices, coordinating with municipal and county planning commissions, and facilitating monthly board meetings.
• Works with financial consultant on underwriting and financial feasibility.
• Monitors applicable regulations and promptly alerts the Supervisor to relevant issues. Oversees construction activities by conducting on-site inspections and participating in key project meetings, including pre-bid, pre-construction, and construction monitoring sessions.
• Maintains technical and programming documents and files related to all completed projects.
• Manages adaptive reuse and development opportunities undertaken by the Authority.
• Reviews and evaluates contractor payment requests in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Assists in the preparation of long range and annual plans and required performance reports.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university, or equivalent combination professional experience in real estate financial management, program management, or community development.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

• Writing – Must possess excellent writing skills capable of accurately and compellingly conveying the goals and needs of the organization.
• Publications – Has a thorough working knowledge of publication management as it relates to fundraising and corporate communications.

INTELLUCTIAL SKILLS:

• Analytical – Collects and analyzes data; designs workflows and procedures; designs evaluation and survey tools.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully, develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher (or equivalent software). Demonstrated knowledge of database software (e.g., Access), internet applications, word processing, spreadsheet tools, presentation software, and social media management best practices.

OTHER SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of federal and state housing programs and regulations addressing housing, blight remediation, urban revitalization and community development preferred.
• General knowledge of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Programs.
• Experience in working with low- and moderate- income families.
• Ability to understand and effectively communicate program goals, criteria, and processing procedures.
• Ability to work as part of a management team and establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, municipal officials, other professionals, and representatives of non-profit organizations.
• Candidates should ideally have a minimum of two years of experience in the real estate field.

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 regularly required to sit and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and walk.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

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 moderate.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $76,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Language:

• English (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Lancaster, PA 17603 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Lancaster, PA 17603: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $76,500