Program Specialist, Prop NS Program

Scope of Service 

The Program Specialist plays a supporting role in the Proposition NS (Prop NS) Program in seeing that activities are implemented in a manner consistent with the program’s purpose and goals. This work will consist of working alongside and under the direction of the Prop NS Program Manager to assist with the regular functions; serving as a liaison with other related or complementary programs; attending Vacancy Collaborative (VC) working group meetings as a representative of St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC); evaluating prospective Prop NS properties; performing Prop NS site visits when needed; engaging and developing relationships with community members; photographing and documenting building and neighborhood conditions necessary for the development of reports and other materials for various committees or the public. 

Key Responsibilities

∙ Assist Prop NS Manager with evaluating program implementation, adopting best practices into the full Prop NS program and re-examining/altering practices that did not perform to expectations, with the goal of developing a smooth, efficient, well-functioning program

∙ Assist with the evaluation and scoring of publicly nominated properties for Prop NS

∙ Assist in packaging Prop NS nominated properties for presentation to the Prop NS Stabilization Advisory Committee and LRA Commission

∙ Perform site visits as needed to buildings nominated for Prop NS or while buildings are undergoing stabilization work, including comfort with opening and closing boarded-up buildings with cordless drills or other tools, and willingness to comply with basic safety protocols

∙ Maintain and update various Prop NS informational pages on the City of St. Louis / SLDC website

∙ Represent SLDC and Prop NS in VC project group meetings, as appropriate

∙ As part of the field work for Prop NS site visits, the Program Specialist will also survey surrounding area to photograph and prepare assessments and reports; and determine other work that would positively impact the block in partnership with Prop NS, such as identifying properties to be considered for demolition or other further action by other city departments or agencies 

∙ Assist with preparation of informational / marketing materials for the sale of Prop NS stabilized buildings, and review and evaluate offers from prospective purchasers

∙ Regularly attend community meetings related to Prop NS to engage with communities and inform future practice of programs. 

Qualifications

∙ Master’s degree in social work, public administration, urban planning, public policy, construction management or related field, or a Bachelor’s degree in one of these fields, along with two or more years experience in related work 

∙ Ability to collect and measure data relating to building and neighborhood conditions

∙ Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines 

∙ Ability and willingness to work in a fast-paced environment 

∙ Ability to work independently and as part of an inter-dependent team

∙ Understanding of and experience with Microsoft Office, Google Drive

∙ Understanding of and experience with mapping programs, such as ArcGIS, is a plus

∙ Ability to effectively communicate and work with the public, partners, other cooperators and peers 

∙ Ability to work collaboratively with and build trust among community and government partners 

∙ Experience with coalition-building to support projects and/or create neighborhood change

∙ Understanding of the history of St. Louis and the causes of today’s vacancy challenge – including redlining, white and industrial flight, drastic population decline, reduced tax base and disinvestment, and environmental and social justice issues – and a passion for addressing vacancy, engaging in community development, and building partnerships 

∙ Knowledge of St. Louis housing stock and neighborhood conditions is a plus 

∙ Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends 

∙ Strong organization skills, networking, communication, and leadership skills are a plus

∙ Self-motivated, creative, detail-oriented, energetic, responsible, and possessing the ability to solve problems 

Salary : $63,000 - $70,000