Department: Neighborhood and Business Development
City of Syracuse residency is required for this position. If you are not a resident, you have six (6) months from your date of hire to establish residency.
Job Description
The Director is primarily responsible for managing operations for the department’s diverse portfolio of federal, state, and local sector grants aimed at increasing safe, quality affordable housing and advancing neighborhood development goals. The Director provides day-to-day oversight of the Neighborhood Grants program administration staff to ensure timely compliance with HUD and other applicable federal, state and local regulations. The Director works closely with Department staff to align grant strategies and programs with the Department’s priorities for neighborhood and economic development and inclusive growth. The incumbent reports to the Deputy Commissioner of Neighborhood Development and supports the Guiding Principles of the City of Syracuse.
Typical Work Activities
Lead Day-to-Day Grant Administration and Compliance:
- Lead day-to-day operations to ensure timely and effective grant administration and compliance.
- Monitor and ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local grant regulations, as well as other compliance and performance requirements.
- Ensure program data is reported accurately and timely through HUD and other applicable reporting systems.
- Work with grant administrators to track and maintain effective compliance records.
- Lead the standardization of grant administration systems and processes across the department.
- Support department-wide strategic planning through the preparation of the:
- Consolidated Plan
- Annual Action Plan
- Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
- Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice
- Other related reports
- Convene and facilitate trainings and quarterly check-ins with subgrantees and community partners.
- Design, implement, and assess the effectiveness of standardized operating procedures.
- Provide technical assistance to project managers and community stakeholders.
- Prepare required reports and respond to requests from HUD and other funding partners.
- Coordinate federal and state monitoring activities impacting multiple staff units
Support Grant Development and Funding Opportunities:
- Identify and pursue funding opportunities that align with departmental priorities.
- Draft and coordinate grant applications for federal, state, and philanthropic funding sources.
- Coordinate the preparation of grant proposals, funding applications, contracts, and other supporting documentation necessary to advance departmental initiatives.
Provide Staff Leadership and Development:
- Supervise four (4) full-time employees engaged in planning and administering HUD Block Grant activities and other grant-funded programs.
- Coach employees, establish performance goals, and conduct performance evaluations.
- Ensure staff complete appropriate training to remain current with applicable regulations and industry best practices.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local grant administration principles, regulations, and compliance requirements.
- Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of program management, strategic planning, and public administration.
- Good knowledge of supervisory principles, employee development, and performance management.
- Ability to interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, policies, and grant requirements.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with government agencies, funding partners, community organizations, and the public.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports.
- Ability to manage multiple projects involving diverse stakeholders, departments, and external agencies.
- Ability to prioritize work, remain flexible, and effectively manage competing deadlines in a fastpaced environment.
- Ability to organize work efficiently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook; familiarity with grant management software is desirable.
Minimum Qualifications
- A) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, Finance, Urban Planning, or a closely related field; or
- B) Six (6) years of progressively responsible professional grant administration experience administering federal, state, or private grant programs, including grant development, program planning, compliance, financial management, and reporting; or
- C) An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Benefits
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
- Retirement plan
Click here to apply
The Affirmative Action Policy of the City of Syracuse is to provide equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, age (18 and over), marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity or gender expression, sexual or affectional preference or orientation, or any other classified group within the protected class. The City also complies with 31 CFR part 51. If you have a disability for which you wish special accommodation to be made, contact the Office of Human Resources at 315-448-8780 or personnel@syr.gov.
The City of Syracuse may conduct a criminal background check with regard to the employment sought.