Overview
The City of East Cleveland is entering a defining chapter under a new Mayor and this moment calls for public servants who want their work to matter. This is a new day for our city: a focused push toward recovery, modernization, and measurable improvements in how City Hall serves residents, businesses, and community partners. We are moving at the speed of progress - strengthening accountability, rebuilding trust, and delivering the responsive, high-quality services our community deserves. That transformation starts inside City Hall. From building and permitting to public safety support, prosecution, constituent services, community events, and the day-to-day operations that keep a city running; each role is mission-critical. The work is real, the expectations are high, and the impact is direct. If you’re the kind of person who thrives in complex environments, believes government can be effective, and is ready to help rebuild systems so they work for people - join us! Bring your expertise, your good judgment, and your commitment to service, and be part of building a Future-Forward East Cleveland.
Position Summary
The Community Development Specialist is responsible for administering, coordinating, monitoring, and reporting on federally funded community development and housing programs for the City of East Cleveland, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). The position ensures compliance with applicable federal regulations, including U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirements, environmental review procedures, procurement standards, financial reporting requirements, and citizen participation obligations.
The Community Development Specialist manages program implementation activities including Annual Action Plans, Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Reports (CAPER), IDIS reporting, subrecipient monitoring, environmental review coordination, contract compliance, and program performance tracking. The position also assists with strategic planning efforts related to housing, neighborhood revitalization, economic development, fair housing, and community engagement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
HUD Program Administration
- Administer and coordinate the City’s CDBG and HOME entitlement grant programs in accordance with HUD regulations and City policies.
- Prepare and manage required HUD planning and reporting documents, including:
- Five-Year Consolidated Plans
- Annual Action Plans
- CAPER reports
- Citizen Participation Plans
- Amendments and substantial amendments
- Maintain compliance with federal regulations under:
- 24 CFR Part 570 (CDBG)
- 24 CFR Part 92 (HOME)
- 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance)
- Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity requirements
- Section 3 requirements
- Davis-Bacon requirements where applicable
- Coordinate grant agreements, project documentation, and eligibility determinations.
IDIS & Reporting
- Set up and maintain HUD activities in the Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS).
- Prepare IDIS activity setups, draws, accomplishments, and closeouts.
- Track expenditures, timeliness ratios, beneficiary data, and national objective compliance.
- Maintain accurate program records and files in preparation for HUD monitoring and audits.
- Prepare reports, spreadsheets, dashboards, and performance summaries for City leadership, City Council, and HUD.
Project & Subrecipient Monitoring
- Monitor subrecipients, contractors, and program partners for compliance with federal requirements.
- Conduct desk and on-site monitoring reviews.
- Review reimbursement requests and supporting documentation.
- Prepare monitoring letters, corrective action notices, and compliance documentation.
- Assist with procurement compliance reviews and contract administration.
Environmental Review & Compliance
- Coordinate environmental review processes in accordance with 24 CFR Part 58.
- Prepare or assist in preparation of environmental review records (ERRs), notices, and compliance documentation.
- Coordinate consultation requirements involving historic preservation, floodplain management, and related regulatory agencies.
- Maintain environmental review files and supporting documentation.
Housing & Community Development Activities
- Assist with implementation of housing rehabilitation, public services, infrastructure, demolition, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization activities funded through CDBG and HOME.
- Coordinate with nonprofit organizations, developers, contractors, consultants, and community stakeholders.
- Assist with development of housing and community development policies and procedures.
- Support fair housing initiatives and community outreach efforts.
Public Engagement & Coordination
- Organize and facilitate required public meetings, hearings, and community engagement activities.
- Respond to resident, agency, and stakeholder inquiries regarding grant-funded programs.
- Prepare presentations, agenda materials, resolutions, and staff reports for City Council and other boards or commissions.
- Coordinate with regional, county, state, and federal agencies as needed.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Maintain organized digital and physical grant files.
- Assist with grant research and preparation of funding applications.
- Track deadlines and maintain compliance calendars.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, urban planning, community development, political science, business administration, housing, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Experience
Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in community development, housing programs, grant administration, urban planning, or public sector administration.
Experience administering HUD entitlement programs, particularly CDBG and HOME, is strongly preferred.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with HUD entitlement communities.
- Experience using HUD’s IDIS system.
- Knowledge of environmental review procedures under 24 CFR Part 58.
- Experience preparing Consolidated Plans, Annual Action Plans, and CAPER reports.
- Experience with subrecipient monitoring and federal grant compliance.
- Knowledge of procurement standards under 2 CFR Part 200.
- Experience working with municipal governments or public agencies.
- Familiarity with fair housing, Davis-Bacon, Section 3, and Uniform Relocation Act requirements.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge Of:
- Federal community development and housing regulations
- HUD entitlement grant administration
- Grant management and compliance procedures
- Municipal government operations
- Public meeting and citizen participation requirements
- Recordkeeping and reporting standards
Skill In:
- Technical and professional writing
- Data tracking and report preparation
- Spreadsheet and database management
- Organization and project coordination
- Public presentation and communication
- Problem-solving and regulatory interpretation
Ability To:
- Interpret and apply federal regulations and guidance
- Manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Maintain detailed and accurate records
- Work independently with limited supervision
- Communicate effectively with residents, officials, agencies, and stakeholders
- Build productive working relationships with community partners
Technology Requirements
Proficiency with:
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- HUD Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS)
- Adobe Acrobat or similar PDF software
- Online grant management and reporting systems
- Virtual meeting platforms
Physical Requirements
The position requires the ability to:
- Sit or stand for extended periods
- Operate standard office equipment
- Attend evening meetings as needed
- Conduct occasional field inspections and site visits
Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in an office environment with occasional travel to project sites, public meetings, and training sessions.
Compensation
Salary: starting at $55,000 - $60,000 (depending on qualifications)
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The City of East Cleveland is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected classification under applicable law.
Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
