Program Specialist II – Residential Development & Services chez City of Bloomington, MN

About the Department

The City of Bloomington is seeking an individual to coordinate activities related to the planning, administration and delivery of housing and redevelopment programs to meet the HRA's goals and objectives.

CITY VALUES & EXPECTATIONS

• Models and contributes to a positive work environment, culture of communication, engagement and safety
• Communicates effectively and respectfully with employees and the general public, including but not limited to those of diverse racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Works cooperatively as a member of a team; develops and maintains effective working relationships with diverse coworkers and community members; consistently brings a high level of self-awareness and empathy to all personal interactions
• Embraces the City’s shared values and contributes towards accomplishing the City’s vision and goals by being creative, innovative, continuously learning, and communicating clearly

Position Duties

• Prepare comprehensive grant and loan applications to support housing and redevelopment program activities
• Conduct studies and prepare reports related to activities, initiatives, and programs
• Maintain program accounting and reporting; both for internal and external stakeholder requirements 
• Communicate program requirements to applicants and participants 
• Develop and maintain professional working relationships with a wide variety of community, public and private organizations
• Inform and assist in the preparation of the HRA budget
• Prepare written and oral reports, program descriptions, recommendations for action and other communications to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board, City Council and public
• Maintain and expand housing program knowledge and skills, including understanding of local, state and federal rules and regulations
• Administer loan and grant programs including rehabilitation loan program, emergency loan programs and specialized housing loan programs 
• Manage home ownership and purchase/rehab programs
• Coordinate activities for housing development/redevelopment programs 
• Coordinate removal of blighted structures and market land for redevelopment activities of the HRA
• Coordinate population specific initiatives, programs and/or funding 
• Assist with HRA customer service inquiries
• Develop and coordinate contracts with external clients
  

• Ability to coordinate multiple projects at the same time and the ability to prioritize, plan, and organize work to ensure completion of multiple work components within a specific structured and/or limited timeframe involving overlapping and complex deadlines
• Ability to ensure programs meet goals and objectives of the HRA
• Ability to present simple and complex information in a public setting and provide technical knowledge of the topic matter
• Demonstrates strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills with people of diverse cultural, economic and/or ethnic backgrounds 
• Ability to adhere and comply with confidentiality and data practices 
• Ability to maintain effective work relationships with supervisors, coworkers, program recipients, property owners/managers, contractors, and other agencies
• Maintains skills necessary for the performance of job duties, including the use of computers and software used by the HRA
• Obtain and maintain any needed certifications and training necessary for the duties assigned
• Ability to work independently and exhibit critical thinking

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in housing, urban planning, public administration, business administration, real estate, or a similar field or equivalency of 4 years of progressively responsible work experience in public agency or private organization of the above fields
• One year experience in the delivery of housing programs or other related experience
• Familiarity and aptitude with computer software platforms including  Microsoft Office experience specific Word, Excel, and Power Point or equivalent  (Google Workspace)
• Valid driver's license

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in housing, urban planning, public administration, business administration, real estate, or a similar field
• Experience in drafting, negotiating, and administering development contracts and/or funding grants
• Loan origination and/or underwriting experience
• Project management experience including planning, coordinating, continuous improvement and prioritization 
• Experience in concept, design, administration, and marketing of community-based programs
• Demonstrates an awareness of, and sensitivity to, the needs and concerns of individuals from different perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds
• Experience in the acquisition and disposition of real estate
• Experience with Community Development Block Grant or other federal funding

Other Qualifications

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS

This position does not supervise others.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $42.86 – $47.25 Hourly

2025 Full Salary Range: $42.86 – $53.18 Hourly

Full-Time; Non-Exempt; AFSCME Union; Benefits Eligible per Union Contract

The City of Bloomington is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. Applicants who are black, indigenous or persons of color are encouraged to apply. We also encourage women, veterans, members of the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities to apply.