Community Development Specialist na City of Wilmington, NC

About the Department

Position Duties

JOB DUTIES:

• Program & Loan Support
  • Assists with intake and processing of applicants for housing programs such as Home Ownership Pool (HOP), Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation, Rental Incentive, and Housing Counseling.
  • Conducts prescreening, collects verifications, orders appraisals and credit reports, and assembles loan files.
  • Maintains accurate loan records and program data, ensuring compliance with HUD and City regulations.
• Grant & Contract Administration
  • Reviews reimbursement requests and performance reports submitted by contracted nonprofit agencies.
  • Ensures compliance with federal requirements by verifying supporting documentation, monitoring reporting timelines, and compiling audit-ready files.
  • Provides technical assistance and guidance to partner agencies on reporting and compliance procedures.
• Compliance, Data Management & Reporting
  • Compiles data and prepares sections of HUD-required reports such as the Annual Action Plan and Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).
  • Assists in interpreting and applying federal, state, and local regulations to program activities.
• Community Engagement & Outreach
  • Supports planning and delivery of public workshops, events, and meetings to promote housing and community development programs.
  • Develops brochures, newsletters, PowerPoints, and other outreach materials.
  • Works with diverse community groups to expand awareness and access to City resources.
• Strategic & Professional Support
  • Participates in internal workgroups to improve program efficiency and equity.
  • Attends conferences and professional trainings to strengthen program knowledge and share best practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates degree with coursework in public administration, business administration, urban planning or a related field and one year of progressively responsible experience in community development, housing programs, loan processing, federal grant compliance, or administrative support. 
• Valid driver’s license.
• Working knowledge of federal community development programs (CDBG, HOME, Lead Hazard Reduction).
• Familiarity with mortgage origination, loan processing, and housing rehabilitation practices.
• Skill in analyzing data, interpreting program regulations, and preparing compliance documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database systems, including Salesforce.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups including residents, nonprofit agencies, lenders, and contractors.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet strict reporting deadlines.

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work is primarily sedentary, with occasional lifting up to 10 lbs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
This position generally requires work indoors/office setting with occasional offsite visits and public meetings.

Our Mission Statement: Though forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.

Our Core Values: Inclusion, Collaboration, Creativity, and Accountability

What we offer:

The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources.  We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families.  Our benefits package includes:  

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
• Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
• Employer-paid health & wellness clinic  
• Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
• 6-weeks paid parental leave
• Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives 
• Tuition assistance benefits

Applicant Status Updates:  After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department.   All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.