CDBG Program Director

Date Posted: Dec 27, 2024

Requisition ID: 452833

Location:

Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion—we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.

About the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA):

OCRA works with local, state, and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community and economic development.

Role Overview:

The Community Development Block Grant Program Director (CDBG PD) position serves the state of Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) and the Lt. Governor as the individual responsible for leading and overseeing the State of Indiana’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding allocation and programming, including all issues relating to program delivery, risk management, compliance oversight, training and policies, partnerships, ethical obligations, and fiscal integrity. Responsibilities include policy analysis support, short and long-term research, and evaluation of the Office of Community and Rural Affairs projects. The program director provides excellent customer service and responsive communication to state-wide contacts of all disciplines. They are well-versed in the technical requirements of all CDBG-funded programs and financial solutions. The CDBG PD reports directly to the OCRA Chief Operations Officer.

Salary Statement:

The salary for this position is commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

Incumbent administers multiple CDBG projects and/or programs and serves as the specialist and final authority in several specific areas. Incumbent utilizes education, consultation, cooperative programming, and coordination to accomplish these goals. Representative duties include:

• Initiating and setting goals for the CDBG programs according to the strategic objectives of the agency;

• Formulate, establish, interpret, compile, and disseminate to applicable agencies and groups, all policies and procedures related to their responsible programs;

• Review all incoming policy or procedural information for decisions on distribution;

• Research, consult, and develop new CDBG programs in response to community needs in order to enhance impact;

• Devise evaluation strategies to monitor performance and determine the need for improvements;

• Discover ways to enhance the efficiency and productivity of procedures and people;

• Maintain and cultivate funded program partnerships with communities and other eligible applicants while identifying future partners and potential funding opportunities:

• Act as technical consultant to the entire staff, clarifying and interpreting all procedures, providing references, developing and providing training, and resolving disputed issues;

• Developing or approving budgets and operations;

• Ensure 90% of projects funded from assigned programs meet designated timelines and budgets;

• Develop scoring methodology and coordinate review for CDBG grant programming;

• Ensure all program operations and activities adhere to legal guidelines and internal policies;

• Research issues that will affect rural communities as they prepare for economic growth;

• Organize regional conferences, workshops, trainings, and exchanges to provide educational and networking opportunities;

• Facilitate interactive meetings to gather community input and provide realistic options for enhancing communities;

• Ensure that users' and project team members' roles and responsibilities on the project are defined;

• Ensure that user requirements, deliverables, and approvals are defined;

• Provide relevant information for inclusion in agency, state, and national newsletters, and press releases;

• Ensure proper documentation is submitted prior to approving program invoices;

• Create and maintain a team atmosphere and work environment to promote project work productivity;

• Serve as a liaison between the agency and other state and federal agencies;

• Attend community functions, meetings, workshops, etc. on behalf of OCRA;

• Responsible for data collection, development of project data, and preparation of project reports, managing and maintaining research regarding various matters simultaneously;

• Keep the executive office informed with detailed and accurate reports or presentations;

• Performs related duties as assigned.

What You'll Need for Success:

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Affairs, or related field required, plus a minimum of eight years of program management experience;

• Past organizational management experience comprising five years or longer, preferably with multiple departments/divisions;

• Ability to train staff on programs and policies;

• Advanced knowledge of project cost management, benefits analysis, risk management, funding, and estimation of resources;

• Considerable knowledge of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules and requirements, program management theories and practices, and the ability to apply that knowledge;

• Extensive knowledge of available source materials and references, including all federal and state laws governing the projects/programs;

• Extensive knowledge of the organization of the agency state agencies, and federal agencies dealing with the projects/programs;

• Extensive understanding of the relationships between Indiana’s community economic development goals and various programs and services provided by the agency and its partners

• Considerable knowledge of the information systems development life cycle, information technology, project tools, and approaches to development and implementation;

• Broad knowledge of grant administration, accounting,g and budget principles;

• Ability to comprehend, analyze, interpret, and correlate very technical material and make recommendations on implementation in current programs;

• Proficient computer skills, especially using Microsoft Suite and Google Suite applications;

• Ability to develop and implement new principles and policies and discern any far-reaching implications;

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing;

• Ability to travel occasionally within the state and nationally;

• Experience leading public presentations, training, and speaking engagements;

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with federal and state agencies.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities

• Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid new parent leave

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

  Equal Employment Opportunity:

  The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.

  If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

  The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.

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