Community Development Program Manager

~ Capitol Hill Housing builds vibrant and engaged communities through affordable housing and community development. ~

Based on Capitol Hill, we have properties throughout the Seattle area. Since 1976, we have served low- and moderate-income residents and have worked to improve the Capitol Hill neighborhood for all.

Capitol Hill Housing is a public corporation organized by the City of Seattle pursuant to state and municipal law. As such, it is a political subdivision of the State.

Capitol Hill Housing makes it possible for people to live closer to work, school and urban conveniences. We own and maintain affordable apartments for 2,000 of our neighbors across the city.

We currently own and maintain 48 buildings, including historic Seattle apartments we have preserved as well as award-winning new developments. We are seeking to expand our portfolio to help address the affordability crisis in Seattle. For more information, read our real estate acquisition guidelines.

Position Overview

The Community Development Program Manager, an employee of Capitol Hill Housing (CHH), will be tasked with creating an affiliated organization, with the majority of time spent managing the programs of the new organization.

Community Development Partners (CDP) is a soon-to-be-formed nonprofit organization, which will work to build community and further economic development in under resourced communities. CDP will be the administrator of a federal capacity building grant program. CDP will be a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit, based in Seattle, working with King County communities. CHH is launching this new organization.

The Community Development Program Manager will play a key role in successfully launching CDP, manage the administration and compliance of a federal grant program, and provide support to recipient organizations. The Community Development Program Manager will help build and work directly with the CDP Board of Directors.

This position will also provide support to CHH's Sustainability and Planning team in implementing Capitol Hill EcoDistrict projects and assisting with communications and fundraising. Working with the CHH CEO, Director of Community Programs and External Relations Director, and the Sustainability and Planning team, this position will perform complex and technical work that includes planning, developing, communicating and implementing community development and sustainability programs within CHH and other neighborhoods in the Seattle area.

Responsibilities

• We are looking for a dynamic candidate to fill a variety of roles.
• The ideal candidate will have a wide range of knowledge of community development strategies; skills in community building and establishing strong relationships; experience in managing federal grants and contracts, as well as experience in program development, implementation and contract management.
• Candidates should also have experience working with diverse populations and knowledge of the Seattle/King County community development environment.
• The position also includes business development/fundraising, communications/engagement and other duties as assigned by the Director of Community Programs and External Relations.
• The proportions of time included below are estimates and subject to change based on the needs of the organization.

Community Development Partners (approximately 75%): 

• Manage a capacity building grant process, including RFQ process, grant contracting, disbursement, and compliance with federal rules.
• Prepare, monitor, track and administer capacity building grant contracts, performance and outcomes. 
• Prepare reports as required. Hire and manage consultants and their budgets.
• Work with residents and key stakeholders to develop and implement neighborhood-driven plans for comprehensive revitalization. 
• Develop outcome measurements and evaluation tools and processes to measure progress.
• Coordinate the 501(c)(3) formation of CDP, and the development of the Board of Directors.
• Work closely with neighborhood partners to provide programmatic and organizational development expertise, technical assistance, training and support. 
• Support the community in various aspects such as: community organizing and community building strategies, development of work plans, group decision-making and consensus gathering, hiring and training community staff, organizational structure and development, and other capacity building activities and support as appropriate. 
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of their organizational conditions, programs and projects.
• Identify, cultivate, and maintain partnerships and resources to support neighborhood efforts; manage complex public and public-private partnerships. Actively participate in and facilitate meetings.
• Prepare and manage program budgets, in consultation with the Community Programs and External Relations Director and relevant team members.
• Raise additional resources for the program. 
• Identify prospective funding opportunities and prepare funding proposals, applications, reports, presentations, and tours as required by funders and others.
• Administer grants made in support of CDP efforts and ensure that communication with funders is provided on time and in a professional manner.
• Support CDP's communications strategy, including shaping the brand, developing content for print materials and building CDP's online presence.
• Collaborate and coordinate with CHH colleagues regarding other technical assistance, programmatic and real estate investments in CDP target neighborhoods.
• Assume responsibility for special projects and other assignments, as needed. 

Sustainability and Planning (approximately 25%):

• Develop and implement internal and external programs in collaboration with the Sustainability and Planning Team.
• Program categories include green building (internal and external), community development, and community engagement.
• Create marketing collateral, presentations, newsletters, and website updates to support EcoDistrict programs and initiatives.
• Assist in organizing events, ranging from regular small community meetings to larger annual gatherings.
• Develop and sustain strong collaborative relationships with private, nonprofit, and public sector entities to advance sustainability programs and initiatives, including the Capitol Hill EcoDistrict.
• Provide support to the EcoDistrict Steering Committee and ad hoc working groups.
• Support grant writing and sponsorship efforts.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• 4 years of relevant experience may be substituted for a Bachelor's degree. 
• 3 or more years of community development experience. Applicant must demonstrate a successful track record of developing and leading programs in community/economic development, community organizing and engagement, and human capital development.
• The candidate does not need to be an expert in each of these sectors.
• The successful candidate, however, should be familiar with each of them to assist in crafting strategies to integrate each into a comprehensive community development program and a willingness to build this knowledge over time and build partnerships to enhance gaps in expertise.
• Self-directed, solution-oriented, problem solver who takes initiative and is interested in helping to create systems and processes to support this position.
• Exceptional verbal and written communications skills to effectively collaborate with clients and colleagues, present information, and write cohesive reports for various audiences.
• This requires excellent research, writing, analytical, facilitation, project management, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines, respond to reporting requirements in a timely fashion and prepare simple budgets.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Capable of embracing and promoting a culture of individual and shared trust and accountability - internally and externally.
• Ability to organize people into a team and motivate them to work intently and efficiently together.
• Commitment to an inclusive, community-based, resident-driven model of community planning and decision-making.
• Flexibility and poise in dealing with a diverse range of individuals and organizations, including foundations, public agencies, corporate leaders, community development organizations and neighborhood residents.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt to new economic, political, and social environments.
• A demonstrated interest in and commitment to the revitalization of low- and moderate-income communities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced business environment with minimal supervision and capacity to simultaneously work on multiple tasks and projects and set priorities for a challenging workload.
• Capacity to learn and navigate new software required for specific program initiatives.
• Proficiency with social media and the Microsoft Office suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in urban planning or related field.
• Familiarity with/connection to Puget Sound-area community development sector and neighborhood groups.
• Experience managing federal grant contracts, such as CDBG or HUD Section 4.
• Broad knowledge and passion for urban issues, green building and sustainability.
• Some page layout/design experience is helpful; HTML/WordPress skills.