Community Development Block Grant Project Manager

About the role

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) seeks a CDBG Project Manager to support impactful community development across the state. This role involves guiding cities and counties through the full lifecycle of CDBG projects, particularly those focused on water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Manage CDBG projects from application through closeout.
• Review and score applications; support funding recommendations.
• Establish project budgets, milestones, and required documentation.
• Cook up and manage contracts, amendments, and construction progress.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state requirements.
• Provide clear technical assistance to applicants, grantees, local governments, and grant administrators.
• Conduct on-site monitoring visits statewide to assess compliance, construction progress, and project performance.
• Serve as a cross-program compliance resource for CDBG and related infrastructure programs.
• Develop guidance, training materials, and compliance resources to support communities and partners.
• Present program and compliance information to stakeholders, grant administrators, and community representatives.
• Collaborate with team members on program materials, presentations, and continuous process improvements.

Requirements

Strong understanding of HUD programs and federal compliance & grant administration. Experience with public infrastructure or construction-related projects. Effective communication skills to build relationships with applicants and grant recipients. Dedication to our Core Values: Accountability in Action, Innovate Together, Mission Driven.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in research, planning, economics, public relations, business, corporate finance, or marketing.
• Experience equal to two years of full-time work involving responsibility for interpreting laws, rules, and regulations, and/or securing compliance with them; or developing, administering, and/or deploying grants/projects/programs.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of the above required experience for each year (thirty semester or equivalent hours) of the required education.

Skills

Excellent communication skills. Ability to interpret and apply state and federal regulations and program requirements. Strong organizational and project management skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of public sector grants and infrastructure projects.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including: Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and 9 paid holidays. Great Benefits: Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance options. Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and deferred compensation plan. Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care). Life Insurance: Free life insurance. Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

Pay

This is a non-merit position classified as an Economic Development Specialist 2 and is exempt per FLSA regulations.

Schedule

Hours and schedule details are not specified in the job description.