Community Development Specialist

Position Description

The Anoka County Community Development Specialist administers public programs that promote community development and supports the achievement of program goals through effective day-to-day coordination and oversight. This role manages lending activities, evaluates applicant eligibility, and processes applications while ensuring full compliance with federal and state regulations and Anoka County policies. The position is also responsible for maintaining accurate documentation and preparing required audit reports. Success in this role requires strong project management skills, including the ability to balance multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines. In addition, the Community Development Specialist builds and maintains productive relationships with community organizations to advance local development initiatives. This is a full-time, non-exempt, hybrid/on-site position.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer public programs that support community development initiatives.
• Oversee the operational details of a program and the execution of program goals.
• Prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Responsible for lending activities for each program.
• Establish and maintain relationships with groups and organizations in the community to identify lending opportunities.
• Assess eligibility for participation in community programs.
• Review and process applications.
• Record and report all audit documentation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations as well as Anoka County policy and procedures.

Qualifications and Requirements

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed: Requires a bachelor's degree and at least 2 years (2,080 annual hours) of job-related experience. In lieu of the required education, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed:

• Degree in Housing, Public Administration, Public Policy, Construction Management or related field.
• Knowledge of program guidelines for purposes of evaluation and assessment of buildings and their conditions.
• Knowledge of project and construction management practices.
• Knowledge of building systems, residential rehabilitation standards, local building codes, and energy efficiency or weatherization practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work directly with homeowners, contractors, inspectors, and community partners in a service-focused environment.
• Experience reviewing contractor bids, scopes of work, and project budgets.
• Knowledge of lead hazard control, radon mitigation, and other health and safety standards relevant to residential rehabilitation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Pay and Benefits

• Anoka County Salary Schedule Grade 30: $57,262.40 to $77,292.80 annually ($27.53 to $37.16 per hour). Starting rate will depend on experience, education, and qualifications.
• 24 days of paid flexible time off and up to 12.5 paid holidays.
• Comprehensive insurance, including medical, dental, vision, flex benefits and more at https://www.anokacountymn.gov/benefits
• Medical and dental clinic exclusive to employees, located at the Anoka County Government Center.
• Pension plan and other retirement investment options.
• Advancement/professional development opportunities.

Work Location and Schedule

This position will work at the Anoka County Government Center, located at 2100 3rd Ave, Anoka, MN 55303. This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work, with some days working remotely and some days working in the office. Expected work hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

Standard office environment. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus, such as to work on computers. Ability to see colors, shades, and brightness. Hearing abilities required for general and phone communication, signals, and machine sounds. Assignments are sedentary, occasionally alternating between sitting, standing, walking, crouching, and kneeling as required to perform job responsibilities. Frequent wrist and finger manipulation to complete computer work. Occasional lifting of 10-20 lbs. Equipment used includes computers, phones, and standard office equipment. Occasional travel to other county work sites as needed. Travel between work sites may require driving a county vehicle and/or a personal vehicle. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Selection Process

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Interviews will take place the week of September 28, 2026 for those selected to move forward in the hiring process.

Pre-employment Requirements

Anoka County has determined that successfully passing a pre-employment criminal/driving background check, drug screen and DOT physical, and/or other qualifications checks may be necessary for certain positions. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the County to obtain to conduct such screenings and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.