PROJECT DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Job Summary:  The Project Development Specialist supports a variety of community and economic development initiatives under the supervision of the Senior Project Development Specialist.  This role is responsible for assisting with loan underwriting for Authority programs and regional economic development organizations, providing financial oversight for regional revolving loan programs, and assisting in the administration of state and federal grants.  The Project Development Specialist also supports the implementation of housing programs, including the North Country HOME Consortium and several municipal housing initiatives.  The position requires collaboration with local municipal staff, economic development organizations, housing providers, businesses, and homeowners to advance regional development goals.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with municipal partners, economic development organizations, housing providers, businesses, and homeowners to advance regional initiatives.
• Work with internal teams to ensure effective project planning, coordination and implementation.
• Identify, develop, and implement community and economic development projects and programs that support regional goals.
• Assist in the administration and oversight of housing and community development revolving loan programs, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and financial integrity.
• Support the management and the coordination of contracted programs and services, including the North Country HOME Consortium, North Country Alliance, and North Country Economic Development Fund.
• Assist with loan underwriting by reviewing and analyzing financial statements, performing credit assessments, and preparing related documentation.
• Support project management activities, including the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting for housing programs and other Authority initiatives.
• Provide technical assistance, guidance and capacity building support to strategic partners, community stakeholders, and local municipalities.
• Assist with grant writing, proposal development, and the administration of state and federal grants.
• Perform related duties to support the overall operations, goals and objective of the Authority.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

• Proficient with MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and familiarity with project management or financial software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, community partners, and private sector representatives.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, creativity, and flexibility in decision-making and problem solving.
• Ability to learn quickly, adapt to evolving priorities, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively while exercising independent judgement.

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Community Development, or a related field.

Professional Certification/Licenses:  None

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in financial underwriting, business financial statement preparation and analysis, and project management.
• Experience supporting programs in small cities, rural communities, or other underserved areas is a plus.
• One (1) year of experience in community and economic development, affordable housing is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education, training, and experience sufficient to perform the responsibilities of the position may be acceptable.

Pre-employment Physical Exam and Drug Test Required:  Yes

Annual Physical Exam Required:  No

Minimum Driver’s License:  New York State Class “D”

Travel Requirements:  <10%

Typical Work Schedule:  Regularly works Monday through Friday during normal business hours and requires willingness to work a flexible schedule when needed.

Environmental:  Typical office environment where employee is protected from weather conditions or contaminants.

Benefits:  NYS Employees’ Retirement System, NYS Deferred Compensation, 12-paid holidays, 3-weeks’ vacation, 10-sick days, 2-personal holidays, an employer funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for medical and prescriptions benefits, dental, vision and short-term disability insurance, professional development and tuition reimbursement.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The Development Authority of the North Country is an Equal Opportunity Employer.