Principal Development Specialist

Principal Development Specialist

The County of Riverside's Housing and Workforce Department's Housing Authority Division is seeking a qualified Principal Development Specialist located in Riverside. The incumbents will serve as a program manager for all rental assistance programs in Riverside County. Some of the responsibilities and tasks involved are managing line staff, which includes hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating employees to ensure they are effectively contributing to program goals; staying current with HUD policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal regulations; ensuring agency plans are up to date and in compliance with rental assistance programs; creating reports; monitoring program budgets to ensure that funds are allocated appropriately; and addressing concerns and issues from program participants. Overall, the program manager plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient and compliant operation of rental assistance programs within Riverside County. This position will require the incumbent to travel to various off-site locations as needed. The most competitive candidates will have experience in rental assistance programs, ability to effectively communicate, provide conflict resolution, and keep abreast on policy changes.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Notice

In accordance with the HUD Annual Contributions Contract HUD-53012, applicants must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest related to the Housing Assistance Program. This includes financial interests held by the applicant or certain close family members or associates, such as owning rental property receiving Section 8 assistance.

Under Section 16 of HUD-53012, ownership of units leased to Section 8 participants by the applicant or their close family/associates may affect eligibility for certain positions. This disclosure ensures transparency and compliance with federal regulations (24 CFR 982.161). Additional information may be requested during the recruitment process.

Applicants should review this requirement carefully and be prepared to provide relevant information.

For details, see: HUD-53012 Annual Contributions Contract (Download PDF reader).

Meet the Team! The Riverside County Department of Housing & Workforce Solutions (HWS) is a dedicated group that prioritizes delivering services to the County's most vulnerable populations. Through helpful interventions that meet our county's housing and workforce-related needs, HWS is promoting prosperous neighborhoods and healthy communities. The Housing Authority of the County of Riverside (HACR) is a public agency chartered by the State of California to administer the development, rehabilitation or financing of affordable housing programs. The mission of the Housing Authority is to transform and promote healthy, thriving communities, re-ignite hope and restore human dignity through the creation and preservation of high quality and innovative housing and community development programs which enhance the quality of life and revitalize neighborhoods to foster self-sufficiency. The Housing Authority has been serving Riverside County since 1942. Can you see yourself here?

Examples of Essential Duties

Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate, directly or through subordinate supervisors, the administrative and operational activities of a major program function, department unit, or department projects in geographical regions.

Participate in the development and review of department policies and goals, particularly as they affect the incumbent's assigned division/unit.

Analyze, interpret and explain laws, statutes, ordinances, and procedures to subordinate staff and large committees of officials and public; lead, participate and/or represent the department in state and/ or County-wide activities and programs.

Review and evaluate existing programs for overall effectiveness and efficiency in meeting division/unit goals and initiating action for operational improvements as necessary; direct administrative, organizational and governmental financial systems and programs.

Assist in the preparation of the department budget by compiling and analyzing data on staffing, support resources and program needs within the assigned division/unit.

Assume responsibility for a variety of personnel activities including performance evaluations, training, selection, and disciplinary actions.

Develop and maintain operational procedures for use by staff; establish and maintain working relationships with federal, state and local agencies, County departments, community groups, and private-sector businesses and developers.

Negotiate, administer and monitor contracts and agreements; write Requests for Proposals and Quotes, reports and correspondence.

Provide technical advice to businesses and developers, County departments and staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Option I

Experience: Two years as a Supervising Development Specialist with the County of Riverside.

Option II

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, which included 30 semester or 45 quarter units of coursework preferably in business or public administration, behavioral science, social science, political science, public policy, urban studies, education, marketing, economics, environmental sciences, geography, or a job-related field similar to that utilized within the County of Riverside Office of Economic Development, Department of Housing & Workforce Solutions, or Facilities Management Department. (Additional professional, technical, or senior clerical experience in a job-related field similar to that utilized within the County of Riverside Office of Economic Development, Department of Housing & Workforce Solutions, or Facilities Management Department may substitute for the required education on the basis of one year of qualifying full-time experience equaling 30 semester or 45 quarter units of the required education.)

Experience: Six years of professional experience, including two years of supervisory experience, in a job-related field similar to that utilized within the County of Riverside Office of Economic Development, Department of Housing & Workforce Solutions, or Facilities Management Department. (A master's degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, behavioral science, social science, political science, public policy, urban studies, marketing, education, economics, environmental sciences, geography, or a job-related field similar to that utilized within the County of Riverside Office of Economic Development, Department of Housing & Workforce Solutions, or Facilities Management Department may substitute for one year of the required non-supervisory experience.)

Examples of Business & Community Services/Housing, Homelessness Prevention & Workforce Solutions, Facilities Management Fields: Economic development; housing and community development; commercial development; real estate; facilities management; community services (e.g., parks, community centers or lighting, water and utilities programs); workforce development (e.g., employment programs or job training programs); eligibility or social programs; finance; contract monitoring/management; environmental or sustainability programs; foreign trade; public relations; marketing; fundraising; film; aviation; human resources; museums; libraries.

All Options

Knowledge of: Principles, methods and techniques of supervision; principles of public administration and personnel management; techniques of administrative and budgetary analysis; federal regulations for the Community Development Block Grant Program, housing and/or job training programs.

Ability to: Plan, organize, coordinate, and evaluate the work of a division; train staff members; schedule, assign and evaluate the work of others; assess program design and implementation; analyze issues and data, generate and evaluate alternatives and develop effective courses of action; understand, interpret and apply provisions of various governmental regulations, policies and contracts; prepare and present reports and recommendations; establish and maintain effective working and public relationships; represent the County effectively and negotiate with representatives of other agencies and firms.

Other Requirements License/Certificate:

Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required.