General Statement of Duties

The Development Officer – Special Projects serves as a lead administrator and project manager for strategic initiatives within the Department of Opportunity and Resident Services (DORS). This position is responsible for developing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating special projects that advance resident opportunity, economic mobility, homeownership, small business growth, neighborhood investment, and human services priorities.

The role provides flexible support across multiple program areas and serves as a key liaison between the City, nonprofit organizations, community-based partners, small businesses, service providers, financial institutions, philanthropic organizations, and residents. Projects may range from pilot initiatives and grant-funded programs to City-sponsored investments and cross-departmental efforts that address emerging community needs.

This position manages projects from concept development through implementation, funding coordination, contract administration, compliance monitoring, reporting, and closeout. The Development Officer (Special Projects) works collaboratively across City departments and with external stakeholders to ensure projects are administered effectively, resources are leveraged strategically, and outcomes align with the City's goals.

What Success Looks Like In This Role

Special projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with departmental priorities.
Partnerships are cultivated and leveraged to expand resources and opportunities for residents.
Programs demonstrate measurable outcomes and positive community impact.
Stakeholders view DORS as responsive, collaborative, and solutions-oriented.
New initiatives are successfully developed and implemented to address emerging community needs.
Opportunities for innovation, funding, and cross-sector collaboration are actively identified and advanced.

Minimum Qualifications (KSAs)

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices, and terminology of economic development.

Principles and practices of community development and revitalization programs.

Basic practices and principles of economics and finance.

Principles and practices of real estate.

Pertinent Federal, State, and Local laws, codes, rules and regulations.

Methods of program development, evaluation, and administration.

Principles and practices of municipal accounting and budget development.

Principles and practices of grant application and administration.

Principles and practices of research and analysis.

Methods and techniques of report writing.

City geography.

Job related computer software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications.

The local economic, cultural and political environment.

Skill To

Negotiate and mediate effectively.

Read and understand maps, blueprints, and specifications.

Operate a personal computer and other standard office equipment.

Operate motor vehicle in performance of job duties.

Read and interpret financial statements.

Read and interpret real estate agreements and financing documents.

Ability To

Produce and explain results of financial analyses.

Identify, analyze, and resolve program deficiencies; develop solutions and recommend changes.

Create and make effective presentations.

Recommend actions to decision makers based on a logical analysis of the information. Interpret and explain City policies and procedures.

Process complex information while maintaining attention to detail.

Conduct research and prepare clear and concise reports.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Prioritize work and manage time to meet deadlines.

Maintain confidentiality of City information; maintain highest ethical standards of conduct. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted while work (i.e. stakeholder groups, business owners, executives and elected officials).

Examples Of Work Performed

Project Development and Program Administration

Lead the development, implementation, and management of special projects and strategic initiatives across DORS program areas.
Support programs related to resident services, human services, housing stability, homeownership, small business development, financial empowerment, and other community investment priorities.
Research and recommend innovative approaches to address resident and neighborhood needs.
Develop project scopes, implementation plans, timelines, and performance measures.
Coordinate project activities from initiation through completion while ensuring milestones are achieved.

Financial Review & Contract Coordination

Assist with identifying funding opportunities and leveraging public, private, philanthropic, and grant resources.
Coordinate application, review, award, and contracting processes as applicable.
Review budgets, scopes of work, and supporting documentation to assess feasibility and alignment with project goals.
Monitor project expenditures, contract performance, and compliance requirements.
Support financial reporting and accountability for funded initiatives.

Stakeholder Coordination & Customer Experience

Serve as a primary point of contact for community organizations, service providers, small businesses, neighborhood groups, and residents participating in special projects.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal departments and external partners.
Facilitate meetings, stakeholder engagement efforts, and community outreach activities.
Coordinate with regional organizations, philanthropic partners, and service providers to advance project objectives.

Compliance, Reporting & Documentation

Maintain organized and audit-ready project files, records, and documentation.
Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for departmental leadership, City administration, and elected officials.
Track project outcomes and performance metrics to measure effectiveness and impact.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and program-specific requirements.

Required Education And Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Public or Business Administration, Economics, Real Estate, Urban Design/Planning, Finance, or related field.

Other Requirements

A valid Driver's License is required.

Must be an excellent communicator and team builder.

MILITARY EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION Military education and experience may be substituted for college level course work at the lower and upper division baccalaureate and graduate levels and apprenticeship training at the vocational certificate level on a case by case basis based on the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide recommendations. Candidates must attach their Joint Services Transcripts evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) if they would like military course work to be considered as part of the application review. Please follow the link below for additional information.

https://www.dantes.doded.mil/EducationPrograms/get-credit/creditmilitary.html

Working and Physical Conditions

Environmental Conditions: Indoor and outdoor environments; exposure to office computer screens; travel to various locations throughout the City, including active construction sites, unimproved land, office, retail, commercial and industrial facilities and street vendor locations, may be required; exposure to extremes in weather conditions; some ground conditions may be slippery or uneven; and work around moving vehicles/machinery may occur.

Physical Conditions: Duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged periods of time; light lifting and carrying; must be able to operate a motor vehicle.

Probationary Period: None

Supervision Exercised: None

HR Contact: gustavo.rodriguez@cincinnati-oh.gov.

The below information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available and is subject to change. Not all benefits listed are available for every position. Benefits can vary depending on applicable labor agreements and/or salary plan. For specific questions, contact the HR Contact indicated on the Job Posting.

The City of Cincinnati offers its employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefit package designed to actively attract and retain quality employees' to add additional value to the City of Cincinnati's workforce. A summary of these benefits for full-time employment is listed below. This is a general listing of benefits for all employees and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing for all bargaining units.

The City offers a variety of training programs, ranging from job-specific skills such as computer and equipment instruction, to helping supervisors improve their management techniques.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Cincinnati is dedicated to providing equal employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation or transgendered status, or ethnic, national or Appalachian origin, or on the basis of any other category protected under federal, state and local laws.

Holidays

The City of Cincinnati has 11 paid holidays annually that include:

New Year's Day

Martin Luther King Day

President's Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans' Day

Thanksgiving Day

Day after Thanksgiving

Christmas

Health Insurance

The City of Cincinnati 80/20 offers 3 medical plans to all full time City of Cincinnati employees and eligible dependents: the 80/20 PPO medical plan, the HDHP medical plan with an HSA contribution, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement for those enrolled on another non-city eligible group plan.

Eligible Dependents Include

Legal Spouse or Equal Partner

Child (natural child, adopted child, and/or child who the group has determined is covered under a "Qualified Medical Child Support Order")

Step-child

Child for whom the employee or employee's spouse/equal partner is a legal guardian

Basic Life Insurance

A $50,000 Basic Life Insurance policy is paid for by the City for certain eligible employees. Full time employees not eligible for the City-paid basic life insurance policy are generally provided a similar benefit through their union group.

Supplemental Life, Long Term Disability, Accident & Critical Illness Insurance

Most full time City employees are eligible to participate in a supplemental life insurance program, a long term disability plan, and accident and critical illness insurance programs at their own expense. Premiums are determined by age, amount of coverage, and various additional factors.

Flexible Benefits Plans

Healthcare Flex Spending Account

City employees can participate in the Healthcare Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay out-of-pocket medical, prescription, dental, and vision care expenses for employees and family members.

Dependent Care Flex Spending Account

City employees can participate in a Dependent Care Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay work-related dependent care expenses. Participants can set aside money each year through pre-tax payroll deductions to pay for these expenses.

Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account

City employees can participate in a Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account (TERA) that can be used to reimburse expenses related to traveling to and from work. Participants can set-up a pre-tax payroll deduction up to an IRS regulated amount.

Healthy Lifestyles Program

City employees can voluntarily participate in a wellness incentive program that encourages and rewards employees and their spouses/equal partners for making positive choices for better health. The City of Cincinnati will contribute up to $300/year to a Health Reimbursement Account for each the employee and their spouse/equal partner for meeting specified program goals. These dollars can be used to offset qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Integrated Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)

This is a voluntary program that serves as an alternative healthcare option to traditional medical plans. If you have alternate group health coverage available to you through a spouse, equal partner, another job, or a non-city retirement plan, you may be eligible for this plan which reimburses you for the difference in premiums between the plans and your covered out of pocket expenses on the other plan.

Retirement Plan

The City provides a defined benefit pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. New hires and re-hired employees are required to participate in the City of Cincinnati's Retirement System (CRS), regardless of previous participation in an Ohio State pension system or any another state or federal pension system. CRS is funded by employer and employee contributions, and investment returns from plan assets. CRS provides retirement and health care benefits subject to eligibility requirements. The following groups are excluded from participation in CRS: Mayor and Members of City Council; Sworn Police & Fire; Police Recruits; and Rehired Ohio Police & Fire Retirees.

Deferred Compensation

As an Ohio government employer, the City offers employees the ability to participate in a 457(b) tax-deferred retirement savings plan. The City makes an annual match to your 457(b) of up to $750, or as otherwise specified in applicable regulations and union contracts.

01

What is your highest level of education completed?

Doctoral Degree
Master's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Associate's Degree
Some College (degree incomplete)
High School or GED
Less than High School or GED
Other

02

Do you possess a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Public or Business Administration, Economics, Real Estate, Urban Design/Planning, Finance, or related field?

03

Please list your degree (including field). If none, type "n/a."

04

How many years of experience do you have performing work listed under "Examples of Work Performed?"

None
Some, less than 1
At least 1, less than 2
At least 2, less than 3
At least 3, less than 4
At least 4, less than 5
At least 5

05

Please provide a brief overview of your project management experience. "See resume'" is not acceptable response.

06

Please describe why you are interested in this role.

07

Do you possess a valid driver's license?

08

Do you understand and acknowledge this is an unclassified position with the City of Cincinnati? Unclassified positions are exempt from examination and do not have appeal rights to the Civil Service Commission.

Yes, I acknowledge and understand
Required Question

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