Salary: $82,140.00 – $99,816.00 Annually
Location: City of Bellingham, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 24-Development Specialist II
Department: Planning and Community Development
Opening Date: 01/26/2024
Closing Date: 2/16/2024 4:30 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 231

Learn more about this position and apply today at the City of Bellingham’s Government Jobs page.

Job Description:

The City of Bellingham’s Community Development Division is seeking passionate and dedicated professionals to join our team! We work on a range of topics supporting the health and well-being of the community: facilitating affordable housing, preventing and addressing homelessness, contributing to a vibrant downtown, supporting local businesses, promoting events, public art and tourism and much more! Apply if you’re interested in dynamic work on a wide range of topics to help shape the future of the city.

Responsible for a full range of projects, programs and assignments of considerable complexity in areas such as community and economic development, housing and public/private and non-profit partnerships. Has general oversight and responsibility for project feasibility, design, implementation and completion; organizes the work of project teams and may be assigned responsibility for providing general direction to outside contractors and consultants. Performs complex financial feasibility analysis and identifies grant opportunities applicable to projects or programs. May have specialty areas of assignment based on expertise or current departmental work program needs.  

There is currently one (1) full-time vacancy (1.0 FTE) and one (1) part-time vacancy (0.6 FTE). We anticipate the part-time vacancy becoming full-time pending council approval.

The current full salary range for this position is $6,865/month – $8,318/month. For external candidates, placement within the range is based on qualifications and professional experience in accordance with City policy. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures. Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Teamsters (Supervisory and Professional Unit) Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy.

City of Bellingham employees receive medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as life insurance and long-term disability. Additional benefits include flexible spending accounts, a medical insurance opt-out program, and access to our employee assistance program. All eligible City employees are enrolled in a Washington State Department of Retirement Systems pension plan. Additionally, employees may elect to participate in the City’s 457 deferred compensation retirement savings plan.  

Employees will receive 12 paid holidays in addition to one paid floating holiday each year. At the time of hire, employees will accrue 8 hours of sick leave and 10 hours of vacation per month. Vacation accruals increase based on years of service. Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

For additional information regarding benefits and compensation Information please visit the following:

Essential Functions:

  1. Develops and implements a management process and strategy for assigned projects or programs. Project management includes comprehensive development of revitalization programs and small and large capital construction projects; project conceptualization and scoping; oversight of architectural and engineering design; NEPA/SEPA assessment, permitting, bidding, contracting and other development tasks such as relocation, scheduling and construction management. Program management includes defining goals and strategies, staffing citizen advisory boards, identifying funding sources, managing grant programs including the oversight of consultants and the coordination of City activities with other public or private agencies and governmental units.
  2. Performs complex financial feasibility analysis for capital construction projects and revitalization feasibility studies, including preparation of operating pro-forma, developing budgets, and identifying, obtaining and managing financing. Administers project budget and maintains accurate records of expenditures.
  3. Identifies federal, State, and private grant opportunities applicable to projects or programs and develops grant applications. Targets projects to funders by developing a comprehensive strategy for each proposal and marketing the proposal. Examples of tasks include compilation of facts and information, agency networking, collaboration with potential partners, and focused technical writing.
  4. Organizes and manages the work of project teams consisting of City staff, public or neighborhood agencies, property owners, and other stakeholders. Coordinates with other public agencies on intergovernmental projects. Plans and staff’s public participation and outreach processes and coordinates community consensus building.

Additional Work Performed:

Performs related work of a similar nature or level.

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Also requires frequent attendance at meetings at various locations during the day and evening. Visits construction and project sites.

Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including:

  • Adequate hearing, correctable vision, and manual dexterity.
  • Frequently operate a computer and read a computer screen or typewritten page.
  • Move between work sites.
  • Ability to occasionally lift light weight (up to 25 lbs.).

Experience and Training:

  • Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, business administration, or related field.
  • Three (3) years of project planning or project management experience.
  • Economic Development Finance Professional certification (or equivalent) preferred.
  • Experience managing grant projects preferred.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skills and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.

Necessary Special Requirements:

  • Valid Washington State driver’s license and good driving record. Candidate must submit a three-year driving abstract prior to hire. 
  • Employment contingent upon passing criminal convictions and local background check (see Fair Hiring Practices below).

Selection Process:

As part of the application process, a cover letter is required.

Within the cover letter, please answer the following questions:

  1. Please indicate why you are interested in this position, and why working for the City of Bellingham is the next right step for you in your career. 
  2. Provide a brief summary of your education, experience and qualifications for this position.

Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and required supplemental questions). Provide as much detail as you believe will fully describe your experience and training.

Interviews for the most qualified candidates are tentatively scheduled for March 12, 2024. Invitations to participate in the Interview process will be sent via e-mail on or around February 28, 2024.

Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers.

Equal Opportunity:

Our environment is characterized by respect for cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and ethnic diversity. The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual’s race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.

Fair Hiring Practices:

  • The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment. 
  • The City will not inquire about an applicant’s criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made. 
  • The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied. 
  • The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.