Community and Economic Development Specialist

Application deadline is April 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST. Applicants will not be contacted until after this date. Internal applicants will be considered before external applicants.

Applications cannot be accepted through Handshake, only through our external site! https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/northamptoncounty

GENERAL PURPOSE
The Community & Economic Development Specialist position is responsible for researching, planning, managing, and implementing various activities and programs designed to facilitate strategic allocation of County resources, encourage business growth, and to improve the quality of life for residents through the support and provision of community and economic development services.   

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position reports directly to the Director of Community & Economic Development, Deputy Director of Community & Economic Development, and/or Community & Economic Development Administrator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position is not responsible for the supervision of other employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION
Assists in the development, modification, and implementation of program goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and prioritization of same.

Assists in the process of acquiring funding and implementing programs in accordance with the goals and requirements of the county and relevant oversight entities.  

Serves as the primary contact for specific funding resources to support departmental initiatives.

Monitors programs administered by the department and affiliated private activity authorities and ensures compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations through both desk audits and field reviews.

Assists in the preparation of the annual departmental budget, as well as budgets of the affiliated private activity authorities.

Maintains records and prepares reports, correspondence, and grant and financing applications.

Maintains financial records and documents including the preparation of contracts and agreements. Monitors fund expenditures which includes the preparation of budget modifications as necessary to ensure appropriate expenditure of County grant awards.

Serves as a designee of the County and promotes the goals and priorities of the department through participation at stakeholder meetings.

Conducts research and provides analyses and reports to department heads, advisory committees of County Council’s Economic Development Committee, and members of the public to assist in formulating funding and policy recommendations.

Maintains a positive rapport with members of the public and stakeholders and communicates the goals, policies, and requirements of specific programs in a non-technical manner.

Assists the departmental administrators with reviews and updates to relevant policies and program guidelines.

*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE – Completion of a high school, or general equivalency diploma; AND

At least three (3) years of full-time work experience in public administration, planning, business, or finance with a focus on contract/project management and the processing and/or application of grants.

DRIVER’S LICENSE - Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license. Must have an acceptable driving record. Personal vehicle required for County business. Employee is eligible for mileage reimbursement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES  
Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration including governmental structure and process, budgeting, and program management.

Basic knowledge of state and Federal accounting procedures governing participation in governmental fiscal programs.  

Knowledge of contract management and program administration.

Highly effective communications skills both verbally and in writing.

Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, municipal governments, community groups, and funding agencies.

Ability to operate a personal computer and secure information from established data processing, spreadsheet, word processing, database, and graphics programs.  

Ability to read, interpret and explain complex laws, rules, and regulations.

Ability to effectively respond to a variety of constituent concerns including identification of resources or appropriate referrals for concerns not relevant to the resources of the department.

Ability to prepare statistical and financial reports.

Ability to work with a minimum of supervision.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position. 

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Telephone, personal computer (including word processing, spreadsheet software, web-based program and conferencing tools), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, and paper shredder.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk or hear.  

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work in different work site locations as required, with most of the time spent in an office.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required. 

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.


FLSA STATUS: FLSA NON-EXEMPT (ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)
DESIGNATION:  CAREER SERVICE
PAY GRADE:  CS/GR23
UNION STATUS:  NON-UNION

Updated March 2026