Work for Indiana

About the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA):
OCRA works with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community and economic development.

About the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG):
Indiana’s state-administered Community Development Block Grant works to advance the growth and resilience of rural cities and towns by investing in local efforts to build, strengthen and thrive.

About the Community Development Block Grant Program Manager (CDBG PM) Position:
The CDBG Program Manager (CDBG-PM2) supports the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) by contributing to the development, implementation and oversight of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs.. This position centers on education and oversight of grant administrators, ensuring they have the knowledge, tools, and accountability needed to deliver compliant, effective projects. The role also provides training and technical assistance for stakeholders, provides guidance to strengthen grant management practices, and monitors performance to protect program integrity and outcomes. This position reports directly to the State CDBG Program Director.

Salary Statement: 

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

Key Performance Outcomes:

Program Development and Management

• Manage all aspects of the OCRA CDBG Certified Grant Administrator Training Program, ensuring timely planning, updating course materials, presenting selected topics, and administering tests.

• Maintain and update all master Grant Administrator records, engage and track performance expectations.

• Maintain compliance with administrative and financial procedures for effective grant management.

• Assist the CDBG team in executing new policies, procedures and strategic initiatives to enhance overall program effectiveness.

• Act as the primary administrative backup for the CDBG-PM1 duties.

• Manage the full lifecycle of the CDBG grant application process for planning grants, including the award selection process, the assessment of bonus points, allocation of program-specific points, and general application evaluations.

• Contribute to scoring for other programs when assigned.

• Assist with cross-cutting CDBG program activities as needed.

Communication 

• Provide regular status updates to the direct supervisor regarding progress on assigned tasks and responsibilities.

 • Provide effective and timely training, feedback, and support efforts to OCRA Grant Administrators through scheduled meetings (e.g., GA Updates) and other communication channels 

• Engage in proactive collaboration and ensure ongoing regular dialogue with the CDBG Team, particularly with the CDBG-PM1.

• Assist with the management and responses to the CDBG Mailbox inquiries.

• Serve as a representative of OCRA and the CDBG team in relevant meetings, committees and stakeholder engagements, as needed.

• Collaborate internally with OCRA teams including Main Street, Community & Economic Development and Community Liaisons, as well as with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor’s Grants Services team.

• Respond to all inquiries within two (2) business days via mail, email, virtually or by phone. Capacity Building • Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures and Playbook for the position’s job duties.

• Design and implement operational tools, reporting mechanisms and management systems to ensure efficient oversight of day-to-day activities.

• Identify and recommend opportunities for program enhancements, operational efficiencies and policy improvements.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities. These may change or be reassigned at any time.

What You’ll Need for Success:

The CDBG-PM2 supports the organization's mission, vision and values with a focus on the CDBG program.

The successful candidate will have:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three (3) years’ work experience in project management or educational environment. 

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or Education 
• Preferred: Two (2) or more years of experience in state government program management, compliance, or training.
• Preferred: Two (2) or more years of experience training adult learners.

• Experience with federal grants management (i.e., Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) or equivalent).

• Strong attention to detail, organizational, time management and documentation skills.

• Familiarity with the various programs and services provided by OCRA.

• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, agency partners and community stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Ability to manage multiple projects/priorities simultaneously.

• Strong computer literacy, including the Microsoft suite, related office productivity software and databases.

• Proficient writing and editing, active listening and verbal communication skills, including public speaking. 

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

   

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.