Economic and Community Development Program Manager

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Economic and Community Development Program Manager performs advanced professional work overseeing and implementing regional Economic and Community Development (ECD) initiatives. This role combines supervisory responsibilities with direct program leadership, including the development, execution, and evaluation of local and regional plans and programs. This position involves working with grants from State and Federal agencies; and developing budgets while meeting contract deliverables.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The essential functions or duties listed below 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.

Program Management

• Oversee day-to-day management of ECD and transportation programs, including budgeting, staffing, schedules, contract administration, and performance tracking.
• Develop workplans, monitor milestones, and prepare regular program reports for BVCOG leadership and funding agencies.

Economic & Community Development

• Support local governments on community development initiatives: housing, infrastructure, downtown revitalization, utility planning, fiber optic broadband planning and implementation, economic resilience, and disaster recovery.
• Provide technical assistance, economic analysis, feasibility studies, and capacity-building workshops for member entities.

Transportation Planning & Coordination

• Lead regional transportation planning efforts, including small urban and rural planning tasks, transit planning, congestion management, and project prioritization.
• Coordinate with TxDOT, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (if applicable), transit providers, and member jurisdictions on multimodal transportation projects.
• Manage the region’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) tasks, prioritization processes, and project development support.

Grant Development & Administration

• Identify funding opportunities (federal, state, and foundation), prepare grant applications, and manage awarded grants to ensure compliance and timely reporting.
• Prepare budgets, scope of work documents, procurement processes, and subrecipient agreements.

Revolving Loan Fund Administration

• Administer and oversee the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), ensuring compliance and long-term financial sustainability.
• Coordinate Loan Approval Board meetings, including preparation, presentation, and documentation of loan decisions.
• Monitor loan portfolio performance, maintain accurate records, and manage all loan documentation.
• Provide guidance to applicants and borrowers throughout the loan process.
• Pursue and support applications for additional RLF funding opportunities to expand and strengthen the program.

Stakeholder Engagement & Public Outreach

• Build and maintain relationships with local elected officials, city/county staff, transit agencies, MPOs, state agencies, regional partners, and the public.
• Lead public meetings, workshops, and stakeholder committees; develop outreach materials and communication strategies.

Data, Analysis & Reporting

• Oversee collection and analysis of transportation and economic data; prepare maps, technical memoranda, grant reports, and presentations.
• Use GIS, travel demand models, and performance metrics to inform planning decisions.

Compliance & Policy

• Ensure programs comply with federal and state regulations (FTA, FHWA, NEPA, Title VI, ADA, procurement rules).
• Assist leadership in policy development and regional planning initiatives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in field relevant to urban planning, transportation planning, public administration, civil engineering, economics, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in economic/community development, transportation planning, or related public-sector program management. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.
• Demonstrated experience managing federal and state grants and contracts.
• Working knowledge of TxDOT processes, MPO/TIP procedures, FTA/FHWA grant programs, and regional planning practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; experience leading public meetings.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within the region.
• Experience managing multiple projects.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working at a Council of Governments, MPO, transit agency, or state DOT.
• Certified Planner (AICP), Professional Engineer (PE), or other relevant certifications.
• Familiarity with rural transportation issues, small urban transit operations, and economic development tools.
• Experience supervising staff and managing consultants.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Project management and organizational skills
• Audit readiness and documentation management
• Research and analytical problem-solving
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, regulations, and procedures
• Vendor and stakeholder management
• Budget management and analysis
• Attention to detail and accuracy

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person