Community and Economic Development Grant and Planning Associate
Catawba Regional Council of Governments
Salary: $40,000 starting
Closing Date: Until Filled
Catawba Regional Council of Governments (COG) is seeking an entry-level grant and planning associate. This position will primarily assist senior planning and grant staff with various projects on behalf of municipalities, counties, and special purpose districts in Chester, Lancaster, Union and York Counties. Collaborating with other COG teammates, the Associate assesses community needs, develops infrastructure and community revitalization projects, and assists in writing grant applications which address those needs. Once funded, the Associate helps administer funded projects, including environmental review, engineer and contractor bid process and procurement, contract approval processes, construction and/or demolition management, Davis Bacon and other labor requirements, property and right-of-way acquisition, contractor payment requests, change order approvals, conducting public hearings, income verifications, and meeting reporting requirements of the funding agencies. Other tasks or responsibilities may be included as necessary as the needs of the agency change over time.
Community and Economic Development Grants are funded primarily by the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, the SC Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA), and the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA). Other programs may also be utilized via the SC Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (SCPRT), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the SC Energy Office, among others. Other responsibilities may include working on other CED related projects and/or plans, environmental and accessibility studies, affordable/workforce housing projects, assisting with planning projects and presentations, and other duties as assigned.
Minimum qualifications for the successful candidate:
• Bachelor’s degree is required
• Excellent written, verbal and analytical skills, including project budgeting
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) and social media tools (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.)
• Self-and mission motivated, detail and process oriented
• Comfortable working with public appointed and elected officials
• Willingness/ability to attend evening and before or after hours meetings of city/county councils and other public groups
Compensation and benefits:
Catawba Regional COG offers an excellent work environment and competitive employee benefits package that includes participation in the South Carolina retirement and health benefit system, matching 401(K) program, and flexible work schedule. Compensation is competitive and contingent upon qualifications and experience. Annual, full-time equivalent salary range starts at a minimum of $40,000. Part-time hours also available.
About the employer:
Catawba Regional Council of Governments was formed in 1971 to foster regional collaboration and cooperation and to provide planning, grant writing and administration, transportation, and community and economic development assistance to 26 local governments in upper South Carolina. The organization is mission driven, balancing high community impacts with fiscal responsibility. Historic return on member government investment is $51:$1. The CED team is currently managing ~$20 million in direct project funding. The Council’s offices are located in the heart of downtown Rock Hill, SC a 2019 All-America City with direct access to I-77 and the rest of the greater Charlotte bi-state area. Candidates may learn more at www.catawbacog.org.
To apply:
Please submit resumes with a cover letter by November 30, 2021. Candidate materials may be submitted online (PDF only) to CAlewine@catawbacog.org or via U.S. mail to:
Catawba Regional Council of Governments
P.O. Box 450
Rock Hill, SC 29731
Attn: Corrie Alewine
