Description
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Coordinator / Economic Development Liaison position with the City of Romulus. This role represents an exciting opportunity to join a high-performing, mission-driven team that is deeply committed to strengthening neighborhoods, supporting responsible development, and delivering high-quality services to the residents and business community of Romulus.
While this position is structured as an entry-level professional opportunity, the city is also eager to consider individuals with advanced experience in CDBG administration, HUD program management, federal compliance, and / or economic development strategy. Candidates with extensive backgrounds in these areas are strongly encouraged to apply, and the city is prepared to negotiate compensation accordingly to attract exceptional talent who can immediately contribute at a higher level.
The successful candidate will join a department that operates in a truly team-oriented, collaborative, and “all hands-on deck” environment. Our work spans federal grant management, business support, neighborhood stabilization, economic development, and long-range planning. We value teammates who are:
Dynamic and innovative, able to adapt to changing priorities and bring forward creative solutions.
Collaborative by nature, working seamlessly with colleagues, partners, and the public.
Autonomous and self-directed, capable of managing projects independently while aligning with departmental strategy and leadership guidance.
Motivated to grow, both personally and professionally, as part of a supportive and highly engaged team.
This position plays a crucial role in administering the City’s CDBG program, preparing federal and state reports, coordinating with Wayne County and HUD, supporting housing rehabilitation efforts, and serving as a liaison to our business community. Whether you are just beginning your career in community development or bringing a seasoned portfolio of grant and economic development experience, you will find that Romulus offers a workplace where initiative is celebrated, teamwork is central to our culture, and your contributions will have a tangible impact on our residents and future growth.
We look forward to learning more about your background and how you can help advance the City of Romulus’ commitment to community investment, economic opportunity, and service excellence.
Sincerely,
Kevin Krause
Director of Community Safety & Development
City of Romulus, Michigan
JOB TITLE: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) / Coordinator / Economic Development Liaison
EXEMPT: No SALARY LEVEL: $50,000
DEPARTMENT: Community Development LOCATION: City Hall
BENEFITS: Fully Benefitted Position DATE: December 10, 2025
SUMMARY
Reporting to the Director of Community Development, this position performs professional-level work involving the planning, administration, and reporting of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants, and related federal funding streams. The incumbent ensures regulatory compliance, prepares required performance reports, manages grant draws and reimbursements, coordinates housing rehabilitation cases, and serves as a liaison between the City and business community to support economic development initiatives, business attraction, retention, and expansion.
Requirements
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Administer the City’s annual CDBG program including project set-up, citizen participation activities, environmental reviews, procurement compliance, and recordkeeping requirements.
- Prepare federal, state, and county reports including Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Reports (CAPER), quarterly performance measures, reimbursement draw requests, and close-out documentation.
- Coordinate regularly with Wayne County, HUD representatives, and other funding agencies regarding guidelines, eligibility, timelines, and reporting expectations.
- Manage the CDBG housing rehabilitation application process, review applicant eligibility, prepare case files, and coordinate approvals with Wayne County.
- Monitor sub-recipient activities (if applicable) to ensure compliance with eligible activity requirements, national objectives, labor standards, Davis-Bacon, Section 3, procurement, and Uniform Guidance.
- Maintain detailed program files, financial documentation, contracts, and agreements ensuring audit-ready records.
- Track project performance metrics to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of CDBG-funded activities.
- Assist in the development of the City’s annual action plans, project budgets, and community surveys to identify priority needs.
- Support public notices, publications, and presentations related to CDBG hearings, updates, and funding opportunities.
- Serve as primary liaison between the City, business community, regional economic partners, and developers to facilitate business attraction, expansion, and retention.
- Assist property owners, residents, and developers with navigating zoning processes, incentives, façade grants (if created), tax increment financing areas, and available federal/state assistance.
- Research and pursue alternative funding sources to supplement local economic and community development objectives.
- Recommend policy updates related to federal grant compliance, procurement, contract administration, and reporting requirements.
- Attend regional economic development meetings, networking events, and partner roundtables to enhance the City’s business-friendly reputation.
- Monitor and respond to regulatory changes affecting HUD and economic development programming, providing updates and recommended actions to the Director.
- May provide guidance or oversight to contracted service providers, consultants, or interns as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental operations and compliance requirements.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Education:
Minimum two years (or equivalent) in Public Administration, Business, Urban Planning, Economics, Accounting, or related fields.
Experience:
Three or more years’ experience in federal grant management, HUD/CDBG administration, municipal or community development, economic development, or related program management. Experience with regulatory compliance, reporting, and financial documentation preferred. A twelve-month break-in period is expected.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex regulations; prepare professional correspondence and reports; speak effectively to groups, stakeholders, contractors, and citizen committees; and address inquiries from the public.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to apply mathematical concepts including percentages, ratios, basic budgeting, and financial reporting consistent with federal grant requirements.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and manage multiple projects simultaneously in environments with changing priorities. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Valid Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License. Must be appropriately licensed to operate a City vehicle consistent with work assignment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Occasional standing, walking, sitting, reaching, and manual tasks. Regularly lift/move up to 10 lbs. Vision abilities required include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodation may be made.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is typically performed in an office environment with low to moderate noise levels. Occasional off-site meetings may be required. Reasonable accommodation may be made.
COMMENTS
The qualifications listed above are guidelines. Other combinations of education and experience that provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities should be considered.
Prepared in compliance with:
Romulus Policies and Procedures Manual
Americans with Disabilities Manual
Equal Employment Opportunity Act
