*Applicants MUST submit a cover letter with resume to be considered.
*This position will require in-office presence. Hybrid work schedules may be possible based on specific job duties and consistent with ESD policy.
*Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.
BASIC FUNCTION:
Support the Director for Community Development Projects and the WNY loans and grants project team on primarily City of Buffalo and targeted East Buffalo programs and projects. Manage the administration of economic development incentives (grants and loans) specifically during the funding disbursement process for projects undertaken by businesses and organizations such as
municipalities, not-for-profits, small businesses, and community development organizations.
WORK PERFORMED:
- Provide day-to-day assistance to the management of a variety of community development, small business, and placemaking programs and projects, particularly on the East Side of Buffalo and primarily with not-for-profit partners.
- General management of a portfolio of active grants and loans and grant programs, including review of applications, management of approval and funding process, compiling and reviewing information, negotiating terms, preparing directors approval documents and contracts, presenting projects, and attending off-site meetings.
- Communicate with applicants and applicant reps, including telephone, email and in person correspondence.
- Ensure that project information is accurate in the web-based Project Tracking System.
- Coordinate with internal contacts (Origination, Project Management, Finance, Environmental, Design and Construction, Contractor and Supplier Diversity, Legal) in the preparation of board of directors’ approval materials, contracts, project status reports, and other documents appropriate for the review/management of projects.
- Review requests for disbursement, perform desk audits, work with project attorneys for loan closings, and oversee grant disbursements.
- Attend community meetings after regular business hours as needed
- Other projects as assigned by the Director of Community Development, and Regional Director.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree. Associate’s degree with 5 years direct relevant experience with WNY Region-related operations may be substituted.
Experience: 3+ years nonprofit/government/business/institutional experience in economic and community development and/or small business support.
Knowledge preferred: Project development, urban planning, grant management and administration, financial analysis, and public policy.
Microsoft Excel and data analysis, strong interpersonal and community engagement skills, effective writing and oral communication skills preferred.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- Associate's degree plus five years of directly relevant Western New York operations experience may substitute for a bachelor's degree
- At least three years of nonprofit, government, business, or institutional experience in economic and community development or small business support
- Knowledge of project development, urban planning, grant management and administration, financial analysis, and public policy
- Microsoft Excel and data analysis skills
- Strong interpersonal and community engagement skills
- Effective written and oral communication skills
- Cover letter submitted with resume
What We Do
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of Empire State Development is to promote a vigorous and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, prosperous local economies across New York State through the efficient use of loans, grants, tax credits, real estate development, marketing and other forms of assistance. ESD also oversees the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand (www.iloveny.com) & NYLovesFim New York State's Film, TV & Commercial Incentives (www.nylovesfilm.com) Empire State Development is the parent organization of the New York State Department of Economic Development & the Empire State Development Corporation. For more information on Empire State Development, visit www.esd.ny.gov.
