Job Description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA):

The Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with local, state, and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance that help communities shape and achieve their visions for community and economic development. We award grants to fund public gathering places, fix water and sewer infrastructure, restore historic structures, build community facilities, and revitalize commercial districts. These funds help communities improve their quality of life and ensure the health and safety of their citizens.  

Role Overview:

The Community and Economic Development Program Manager develops, delivers, and manages short- and long-term projects and programs, including the Stellar Pathways Program, Site Certified, and the Rural Empowerment and Development Program. You will collaborate with other OCRA Program Managers to align efforts, share best practices, and ensure program effectiveness. You will also partner with external agencies, organizations, and stakeholders to advance community and economic development initiatives across Indiana.

The Program Manager must:

• Have the organizational skills to manage multiple activities simultaneously.
• Possess strong communication skills to convey information clearly and concisely while fostering understanding and empathy for community needs.
• Excel in group facilitation and stakeholder engagement, bringing diverse parties together for collaborative discussions.

Salary:

This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $53,222 but may be commensurate with education and job experience.

A Day in the Life:

Responsibilities include:

• Develop, establish, interpret, compile, and disseminate policies and procedures.
• Research, consult, and develop new and existing programs based on community needs.
• Act as a technical consultant to staff, providing training and resolving disputed issues.
• Ensure 90% of funded projects meet designated timelines and budgets.
• Create and maintain project plans to ensure 95% of key milestones are met.
• Develop scoring methodology and coordinate grant program reviews.
• Research issues affecting rural communities and economic growth.
• Organize regional conferences, workshops, and training for education and networking.
• Facilitate interactive meetings to gather community input.
• Define roles and responsibilities for project team members.
• Coordinate and monitor project activities to ensure completion on time and within budget.
• Prepare applications for additional funding to enhance programming.
• Communicate project status to management and stakeholders.
• Provide relevant content for newsletters, press releases, and reports.
• Ensure proper documentation before approving program invoices.
• Foster a collaborative work environment to promote productivity.
• Serve as a liaison between OCRA and other state, federal, and university partners.
• Attend community functions, meetings, and workshops on behalf of OCRA.
• Manage project data collection, reporting, and concurrent research efforts.

The job description is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may be changed or assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

 

What You'll Need for Success:

Credentials:

• Bachelor’s degree required, plus a minimum of five years of project management experience.

Additional qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of project management theories and practices.
• Ability to establish program goals, priorities, and methodology.
• Deep understanding of relevant policies, regulations, and reference materials.
• Knowledge of Indiana’s community economic development goals and programming landscape.
• Competency in grant administration, budgeting, and financial principles.
• Ability to analyze complex material and provide implementation recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Occasional travel within the state and nationally.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with federal and state agencies.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that 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 contributions
• 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 in 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 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 .

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