Economic and Community Development Agent

Economic and Community Development Agent

Hybrid

Recruitment #250428-2496AR-001

Location

Hartford, CT
 

Date Opened

5/1/2025 12:00:00 AM

Salary

$86,068 - $110,931 annually

Job Type

Open to the Public

Close Date

5/14/2025 11:59:00 PM

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Are you an innovative professional looking for the next step in your career? 

If so, we encourage you to read the posting below and apply today!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is accepting applications for an Economic and Community Development Agent in Hartford, CT.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• The opportunity to work for a Forbes top company: 'Forbes' State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• Full time, 40 hours per week
• Monday through Friday schedule
• First shift hours
• Location: 450 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103
• Hybrid opportunity, combination of in-office and telework, in accordance with the Telework Policy 

THE ROLE
The Economic and Community Development Agent will work as a project manager for Community Investment Fund (CIF) projects. 

The Connecticut State Legislature created the Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF), which will oversee bonding funds for various economic development programs beginning in Fiscal Year 2023. CIF is overseen by a board of directors that recommends projects for the Governor’s approval and submission to the Bond Commission. The Community Investment Fund fosters economic development in historically underserved communities across the state. CIF will provide a total of up to $875 million to eligible municipalities (Public Investment Communities and Alliance Districts) as well as not-for-profit organizations and community development corporations that operate within them over five years. Eligible projects will be capital improvements programs such as brownfield remediation, affordable housing, infrastructure, and public facility renovation or small business capital programs, such as revolving loan programs or gap financing for small businesses.

ABOUT US
The Department of Economic and Community Development is the state's lead agency responsible for strengthening Connecticut’s competitive position in the rapidly changing, knowledge-based global economy. The agency takes a comprehensive approach to economic development that incorporates community development, transportation, education, and arts and culture.

Selection Plan

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.     

BEFORE YOU APPLY: 

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.  
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency. 
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift. 
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State.  Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov. 
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
• Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY: 

• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).   
• Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression! 
• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.  
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.  
• Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP: 

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Jasmyn Raymond at Jasmyn.Raymond@ct.gov. 

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Departments of Economic and Community Development and Housing this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in developing and promoting economic and community development programs.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Assist in conducting the application process and review process for applicants to the CIF and their review by the CIF Board and the Governor
• Work with stakeholders and applicants, providing technical assistance during application period
• Advise applicants undertaking community development activities
• Make site visits to grant applicants and awardees to review project scope
• Review plans and proposals for conformity with statutory, regulatory, and program requirements
• Work with grant awardees to ensure client maintains budget
• Conduct feasibility reviews
• Coordinate and track proposals through departmental approval process
• Prepare commitment letters and financial, statistical, and administrative reports as needed
• Work to develop contracts for grant awards with clients and attorneys
• Assist recipients with procurement processes
• Perform analyses and evaluations of data for reporting, performance indicators, and preparation of statistical information needed to meet guidelines and requirements of funding agencies
• May attend evening meetings in support of grant award activities
• Promotes and coordinates economic, housing and community development activities and programs;
• Advises municipalities in developing comprehensive community development plans;
• Establishes and maintains contacts with and provides technical assistance to businesses and industries within and outside state;
• Performs specialized analyses and evaluations for development of standardized data and specific forecasts, performance indicators and preparation of statistical information needed to meet guidelines and requirements of funding agencies;
• Establishes and maintains contact with customers;
• Advises customers undertaking community development activity;
• Assists businesses and industries locating or expanding operations in Connecticut;
• Identifies economic, housing and/or community development resources available to businesses and industries and coordinates services;
• Reviews plans and proposals for conformity with statutory, regulatory and department requirements;
• Identifies and assesses customer needs and evaluates customer financial capacity and reliability;
• Acts as liaison between customers, business and financial organizations and government agencies;
• Conducts feasibility reviews;
• Underwrites proposals and makes appropriate recommendations;
• Negotiates financial packages with customers relying on municipal, state, federal and private resources and programs;
• Advocates on customer behalf requests for financial assistance and or related services;
• Coordinates and tracks proposals through departmental approval process;
• Prepares commitment letters, financial, statistical and administrative reports as needed;
• Assesses, develops and/or promotes domestic and international markets for Connecticut products;
• Develops and promotes Connecticut as a destination for business to out of state and international customers;
• Coordinates a marketing or promotion program;
• Develops, coordinates and conducts workshops, conferences and seminars to promote business development assistance;
• Assists communities in planning and developing housing, industrial parks and promoting business development;
• Provides technical assistance in grant application;
• May negotiate leasing or other contractual agreements for business opportunities of state owned facilities;
• May monitor and support business activities to maximize benefits of negotiated agreements;
• May monitor work performance of consultants;
• May monitor programs to ensure compliance;
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Knowledge of
  • local, state and federal economic, housing and community development programs and resources;
  • local, state and federal laws, regulations and policies pertaining to economic, housing and community development;
  • budgetary and financial principles and practices;
  • planning principles and practices;
  • comprehensive community development principles and practices;
  • industry practices, markets and location issues;
  • economic development assistance programs and financing;
  • marketing principles and techniques;
• Considerable
  • oral and written communication skills;
  • interpersonal skills;
• Skill in planning, organizing and negotiating urban or economic and community development activities;
• Ability to
  • establish and maintain effective working relationships;
  • utilize computer software;
• Supervisory ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of professional experience in corporate marketing and business development or business experience including residential and/or commercial financing to include leverage financing, strategic planning, financial planning and analysis or project management experience with industrial, environmental, housing or community development projects to include public financing or experience in urban planning and development.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the level of Assistant Economic and Community Development Agent.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

• College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
• A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
• Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience and Special Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with grant programs, including applications, implementation, and administration.
• Experience working with economic development programs.
• Experience with public procurement processes.
• Experience with project management.
• Experience working with diverse populations (BIPOC – Black Indigenous and People of Color) that have been economically underserved.
• Experience working with municipalities and non-profit organizations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.