JOB DESCRIPTION

Jefferson County is seeking a creative, resourceful, and motivated Community Development Coordinator to join its Department of Planning and Community Development. This position offers a distinctive opportunity for hands-on professional experience in a dynamic county planning office working at the intersection of local government, economic development, housing, infrastructure, and community revitalization.

Our department serves a diverse collection of rural towns, villages, and urban communities across northern New York. We work closely with municipal leaders, state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to turn local priorities into achievable projects.

We believe effective community development requires both vision and practicality. In a changing political and funding landscape, our work is increasingly focused on helping communities anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and position themselves to compete for resources when they become available. Department leadership welcomes new ideas, encourages initiative, and values thoughtful, creative approaches to solving problems.

The Community Development Coordinator will help advance a broad portfolio of planning and community development initiatives throughout Jefferson County. Responsibilities will include researching funding opportunities, developing competitive grant applications, coordinating projects, and providing technical assistance to municipalities and community organizations.

For someone who enjoys variety, intellectual curiosity, and the opportunity to see projects move from concept to implementation, this is a position with considerable potential for professional growth and meaningful public impact. Strong writing, research, communication, and project coordination skills are particularly important, as is the ability to work collaboratively with municipal officials, community organizations, and colleagues. We welcome applicants who bring new perspectives and are eager to develop their professional expertise through practical experience.

The position also offers opportunities to participate in long-range planning, policy research, community engagement, and intergovernmental coordination. Projects vary considerably in subject matter, scale, and complexity, providing exposure to the many ways local government can shape the future of its communities.

Successful candidates will demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, attention to detail, and an appreciation for the importance of public service. The ability to balance competing priorities, respond to emerging opportunities, and move projects forward in a deadline-driven environment is essential.

BENEFITS

This is a full-time, CSEA-represented, Grade 18 position with a 35-hour workweek. The current starting salary is $31.48 per hour, or $57,293.60 annually, with a salary range extending to $39.82 per hour, or $72,472.40 annually. Effective January 1, 2027, the starting rate increases to $32.58 per hour, or $59,295.60 annually, under the current collective bargaining agreement