Community Development Specialist I

Overview

The Community Development Specialist I (CDS I) is the primary field contact with GHSP customers. This position is responsible for the solicitation of targeted traffic safety projects. The CDS I is also responsible for the review of applications for their assigned geographic and target areas. Once agencies are selected for potential funding the CDS II must work with applicants to develop project contracts and negotiate the terms of the contract. The CDS I provides development, oversight, monitoring, and evaluation for the federally funded traffic safety grants once they are implemented. Extensive auditing of time sheets, job descriptions, procurement policies, activity records, invoices for reimbursement, etc. are required. This position will provide oversight for all types of traffic safety projects funded through GHSP.  

This position will provide direction, oversight, and coordination for traffic safety programs. This includes grant development, implementation, public information/education, and evaluation in partnership with GHSP staff and State and local agencies identified through contacts, written proposals submitted for review, and other traffic safety advocates implementing programs identified in the Highway Safety Plan. This position will also review and approve regional and programmatic grant applications that apply to the Highway Safety Plan based on problem identification and solutions based on local and State crash data and recommend programs that will save lives and reduce injuries resulting from traffic crashes.

This position will monitor and evaluate regional and programmatic grant programs to determine if they are impacting the problem and using resources in both an effective and efficient manner on an ongoing basis. Develop follow-up plans to address grant program issues that are not meeting expectations.  Program content could involve any or all types of traffic safety programs, to include impaired driving, occupant protection, child passenger safety, speeding, distracted driving, non-motorized (bicycle and pedestrian safety), traffic records, school bus safety, teen drivers, senior drivers, etc. This position will also monitor regional and programmatic grant activity through telephone contacts, quarterly reports, written correspondence, and other documentation in compliance with the monitoring policy on an ongoing basis as well as schedule and conduct regional and programmatic on-site monitoring reviews as required by Federal guidelines to analyze operational and financial methods to ensure the GHSP’s grant requirements are followed.

The successful applicant will attend GHSP sponsored events, represent the GHSP at local, State, regional and national highway safety meetings, conferences, workshops, training seminars, legislative meetings, and other activities and represent the GHSP at various State agency meetings to provide information on traffic records and traffic safety programs. The successful applicant will also manage traffic safety programs projects as assigned by the Director or Assistant Director and communicate to the GHSP staff on information gained from highway safety meetings and conferences.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

Applicants must submit an application that clearly reflects work experience that demonstrates the following:

• Demonstrated ability to interpret and communicate verbally and in writing details of policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, schedule and carry out work assignments effectively with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to manage administrative projects with an emphasis on financial and performance-based compliance.
• Experience with computers and business software including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and/or databases.
• Experience working with other partners at all levels (executive, middle management and front line) to implement programs that can affect behavior change.

How to Apply

Learn more and apply online. This job listing closes at 11:59 p.m. Eastern on June 13, 2025.