Program Officer - Construction Compliance

Job Summary  

EDA Overview

• Join the NJEDA and help lead New Jersey to sustainable economic growth, fostering equitable opportunities and vibrant communities. We offer hybrid work, a supportive culture, and robust benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and extensive wellness programs. Make a tangible impact and shape New Jersey's future with innovative economic development at NJEDA.

Job Overview

• This position is responsible for actively managing a pipeline of federally funded construction projects through the closing and disbursement process in accordance with all relevant federal and state regulations.
• This role supports the Federal Programs – Reporting & Compliance Division by ensuring all documentation remains in compliance throughout the lifecycle of the project.
• The ideal candidate for this job has prior experience working with federal grants, familiarity with construction, experience analyzing data and tracking a project budget, and the ability to handle high volume programs.

$65,484 - $81,855

Note: The NJEDA currently offers a hybrid work schedule for up to 2 days of telecommute work from home. To participate, you will be required to have high speed home internet access and a managers approval. This program does not supersede the "New Jersey First Act", which requires newly hired NJEDA employees to establish and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey.

Duties

Daily Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Ensures that project files are complete through the management system software (CRM) and ensures all detailed documentation is provided and in order and kept up to date.
• Prepares for review by a Senior Officer/Director Disbursement Approval Forms for contractor payment by reviewing submitted costs, invoices, payroll records, processed checks, credit card and bank statements, receipts and verifying accuracy and cost reasonableness

Projects:

• Prepares Cost Reasonableness Review Analysis Reports as required for federally funded programs and performs Debarment Reviews for construction projects prior to approval
• Ensures all pre-construction contract and insurance requirements are met by grantees within established time limits

Goals and Objectives:

• The primary objective of this role is to support the expenditure of federal funds within the mandated timeframe while adhering to all relevant regulations and maintaining proper documentation.
• KPIs include the number of Disbursement Approval Forms processed and the number of projects attending pre-construction meetings.

Collaboration and Cross-Divisional Interaction:

• This role works closely with the Program Teams, most notably, departments within the Community Development Division

Reporting Structure:

• The Program Officer reports to the Director and does not have any direct reports.
• This position receives general supervision. There is some autonomy in day-to-day activities, but most decisions and courses of action are prescribed or require approval from a manager. 
• Must complete annual self-assessment as required.
• Performs other duties and special projects, as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM, and the ability to learn new software packages.
• Knowledge of accounting principles, ability to understand and interpret business financial statements, payroll records, invoices, receipts, etc., and proficiency in reviewing and processing payment applications

Soft Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and foster communications with business professionals and EDA staff; proficient in grammar, spelling and editing
• Strong analytical, technical, and organizational skills with the ability to work independently and follow projects through to completion
• Ability to work effectively as part of a cross-functional team

Experience:

• Minimum five years of experience in business, accounting, finance, economic or community development, energy development, or similar professional experience
• 5+ years experience with federal regulations or similar, specifically federally funded construction projects
• 5+ years of customer service and/or work with public sector organizations preferred
• Advanced degree or industry specific certification may be substituted for 1 year of experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or equivalent experience preferred

Software/Tools Proficiency:

• NJEDA utilizes Microsoft as the core application platform and proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite is preferred.

Additional Information

• Minimal physical demands and ability to work out normal business hours
• Travel expected when necessary for business operations

Certificates and Licenses Required

• Staff are required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essentials duties of the position.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job description. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope, general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job.  This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

Your employment at NJEDA is voluntary and subject to termination by you or NJEDA at will, with or without cause, or with or without notice, at any time.  Nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to conflict, eliminate or modify the employment-at-will status of NJEDA employees. 

This position is considered exempt and is excluded from minimum wage, overtime regulations, and other rights and protections afforded nonexempt workers under the FLSA.

NJEDA reserves the right to amend/revise this job description as necessary to meet current and changing business needs.

NJ SAME Program

 In accordance with P.L. 2021, c. 465 and P.L. 2021, 466, the SAME program was established to enable New Jersey State agencies to hire, promote, retain, and advance qualified individuals whose physical or mental impairments impact their abilities to participate in the hiring and promotion process for non-competitive and unclassified titles within the State workforce.

The SAME program allows candidates, who identify as having a significant disability, to apply for non-competitive and unclassified positions through a fast track hiring process. This program uses a fast-track process that permits people who are eligible for the program to request that the State appointing authority schedule with them a good faith interview. For more information about the SAME program and the Fast Track Hiring program, please Click Here.  If you have any questions, please email, or call the contact as indicated on the job vacancy announcement.

This posting open to eligible applicants regardless of SAME eligibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Position Requirements

•  Foreign degrees/transcripts must be evaluated by a reputable evaluation service at your own expense and must be submitted prior to a start date. If this cannot be provided within 21 days of an offer the offer will be rescinded.
• Must comply with the “New Jersey First Act” which requires employees hired after September 1, 2011, to reside in New Jersey. Non-New Jersey resident employees must relocate to New Jersey within one year of their date of hire and provide proof of residency to Human Resources.
• Must complete an Outside Activity Questionnaire (disclosure of outside office or employment) on an annual basis.
• Must review the required NJ State Ethics Guidelines found on the state website.
• Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations. Note: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenship to the United States.