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Community Development Finance Jobs in California

Investments Officer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Community Development Finance * Program Related Investing * Commercial Lending * Nonprofit Finance * Investment Operations * Philanthropy * Analytical Skills * Problem-Solving Soft Skills

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Showing results 21-40

Community Development Finance information

What is community development finance?

Community development finance refers to financial services and investments that support the growth and revitalization of underserved communities. This field involves providing loans, grants, and other financial products to individuals, small businesses, and organizations that may not have access to traditional banking services. The goal is to promote economic development, affordable housing, and social services in low- and moderate-income areas. Professionals in community development finance often work for community development financial institutions (CDFIs), banks, or government agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in community development finance, and why are they important?

Success in Community Development Finance requires a solid understanding of financial analysis, economic development principles, and knowledge of lending practices, often supported by a degree in finance, economics, or public administration. Familiarity with tools like loan underwriting software, financial modeling platforms, and certifications such as the Certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) is valuable. Strong relationship-building, communication, and problem-solving skills help professionals engage diverse stakeholders and navigate complex projects. These competencies are critical for effectively channeling financial resources to underserved communities and achieving sustainable economic growth.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in community development finance, and how are they addressed?

Professionals in Community Development Finance often encounter challenges such as balancing financial returns with social impact, navigating complex regulatory requirements, and securing funding for projects serving underserved communities. These challenges are addressed by staying up-to-date with changing policies, building strong partnerships with local organizations, and leveraging innovative financial tools. Successful practitioners also engage in ongoing training and collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure project sustainability and measurable community benefits.

What is the difference between Community Development Finance vs Community Development Specialist?

AspectCommunity Development FinanceCommunity Development Specialist
CredentialsRelevant finance or economic development certifications, degrees in finance, economics, or public policyRelated degrees in social work, community planning, or public administration; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentFinancial institutions, non-profits, government agencies focused on funding and investmentCommunity organizations, non-profits, government agencies involved in program implementation and outreach
Employer & IndustryFinancial institutions, development agencies, non-profitsNon-profits, government agencies, community organizations

Community Development Finance focuses on providing funding, investments, and financial solutions to support community projects. In contrast, Community Development Specialists typically work on program implementation, community outreach, and planning efforts. Both roles are vital in fostering community growth but differ in their core functions and required skills.

What do community development finance institutions do?

Community development finance institutions (CDFIs) provide financial services and funding to underserved communities to support economic growth, affordable housing, small business development, and community projects. Professionals in this field often evaluate loan applications, manage investments, and collaborate with community stakeholders to promote sustainable development.
Infographic showing various Community Development Finance job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 88% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Permit Technician (Community Development)

City of Pismo Beach, CA

CA โ€ข On-site

$65K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Salary : $65,811.20 - $79,996.80 Annually
Location : City Hall, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: CDDPT26-1
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: 9/4/2026 4:30 PM Pacific
Job Summary
Join our Community Development team as the Permit Technician and help shape a safe, thriving community by providing exceptional customer service and technical support throughout the permitting process.
In this role, you will review permit applications; issue building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits; coordinate plan reviews and inspections; and help ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations. As a key point of contact for homeowners, contractors, architects, developers, and the public, you will provide guidance on permit requirements and City procedures while performing a variety of administrative and technical duties that support the department's operations and keep development projects moving forward.
The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and customer-focused, with strong communication skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a commitment to providing accurate, efficient, and responsive service in a collaborative environment.
Under general supervision, performs a variety of routine to complex administrative and technical support duties related to the issuance of building, encroachment, engineering, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits and in support of related services and activities of the Community Development and Public Works Departments. Explains ordinances, requirements, and City codes, and department procedures to building contractors, consultants, architects, engineers, developers, and the general public pertaining to capital improvement projects, engineering, land development and improvement, permit requests, and concerns.
Examples of Essential Job Functions
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
When performing within the Community Development Department:
  • Conducts building and land use permit processing; reviews permit applications and supporting documents for completeness and compliance with legal standards and City requirements; calculates fees and credits; issues building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits following established guidelines.
  • Completes planning and building review approval process on plans to ensure code compliance; resolves moderately complex issues of compliance; reviews and approves plans and accompanying documents on over-the-counter permits for routine or less complex projects; coordinates final inspections, utility clearances, and certificate of occupancy releases; coordinates plan check process for commercial and residential projects and files or routes information to appropriate City personnel.
  • Provides appropriate information and support regarding building codes/ordinances, procedures, and requirements to the public including homeowners, developers, contractors, engineers, and architects, in person and over the counter and telephone.
  • Notifies applicants when plans or permits are ready for delivery or issuance; provides status updates.
  • Performs a wide variety of routine to complex administrative duties in support of the Community Development Department; distributes reports internally and to various governmental offices; organizes and assembles documents; files and catalogues maps, photos, and documents; verifies accuracy of information; researches discrepancies and records information.
  • Monitors and coordinates office paperwork and activities, including preparing inspection schedules, preparing and maintaining purchase orders, maintaining inventory of supplies, answering phones, printing flyers, and conducting a variety of special projects of an administrative nature.
  • Applies departmental policies and procedures in determining completeness of applications, records, and reports; provides information and forms to the public; processes appropriate information.
  • Compiles information and data for statistical and financial reports, including revenue and expenditure information; maintains a variety of statistical records; checks and tabulates statistical data.
  • Contacts the public and outside agencies in acquiring and providing information and making referrals.
  • Operates standard office equipment, including job-related computer hardware and software applications, facsimile equipment, and multi-line telephones.
  • Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications
Knowledge of:
  • Organization, procedures, and operating details of the assigned Department.
  • Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned Department and job duties.
  • Business letter writing and basic report preparation.
  • Business arithmetic and basic statistical techniques.
  • Record keeping principles and procedures.
  • Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications.
  • English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:
  • Understand and explain City policies, procedures, fees, and basic regulations to the general public, permit applicants, and City staff.
  • Analyze, interpret, and explain applicable Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, regulations, codes, and departmental policies.
  • Read and interpret plans, specifications, related construction documents, and maps.
  • Calculate square footage, fees and/or penalties from plans.
  • Perform detailed, technical, and specialized permit support work.
  • Perform the full range of office and administrative support duties and tasks.
  • Respond to and effectively prioritizing multiple phone calls, walk-up traffic, and other requests and interruptions.
  • Compose correspondence and reports independently or from brief instructions.
  • Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
  • Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work.
  • Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
  • Operate modern office equipment including computer and related word processing, database, and spreadsheet software and applications.
  • Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
  • Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
  • Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
  • Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Supplemental Information
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
High School Diploma or GED, supplemented by two (2) years of college level coursework in construction management, engineering, architecture, planning, or a related field and three (3) years of paraprofessional experience with support responsibilities, including customer service.
Licenses and Certifications
  • When assigned to Community Development: Possession of, or ability to obtain, International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician certificate within twelve (12) months of employment or date of entry into the position.

Discover the Benefits of Working with the City of Pismo Beach
At the City of Pismo Beach, our employees are our greatest asset. We're proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future.
Comprehensive Coverage for You and Your Family
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance - High-quality coverage through CalPERS Medical, with options tailored to your needs.
  • City Contributions - Up to $2,500/month toward family coverage.

Future-Focused Financial Benefits
  • Deferred Compensation Plan - Build long-term financial security with tax-advantaged retirement savings.
    • City Contributions - Among the most competitive in the region, providing unmatched contributions based on your applicable MOU or Resolution.

Longevity Pay
We value long-term service and reward your dedication:
  • 2.5% pay increase after 5+ years of service
  • 5% pay increase after 10+ years
  • Lateral sworn law enforcement officers receive credit toward longevity

Insurance & Optional Benefits
  • Life & AD&D Insurance - $50,000 in life insurance plus $100,000 in AD&D coverage, provided by the City.
  • Additional Optional Benefits-
    • Aflac supplemental plans
    • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care through IGOE

Support for You and Your Family
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free, confidential support for work-life challenges.

Work-Life Balance
  • Generous vacation and sick leave
  • 13 paid holidays - Includes 11 standard and 2 personal holidays
  • A workplace culture that values your time, health, and personal well-being

Retirement Planning
  • Participation in CalPERS and Social Security ensures a strong foundation for your retirement.

Benefit details may vary by position and are defined in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Resolution for each classification.
Join us-and enjoy the rewards of a career that gives back.
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Please answer the following situational question: A customer is frustrated because you've told them something is required by code or policy, and you don't have the authority to change it. What do you believe your responsibility is to that customer?
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