Contracts Management Specialist

POSSIBLE HYBRID WORKPLACE OPPORTUNITY

 New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State.

This position is with HCR's Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC). This is not a civil service position and does not require a civil service exam. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered. 

NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. HCR is committed to developing a workforce that represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

HCR’s Sustainability Unit and deploys several programs in alignment with the States Housing and Sustainability initiatives, which include but are not limited to, The Weatherization Services programs, Clean Energy Initiative, The Climate Friendly Homes Fund, All-Electric Multifamily Program, and Green Affordable Pre-electrification program. These programs total over $160M a year in grants and loans, across multiple contract sources, and deployed through various contracting and deployment mechanisms. The Contracts Manager will support the work of contracting on all program areas under the direct supervision of the AVP of Sustainability Operations. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Contracts Management Specialist will support various Federal and State funded program operations, such as, New York State’s Weatherization Assistance Program, Stimulus Weatherization programs, Decarbonization programs, and health and safety focused programs. The Contracts Management Specialist will be responsible for supporting program operations alongside the program Directors and Managers, and under the direction of the AVP of Sustainability Operations, including supporting contract drafting, contract close out, and milestone management.

• Support contract drafting and due diligence, including liaising between Program staff and HCR Office of Legal Affairs to ensure smooth contract execution.
• Support all Sustainability programs in: 
  • Contract administration: Due diligence form collection, tracking eligibility, and subrecipient communication/training.
  • Program reporting: Monthly, bi-annual, and annual progress reporting to senior sustainability staff
  • Tracking allocations: Federal and state appropriations
  • Payment processing in coordination with HCR Office of Finance Administration. 
• Support reporting including unit and budget spenddown against each contract in every Sustainability Program. 
• Support contracting with vendors, including working closely with the HCR Procurement team.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between internal contracting partners.
• In every task, ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. 
• Monitor contracting procedures to identify areas for improvement. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience working in a professional office setting, managing NY State and/or federal contracts successfully. The ideal candidate will have experience working within State or local government and an understanding of state and federal contracting processes.
• Organized professional who can manage multiple projects/assignments, coordinate with key stakeholders, and set and manage deliverables based on priority
• Experience with contract management, compliance, and/or grants management
• Experience working with networks of nonprofits or other locally based organizations
• Can work independently on assigned tasks and collaborate with stakeholders as necessary 
• Ability to edit, draft, and review various types of written material related to operating State and Federal programs
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with attention to detail and professionalism in all communications with staff and the public.
• Ability to work independently and manage various projects during at the same time 
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. With experience creating or managing database systems, such as Excel macro, SQL, or Tableau, or similar
• Work effectively in and with diverse communities.
• Strong collaboration skills, working with various interested parties to deliver one service/program
• Familiarity with 10 CFR part 440 is preferred/ideal

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

Substitutions: four years of specialized experience or associate degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for bachelor’s degree; J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience. 

APPLICANTS MUST INCLUDE A RESUME

 WHAT WE OFFER AT NYS HCR: 

• Extensive benefits package including participation in New York State’s Health Insurance Program and New York State & Local Employees’ Retirement System.
• Promotional opportunities for dedicated professionals.
• Work-life balance benefits including a 37.5-hour work week, opportunity for compressed scheduling, and paid time off benefits (vacation, sick, personal days, and federal holidays).
• 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave.
• Paid Family Leave.
• As a New York State employee, you may qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for an eligible employer. 

ABOUT NEW YORK STATE HOMES AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL:

Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas, HCR is a vibrant, innovative agency that integrates and leverages New York State’s housing resources. We have offices in New York City, Albany, Buffalo, and Syracuse, and employ a diverse workforce of professionals who are hard-working and committed to serving low- and moderate-income families. Our mission is far-reaching, encompassing single and multifamily housing finance, home improvement, rent regulation, housing subsidies, and community development. We partner regularly with a variety of public and private stakeholders.

Achieving this mission requires a wide range of skills and backgrounds in public policy, administration, real estate, construction, finance, law, and many other areas of expertise. We seek to provide a workplace environment that is productive, flexible, accountable, ethical, and caring. Our employees are empowered to make a difference where they live and work. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, health, dental, vision, retirement, and family-friendly policies. 

 New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)