Program Director

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.

The Office of Community Renewal (OCR) is within the Single Family and Community Development unit, one of four program offices within NYSHCR. OCR mission is to administer a combination of State and Federal funding resources to develop or support programs that provide decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expand economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income people. 

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.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Director will play an essential leadership role in HCR’s Office of Community Renewal. This is an exciting opportunity to build upon previous experience with housing, community development and government grant administration.

This role will be a hands-on administrator for OCR program areas. Under the direction of the President or Vice President of the Office of Community Renewal, the Program Director will lead a portfolio of housing grant programs including but not limited to Access to Home, RESTORE and the Mobile & Manufactured Home Replacement Program. Responsibilities will include program design and development, direct project management, fiscal oversight and regulatory compliance. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Recommend and draft comprehensive written policies and procedures.
• Launch funding opportunities, review and score program-related applications, and handle award notification/declination process.
• Provide and direct technical assistance to program applicants and awardees to ensure comprehension of program regulations, requirements, and the application, award and funding processes.
• Manage all grant administration activities for awarded portfolio of projects including training, technical assistance, budget monitoring, processing payment requests and compliance monitoring. 
• Lead long-term projects to improve administrative and technical operations.
• Collaborate with government, private, and not-for-profit partners to deliver program improvements.
• Produce professional, technical documentation, including but not limited to project status memos, policy and procedure manuals, correspondence, reports, presentations, or other documents as needed.
• Carry out routine administrative office activities.
• Attend, participate, conduct presentations and/or assist with preparation for meetings, conferences, webinars and workshops.
• Supervise and mentor junior grant project managers.

This position requires occasional travel. Amount of travel varies throughout the year. 

WHO YOU ARE: 

• Bachelor’s degree and 6 years of relevant experience.
• Masters’ degree preferred.
• 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. 
• Ability to establish effective working relationships
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to adapt quickly to solve problems and overcome roadblocks.
• Demonstrated interest in the relationship between housing development and community revitalization.
• Understanding of how to work effectively in and with diverse communities.
• Demonstrated experience working independently and exercising good judgment without constant supervision; Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with attention to detail and professionalism in all communications.
• Well organized and self-motivated with ability to work under pressure, while prioritizing and managing multiple tasks and projects.
• This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

APPLICANTS MUST INCLUDE A RESUME AND COVER LETTER

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)