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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.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal currently offers the possibility of a hybrid workplace through our Telecommuting Pilot Program. Participation in this program requires an application process that must be approved. Participation is not guaranteed.

The Office of Community Renewal (OCR) is one of four program offices within HCR. OCR’s 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 persons.

Position Summary

HCR is looking for a new staff member to join the Office of Community Renewal and manage the NYS Land Bank Initiative (LBI). New York’s first land banks were established after passage of the New York Land Bank Act in 2011. These not-for-profit organizations partner with government entities to strengthen communities by acquiring, stabilizing, and facilitating the redevelopment of blighted and abandoned properties, returning them to productive use, and growing local property tax bases. The NYS Budget has appropriated funding to support services and expenses of Land Banks and HCR allocates resources to the Land Banks for operations and non-capital expenses as well as activities including property acquisition, building rehabilitation, development, stabilization, demolition, pre-development, and technical assistance.

Under the general direction of the President of OCR, the Senior Project Manager is responsible for overall management and operation of LBI. This includes working in a coordinated manner with the Land Banks to maximize the impact of the LBI resources in housing and community development efforts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

+ Research and evaluate goals of funding source and needs of existing Land Banks to make recommendations on funding opportunities.

+ Prepare funding opportunity materials, evaluate applications.

+ Prepare award correspondence and grant agreements.

+ Track and monitor portfolio of grant contracts through award, development, disbursement of funds, compliance, and closeout.

+ Articulate LBI rules and regulations to provide advanced direct technical assistance to grantees to promote comprehension of program requirements and processes.

+ Development manuals and draft written internal and external policies and procedures.

+ Assist with review and processing of payment requests.

+ Monitor status of funding available and budgeting among the awards issued.

+ Analyze data and prepare detail reports on program status, trends and program accomplishments and highlights.

+ Attend, participate, conduct presentations and/or assist with preparation for community development meetings, conferences, webinars and workshops.

+ Draft and finalize memos, correspondence, reports, manuals, or other documents as needed.

+ Conduct advanced research and writing.

+ Special projects and general Program-related support and assistance, as needed.

The Senior Project Manager must have a driver’s license to be able to travel within New York State to attend events, conferences and to conduct monitoring visits and provide technical assistance to Land Bank awardees.

Minimum Qualifications and Desired Skills

+ Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of experience, preferably with a focus on housing, community services and/or real estate. Supervisory or leadership experience preferred.

+ Demonstrated interest in the relationship between housing development and community revitalization.

+ Analytical and problem-solving skills to manage complex projects and data.

+ Knowledge of leadership and management principles.

+ Knowledge of grant project portfolio management and financial management.

+ Skill and experience in developing solutions and systems to address programmatic challenges.

+ 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.

+ Significant professional setting experience with tools including Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft SharePoint and a high level of skill in Excel.

+ Substitutions: four years of specialized experience or associate’s 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

What we offer at NYSHCR:

+ Extensive benefits package including paid leave, including excellent health, dental, vision and retirement benefits (https://www.osc.state.ny.us/retirement) with the New York State & Local Employees’ Retirement System.

+ Promotional opportunity for dedicated professionals

+ Work life balance benefits including a 37.5 hour work week and paid time off benefits including, vacation, sick, personal days, and Federal Holidays

+ Opportunity for compressed scheduling

+ 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 (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service) (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 (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-repayment-plans) and while working full-time for an eligible (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-employment) 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)