Special Assistant (Senior Program Manager of Buyouts)
New York State
AgencyHomes and Community Renewal
TitleSpecial Assistant (Senior Program Manager of Buyouts)
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $100845 to $127474 Annually
Duties Description PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) fosters the creation and preservation of high-quality affordable housing, while working strategically to revitalize neighborhoods and communities throughout the Empire State. 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, architecture, 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.
In October 2022, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced the creation of the permanent Office of Resilient Homes and Communities (RHC), which assumed the New York State Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery’s (GOSR) portfolio of disaster recovery projects. GOSR had been established as a temporary agency in 2013 to coordinate statewide recovery efforts for Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene, and Tropical Storm Lee. GOSR administered approximately $4.4 billion in flexible funding made available by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program to concentrate aid to four main areas —Housing Recovery, Small Business, Community Reconstruction and Infrastructure.
RHC now serves as the lead principal office responsible for the administration of New York State’s multiple CDBG-DR awards. RHC operates within the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC) and the Homeownership and Community Development (HOCD) unit, which consists of the State of New York Mortgage Agency, the Affordable Housing Corporation, the Office of Community Renewal, the Office of Special Initiatives and RHC.
BACKGROUND
The Clean Water, Clean Air, Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 (“EBA”) authorized $4.2 billion to fund critical environmental restoration projects throughout the state in four categories: Water Quality & Resilient Infrastructure, Open Space Conservation & Recreation, Restoration & Flood Risk Reduction, and Climate Change Mitigation.
The EBA legislation allocates $1.1 Billion of the bond to go towards protecting communities from flood risks, of which RHC is charged with administering $250 million for a flood buyout program. Additional input and/or program administration of other community flood protection projects may be called upon by RHC.
JOB SUMMARY
The primary responsibility of the Special Assistant (Senior Program Manager of Buyouts) is to assist the Program Director with the implementation of a new voluntary private property buyout program in communities at-risk of flooding. The Senior Program Manager of Buyouts will report to the Director of Buyouts of the Office of Resilient Homes and Communities.
DUTIES
• Assist the Director in monitoring the performance of vendors and sub-recipients to administer the buyout program. Vendors may include appraisal firms, land surveyors, closing attorneys, and case management firms. Sub-recipients may include municipal and/or county governments.
• Assist the Director with establishing policies and procedure for the outline and implementation of the Buy-Out program; confer with HRC legal staff to ensure we are in full compliance with the parameters outlined in the Environmental Bond Act.
• Manage the Program Manager in working with local units of government, residents and other stakeholder to build buy-in for the voluntary buyout program.
• Work closely with the Director of research and data to adjust program priorities for communities most directly in need of buyouts.
• Assist senior leadership in identifying opportunities for expansion of the buyout program including identification of other funding sources to expand the program.
• Manage the Program Manager in updating and overseeing the program budget including ensuring there are sound procedures for quality control and quality assurance of expended program funds.
• Serve as a thought partner to the Program Director in making strategic adjustments to the program policies to ensure the success of program goals.
• Assist with written reports and communication with elected officials on the success of the program including the impact the program is having on community resiliency.
PLEASE NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all inclusive, and the employee will also perform reasonable related business duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS
•Bachelor’s degree in humanities, urban planning, business, or another related field; master’s degree preferred
•7+ years’ relevant experience.
•Background and proven track record of expertise in affordable housing required. At least 3 years' experience with disaster recovery and/or community infrastructure projects.
•Excellent analytical, organization, management, and communication skills essential.
•Positive, pragmatic approach to problem resolution.
•Demonstrated ability and willingness to be part of a team.
*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.
Additional Comments Please provide a current resume, cover letter, AND proof of an Associate's or higher degree (either diploma or transcript indicating conferring of degree), if interested in this position. Please note the vacancy ID in the subject line of your email when applying. If you are applying from Indeed, please indicate the location of the position and paste the job duties into your reply.
Your required educational credentials must have been awarded by an educational institution accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States (U.S.) Department of Education/Secretary of Education. If awarded by an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, you MUST provide independent verification of equivalency when applying. A list of companies that provide these services (fees must be paid to the company you choose) can be found at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm.
Candidates who are brand new to state service will start at the hiring rate of the position which is $100,845 plus $3,400 location pay.
It is essential that candidates clearly and concisely indicate exactly how they meet the above minimum qualifications in their resume/email submission. Failure to show how you meet the minimum qualifications above may result in disqualification and removal from consideration.
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 which 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.
What we offer:
•Exciting opportunity to be part of New York’s resurgence to greatness;
•Extensive benefits package including paid leave, excellent health, dental, vision and retirement benefits;
•Promotional opportunity for dedicated professionals.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address job.opportunities@hcr.ny.gov
Address
Street 38-40 State St, Hampton Plaza
Notes on ApplyingPlease provide a current resume, cover letter, AND proof of an Associate's or higher degree (either diploma or transcript indicating conferring of degree), if interested in this position. Please note the vacancy ID in the subject line of your email when applying. If you are applying from Indeed, please indicate the location of the position and paste the job duties into your reply.
Your required educational credentials must have been awarded by an educational institution accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States (U.S.) Department of Education/Secretary of Education. If awarded by an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, you MUST provide independent verification of equivalency when applying. A list of companies that provide these services (fees must be paid to the company you choose) can be found at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm.
Candidates who are brand new to state service will start at the hiring rate of the position which is $100,845 plus $3,400 location pay.
It is essential that candidates clearly and concisely indicate exactly how they meet the above minimum qualifications in their resume/email submission. Failure to show how you meet the minimum qualifications above may result in disqualification and removal from consideration.
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 which 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.
What we offer:
•Exciting opportunity to be part of New York’s resurgence to greatness;
•Extensive benefits package including paid leave, excellent health, dental, vision and retirement benefits;
•Promotional opportunity for dedicated professionals.