Director, Bureau of Housing Development & Construction

Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is seeking a Director of the Bureau of Housing Development and Construction in the Division of Public Housing & Rental Assistance!

AGENCY MISSION:

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is charged with creating more homes in Massachusetts and lowering housing costs for residents.

Formerly known as the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), EOHLC works with municipalities, local housing authorities, non-profit organizations, and development partners to provide affordable housing options, financial assistance, and other support to Massachusetts communities.

OVERVIEW OF ROLE:

The Director of the Bureau of Housing Development and Construction, (hereinafter known as “the Director”), is a senior level position within the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities’ (EOHLC) Public Housing and Rental Assistance Division.  The Director oversees all of the policies, programs, and staff related to capital projects at the 232 Local Housing Authorities (LHAs) that own and operate approximately 43,000 state-aided public housing units for families, the elderly, and people with disabilities (building replacement value over $18 billion).  Public housing capital programs play a significant role in meeting several key aspects of EOHLC’s mission including: providing decent affordable housing for the Commonwealth’s poorest residents; increasing income and assets for this population; reducing and preventing homelessness; addressing the persistent shortfall of housing supply in the commonwealth; and improving healthcare outcomes for Commonwealth residents.

The Director serves on a senior leadership team charged with creating and implementing innovative programs that further the preservation of state-aided public housing including capital planning, formula funding, mixed-finance redevelopment, accessibility, sustainability, climate change resiliency, and other targeted initiatives.  The Director also works with other division leaders to develop innovative ways to strengthen public housing administration, including, but not limited to, strategies for regional innovation, comprehensive asset management, performance and compliance monitoring, multi-agency procurement and economies of scale, resident engagement, aging in community, healthy living spaces, emissions reduction and climate change resilience, and long term asset preservation.

The Director manages an annual capital budget of approximately $185 million and oversees a team of approximately 33 staff charged with administering the capital programs and is responsible for building and maintaining positive, responsive and informative relationships with multiple stakeholders including LHA staff and their elected/appointed board members, residents, and state and local officials.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE):

1. Leadership:

Direct, and manage a staff of approximately 33, in accomplishing the following:

·         Work with Bureau of Housing Development and Construction (BHDC) senior staff to establish or revise guidelines, standards and procedures for capital planning and capital projects, including budget, scope, and project schedules.

·         Work with bureau senior staff to develop protocols to measure and monitor the effective, timely and efficient management of all programs and projects by EOHLC staff and LHAs.

·         Work with Bureau senior staff to develop protocols to ensure that the Bureau spends 100% of its annual spending cap effectively and efficiently.

·         Review internal and external performance to address deficiencies and/or change policies and procedures as necessary.

·         Work with Bureau senior staff to ensure that state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines are followed; monitor and enforce compliance with all regulations, policies and guidelines established by EOHLC; develop and implement corrective actions when policies, guidelines or procedures are not followed.

·         Work with EOHLC’s legal department to assist in drafting new legislation and regulations, when needed.

·         Oversee the delivery of training programs for housing authority commissioners, staff, and residents. Establish and reinforce a culture of professional partnership between EOHLC and LHAs.

·         Oversee effective utilization and up-to-date maintenance of EOHLC’s capital planning system including ensuring the data is regularly updated at five-year needs assessments.

2. Supervision:

·         Manage, supervise, motivate and evaluate staff of the BHDC by providing leadership and clear and consistent direction to the Bureau’s senior management team to ensure that all staff have the support, skills, knowledge and technical tools necessary to accomplish their work.

·         The Director meets with all staff in groups and senior staff individually.

3. Development and Implementation

·         In close collaboration with the Directors of the Bureau of Housing Management and the Policy and Program Development Unit, develop and implement programs, policies and systems to support cross bureau collaboration in order to ensure innovative practices and strategic use of capital and operating funds.

·         Particular focus is on innovative capital programs to assure the ongoing maintenance, modernization and preservation of real estate assets including mixed-finance, mixed-income, and sustainable investments.

·         In collaboration with BHDC staff, EOHLC senior management, local housing authorities, and at times other state agencies or affordable housing, develop funding programs and policies to address the long-term needs of the public housing portfolio and insure that the physical stock of portfolio is best supporting the health and economic outcomes for residents.

4. Public Housing Reform:

·         Participate on the Division’s Senior Management team to address division-wide issues of management, organizational culture, and planning including efforts to reform the public housing operating and governance systems.

·         The purpose of the reform is to ensure the long-term viability of public housing as an affordable housing resource, including the reform of the statutory governance structure with a goal of creating a practical, cost-effective and modern governance structure.

5. Systems & Procedures:

·         Provide leadership and decision-making regarding retirement of existing data systems and development of new ones.

·         The Director ensures that BHDC’s data and IT systems and office and field procedures are fully and effectively utilized.

·         Oversee the maintenance of timely and accurate records of all work in the BHDC.

6. Stakeholder Relationships

·         Coordinate activities with others inside and outside EOHLC.  This work includes meetings with EOHLC staff, local housing authorities, affordable housing and public housing advocates, non-profits, advocates for persons with special needs, state legislators, public housing residents, and concerned citizens as the need arises.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1.     This position requires an extensive knowledge of housing design and development and conventional capital asset management, including planning, budgeting, design and construction and knowledge of procedures related to public contracting, personnel administration, and housing finance.

2.     The individual must possess excellent organizational, management, interpersonal, public speaking, and writing skills, and a working knowledge of state and federal housing programs, regulations, and guidelines. 

3.     Ability to negotiate issues with diverse constituents and to identify and analyze complex problems in order to intervene and achieve solutions is essential.

4.     Experience working in public policy or administration, planning, architecture, real estate development, business administration or a related field;

5.     At least 5 years of progressively more responsible professional experience, in the design or management of complex housing development projects or agencies engaged in housing design or development or related projects.

6.     Proven ability to exercise sound judgement in prioritizing competing demands and meeting deadlines.

7.     Proven ability to modernize and to reform systems, make structural changes, provide professional training, and exercise common sense, personal integrity, and good judgement.

8.     This position requires accomplished interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence to balance the management of administration and finance functions while providing support, compassion and commitment.

COMMENTS:

Please upload resume and cover letter.

This position would be expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days, as needed.

Salary placement is determined by years of experience and education directly related to the position and the Human Resources Division’s Recruiting Guidelines. In the case of a promotional opportunity, the salary provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

PRE-OFFER PROCESS:

A background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Human Resources Division prior to the candidate being hired.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.