Director of Special Projects

Job Summary:

The position of Director of Special Projects is responsible for oversight of a diverse array of projects, initiatives and organizational activities that address current strategic planning objectives and evolving organizational needs.

Essential tasks of position:

Legislation/Policy Development

• Support the public-facing role of the Executive Director by keeping abreast of public housing-related legislative/budgetary issues and DHCD regulations/initiatives.
• Research innovative public housing policies, funding strategies and related activities throughout New England.
• Draft public testimony, letters to the editor, and speeches for use by the Executive Director.
• Create fact sheets, advocacy-related member updates, and other documents/publications.

Revenue/Income Generation

• Research and implement an expanding portfolio of revenue-generating activities and initiatives that will increase Mass NAHRO’s financial health:
  • Expand MCAT (Mass. CHAMP Assistance Team) to provide additional services. Supervise MCAT staff.
  • Formalize a peer-to-peer technical assistance plan, assembling and expanding a database of experts at different housing authorities willing to share their knowledge with fellow housing authority staff, and build a business model that combines both pro bono and fee-for-service assistance.
  • Create a revenue-generating pool of trained lawyers, law students and consultants who, once trained, could serve as hearing officers hired by housing authorities to hear tenant grievances.
  • Formalize and implement a plan to provide Executive Director Search services to member agencies.
• Research sources of foundation and state/federal government grant support appropriate for Mass NAHRO.

Liaison to Standing/Ad hoc Committees

• Serve as liaison (work with committee chair to develop agendas, assemble information, keep Executive Director abreast of activity, ensure follow-up, coordinate logistics, etc.) to committees/working groups, including:
  • Affordable Housing Development Committee (standing);
  • Legislative Committee (standing);
  • Commissioners Committee (standing)

Partnerships

• Strengthen existing and introduce new collaborative relationships with external stakeholders that promote Mass NAHRO’s mission and strategic goals, including nonprofit and other builders of low-income housing, resident service providers, etc.

Organizational Development

• Provide support to other Mass NAHRO staff by researching new and innovative ways to use technology and to enhance member services such as affinity programs.

Other

• Work on special projects and other duties and responsibilities as the Executive Director sees fit.
• Represent MassNAHRO & NERC/NAHRO at local, regional, and national events as needed.

Qualifications:

Required

• 3-5+ years’ experience working in local or Massachusetts state government on public housing or related areas.
• Experience writing and/or tracking pieces of legislation.
• Experience supervising (interviewing, hiring, evaluating, etc.) support staff.

• Excellent legislative and programmatic research skills.
• Strong writing skills, especially under deadline pressure.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access), online email platforms (Gmail, Outlook, Constant Contact),
• Ability to work effectively and diplomatically with a diverse array of Mass NAHRO staff, members and other stakeholders.
• Ability to create realistic business models.
• Bachelor’s degree in government, public policy or related field preferred.
• Ability to work independently as part of a team
• Ability to prioritize among competing goals to execute on deadlines
• Valid driver’s license and access to vehicle for occasional travel.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds
• Ability to travel to meetings, conferences and events including some occasional overnight stays and/or additional hours

  Salary Range: $72,000-$75,000
  Excellent benefit package.