Housing Program Planner

Job Type
Programmatic/Project Management
Organization
Dept. of Housing and Community Development
Job Description

DHCD seeks to hire a Housing Program Planner!

Summary of Duties (Not all Inclusive)

The Housing Program Planner works within DHCD’s Division of Rental Assistance and is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating new programs, initiatives, and policies that promote affordable housing and economic mobility opportunities for low-income residents. This position requires an energetic and adaptable self-starter with strong project management and communication skills, experience in the affordable housing field, excellent attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders. Knowledge of and experience with rental assistance programs, public housing, real estate, and/or affordable housing development is strongly preferred.

Since 1999, DHCD has been one of HUD’s Moving to Work (MTW) agencies, meaning that it has the flexibility to waive certain statutes and federal regulations in order to design and test innovative approaches for providing housing assistance. DHCD’s current MTW initiatives include efforts to: expand and preserve housing opportunities for voucher holders, public housing residents, and others; provide supportive services to foster economic mobility; and implement policies that reduce administrative burden and the cliff effect. DHCD’s Division of Rental Assistance recently began a strategic planning process to assess its current portfolio of MTW initiatives and explore potential new initiatives. The Housing Program Planner will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of some of these new MTW initiatives as well as for supporting existing initiatives.

AGENCY MISSION:

DHCD is within the Housing and Economic Development Secretariat and its work touches the lives of all Massachusetts residents.

DHCD's mission is to strengthen cities, towns and neighborhoods to enhance the quality of life of Massachusetts residents by providing leadership, professional assistance and financial resources to promote safe, decent, affordable housing opportunities, economic vitality of communities and sound municipal management.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE):

Program Design

  • Conduct research and analyze data to inform design of new initiatives.
  • Draft policy guidance and revise and update over time, as needed.

Implementation and Technical Assistance

  • Develop implementation plans for new initiatives and communicate plans to relevant stakeholders.
  • Provide training and ongoing technical assistance to implementation partners.
  • Facilitate meetings with implementation partners and other stakeholders.

Procurement and Finance

  • Lead procurement processes, including drafting RFRs, evaluating responses, and preparing contracts.
  • Develop program budgets, establish billing protocols, review invoices, and monitor overall spending.

Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting

  • Develop data collection strategy and tools for new initiatives.
  • Collect and analyze program data on a regular basis.
  • Assist with the preparation of the annual MTW Plans and Reports and other plans and reports, as needed.

Evaluation and Learning

  • Monitor progress and evaluate outcomes over time, identify areas for improvement, and work with others in the Division to develop and implement solutions.
  • Monitor new research and developments in the affordable housing field and share learnings and best practices with others in the Division, as appropriate.

Other duties, as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Ability to lead effective group meetings and trainings.

2. Ability to analyze and synthesize program data, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.

3. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.

4. Excellent time management and project management skills.

5. Ability to make public presentations to large and small audiences.

6. Ability to manage financial data, including analyzing budgets and reviewing invoices.

7. At least intermediate proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

8. Experience with Tenmast software and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software preferred but not required.

9. Occasional travel and evening work may be required in this position.

 

COMMENTS:

Please upload resume and cover letter.

This position is currently a telework position. In Spring 2022, this position would be expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days.

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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in real estate management, property management, public housing program management, public housing program development or public housing program administration, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. 

Substitutions: 

I. An Associate's degree with a major in real estate, public administration, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.* 

II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in real estate, public administration, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.* 

III. A Master's or higher degree with a major in public administration, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required experience.* 

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. 

Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.

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!

Executive Order #595: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.

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.

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Marjie Lalli - 6175731254

Official Title: Housing Program Specialist III

Functional Title: Housing Program Planner

Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-100 Cambridge Street

Job: Community and Social Services

Agency: Department of Housing & Community Development

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day

Job Posting: Jun 22, 2022, 1:40:30 PM

Number of Openings: 1

Salary: $66,682.98 - $96,585.32 Yearly

Bargaining Unit: 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.

Confidential: No