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Job Description

Definition/Purpose

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Housing and Community Development position will engage in a variety of functions aimed at increasing the supply of affordable housing throughout Merced County and forging partnerships to address critical housing needs. A portion of the job duties will be more programmatic in nature and will require the Director of Housing and Community Development to provide a variety of program support services including developing program objectives, responding to Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs), evaluating project proposals and underwriting, understanding and applying HUD and other program regulations, managing the Authority’s role in facilitating affordable housing developments, preparing contract documents, monitoring the progress of funding recipients, and providing technical assistance to and working with community groups on housing-related issues. Other job duties will be more policy oriented and will require the Director of Housing and Community Development to provide a variety of policy and partnership support to the Authority and its interagency and private partners, nonprofit and for-profit, to support housing initiatives.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position is Management & Confidential (Exempt). Exempt (FLSA).

Supervision Received & Exercised

Under direct and general supervision of the Executive Director. This classification may have supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions

The programmatic support duties may include, but are not limited to:

·         Managing the Authority’s relationship with, and providing technical assistance to, non-profit and for-profit organizations funded or seeking funding from the Authority to facilitate development processes while ensuring compliance with applicable County, State and Federal requirements.

·         Negotiating contract terms with outside vendors, consultants or organizations and monitoring and evaluating fiscal and legal liability of same.

·         Administering home buyer and home repair programs, including underwriting for eligibility and affordability, and preparing loan documents, and contracts.

·         Managing the assets of the Authority’s loans and grants portfolio and providing analysis and recommendations in response to requests to subordinate, refinance, or restructure existing Authority loans.

·         Coordinating the funding cycles of various funding sources including but not limited to the County Affordable Housing Fund and Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Act (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG).

·         Developing and administering housing and community development programs which support affordable new construction, acquisition of existing affordable housing, rehabilitation, and first-time home ownership.

·         Managing a portfolio of grantees to ensure compliance with local, State and Federal regulations, including environmental reviews and prevailing wage requirements.

·         Managing a portfolio of grantees including negotiating contracts, processing requests for payment, and reviewing quarterly and/or annual progress reports.

·         Providing support and oversight to planning and developing large scale housing projects sponsored or co-sponsored by the Authority.

·         Monitoring the performance of grantees and writing performance reports as needed.

·         Conducting due diligence reviews on applications for community development and public services, housing grants and loans and coordinating with consultants on final staff recommendation reports.

·         Preparing funding recommendations, memos, resolutions and other materials that will go to the Board of Commissioners.

·         Interpreting, explaining, and directing the enforcement of all applicable standards, codes and regulations.

·         May represent the Authority at meetings of the County Board of Supervisors.

·         Preparing detailed written reports, policies, procedures and contracts.

·         Assisting in the Authority’s response to Federal, State, and County audits.

The policy and partnership support duties may include, but are not limited to:

·         Developing plans, objectives and implementation strategies for Authority outreach, technical assistance, and partnership initiatives.

·         Acting as representative of the Authority in collaborations with community stakeholders and inter-departmental work within the County.

·         Researching, analyzing, and summarizing data on key housing initiatives in partnership with the Department’s interagency and private partners, nonprofit and for-profit.

·         Assisting with the response to Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) priorities, guidelines and processes.

·         May be required to perform duties assigned to grant administration.

·         Researching, analyzing, and helping develop affordable housing policy solutions addressing County needs, and evaluating impacts on underserved and underrepresented communities.

·         Monitoring the progress of affordable housing-related collaborations and initiatives in which the Housing Department is participating; and engaging in problem-solving as needed when challenges arise.

·         Identifying and evaluating new funding programs and opportunities for the County and its partners to access these new programs.

·         Investigating and developing new opportunities for the Authority to provide support and assistance to cities, housing developers, housing advocates, and others in facilitating the creation of housing.

·         Performs other essential job tasks as determined by the Executive Director.

Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions

Knowledge & Abilities:

1.       Housing policy or housing program development and implementation.

2.       First-time homebuyer and/or home repair programs.

3.       Federal or state housing programs.

4.       Affordable housing production and finance.

5.       Urban planning development and community revitalization.

The ideal candidate for this position will possess the following qualities/qualifications:

1.       Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in economic/community development, planning, finance, public administration, or in a relevant field

2.       One year of progressively advanced skills and experience with affordable housing policies and programs

3.       One year of progressively advanced skills and experience with administering CDBG/HOME/ESG programs

4.       Familiarity with other federal and state housing finance programs such as Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).

5.       An understanding of affordable housing finance and underwriting.

6.       An understanding of the complexities of housing development, land use, and affordable housing financing issues.

7.       Knowledge of issues related to urban planning and equitable community development.

8.       Knowledge of programs for facilitating and subsidizing low- and moderate-income housing.

9.       Experience in community outreach and partnership development.

10.    Experience working with people/communities from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

11.    Familiarity of County’s priorities and programs to reduce homelessness

12.    Strong program and project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects and tasks with competing priorities

13.    A positive attitude and sense of humor.

14.    An ability to embrace change with initiative, flexibility and enthusiasm.

15.    Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships

Effective written and oral communication skills.

Licenses & Certificates: Possession of, or ability to immediately obtain and retain a valid California Driver License.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment: Good time-management skills and the ability to organize daily work assignments and meet stringent time frames; develop and maintain a positive work environment; encourage good team-building skills among subordinate staff; administer daily tasks in an efficient manner to meet program goals and objectives; display good conflict-resolution and mentoring skills, and demonstrate effective contract negotiation techniques.

Other: Provide proof of U.S citizenship or, if an alien, either lawful admission for permanent residence or authorization for appropriate work by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).