Affordable Housing Program Manager

Bellingham & Whatcom County Housing AuthorityBellingham, WA
Hybrid

About The Position

The Bellingham Housing Authority (BHA), an independent municipal organization, is a high performing leader in affordable housing. BHA offers opportunities for people to thrive by ensuring access to quality, affordable homes. Our vision is that every person has the opportunity to live in a safe, secure, affordable home. We are recruiting for an experienced and service focused Affordable Housing Program Manager. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to the highest standards in public service.

Requirements

  • Self-directed, with a strong ability to be resourceful and learn complex federal regulations.
  • Ability to understand and work well with government, private agencies, and organizations.
  • Ability to communicate well, using courtesy, tact, and good judgement, both orally and in writing.
  • Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, practices and techniques required to perform duties of the position.
  • Possess organizational and office skills and ability to keep confidential records.
  • Ability to read, interpret and apply local, State and Federal regulations.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Ability to apply common sense and keep composure in stressful situations.
  • Knowledge of multifamily rental management.
  • Ability to establish effective working relationships with clients, the general public and provide good customer service in all situations.
  • Ability to supervise and motivate employees.
  • Ability to write clear, concise procedures from complex policies and regulations.
  • Maintain dependable, punctual attendance.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Property Management, or related field required.
  • Valid Washington State driver’s license (within 30 days of employment) and an acceptable driving record according to BHA standards.
  • Must be capable of performing normal office functions and be able to walk housing sites for inspection purposes.
  • Ability to attend meetings throughout the community and visit various sites.
  • Some travel by auto is required in the performance of this position.
  • Must be capable of resolving complex operating problems, supervising, and leading employees, and working effectively with others including the general public and government agencies.

Nice To Haves

  • Five years of affordable housing experience preferred of which three years should be at a supervisory level.
  • Experience administering Public Housing preferred.
  • Combination of education and experience which provides the application with the requisite skills.

Responsibilities

  • Maintains regular oversight of affordable housing programs administered by BWCHA, including monitoring, and evaluating operations and maintaining an in-depth awareness of changing environmental, legislative, and program issues to maintain compliant, cost-effective, and high performing operations.
  • Supervises and provides front line support to the affordable housing programs team, including recruiting/selection, training, performance reviews, organizational development, and employee relations.
  • Supervises and oversees proper program administration (including initial and ongoing eligibility, leasing, property management and unit inspections), assuring compliance with program requirements.
  • Maintains strong community relationships that aid the utilization of services that promote resident success.
  • Develops and implements short-term and long-term plans and strategies to maintain effective and efficient program and property management operations.
  • Acts as a liaison with clients, community partners, public officials and others representing BWCHA in various venues building relationships, partnerships, furthering BWCHA’s mission.
  • Develops and implements written operational policies, procedures, and materials in compliance with changing Federal, State, and local regulations, including local landlord-tenant law.
  • Initiates and/or collaborates in the preparation and submission of funding applications, resident services, and other applications benefiting the work of the agency.
  • Assists the Chief Operating Officer in the preparation, negotiation, monitoring of contracts with outside entities in connection with affordable housing programs.
  • Assists Chief Operating Officer in the development, management, and monitoring of operating budgets for affordable housing programs and applicable rental properties.
  • Monitors compliance with PHAS, VMS, and other program performance measures.
  • Performs weekly site visits at BWCHA affordable housing properties.
  • Supports and collaborates with property management and resident services staff to balance BWCHA’s mission of assisting participants in maintaining their housing opportunity while maintaining program compliance and safeguarding the physical asset.
  • Acts as liaison with law enforcement jurisdictions.
  • Provides support and performs special projects as assigned by the Executive Director and/or Chief Operating Officer.
  • Acts as a hearing officer in the resolution of claims made by applicants and program participants.
  • Cooperatively coordinates work activities with other BWCHA departments.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS)
  • 12 Holidays and 2 Personal Holidays
  • Generous Vacation and Sick Leave Accruals
  • Employer $95 Monthly Contribution to VEBA Account
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