Deputy Executive Director of HRA

City of South St. Paul•South St Paul, MN

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the City Administrator, the Deputy Executive Director (DED) provides operational, financial, and administrative leadership of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) while ensuring full regulatory compliance and organizational excellence. This position oversees the day-to-day operation of the HRA by ensuring effective implementation of the policies, priorities, and goals set forth by the City Administrator. The Deputy Executive Director is responsible for developing and leading a high-performing team in a collaborative and supportive environment and delivering measurable community impact. The Deputy Executive Director works with the City Administrator, community stakeholders, public officials and staff to ensure the HRA succeeds in providing safe, affordable, quality housing with excellence, and in compliance with HUD requirements, Minnesota statutes, Dakota County CDA requirements, MHFA program requirements, fair housing laws, and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, housing administration, public administration, finance, or a closely related field.
Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in public housing administration, affordable housing, or related governmental housing programs.
Demonstrated knowledge of public housing programs, financial management, and regulatory compliance.
Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Prior supervisory experience.
Valid driver’s license for work-related travel.
Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications and training.
Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Extensive knowledge of HUD public housing regulations and reporting systems.
Extensive knowledge of Federal, State, County, and Local housing regulations and reporting systems.
Extensive knowledge of public housing operations, including but not limited to eligibility, leasing, occupancy, management, maintenance, budgeting, routine and capital improvements, audit and compliance requirements.
Fair housing laws and civil-rights regulations.
Minnesota landlord-tenant law.
Housing-finance and grant-administration practices.
Budgeting, accounting, auditing, and financial management.
Capital planning and grant administration.
Procurement and contract management practices.
Public-sector records management and data privacy requirements.
Comprehensive skill leading mission-driven change, managing programs, building strategic relationships, managing work processes, and financial resources.
Demonstrated ability to display analytical and critical thinking skills.
Proven ability to lead and coordinate HRA staff including project management and organizational skills.
Ability to display strong communication skills, including strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to analyze and apply complex regulations and policies.
Ability to build effective working relationships with staff, co-workers, residents, public officials, and community partners.
Knowledge of and experience with basic software systems including Microsoft Office Suite programs.
Familiarity with PHA software systems including PIC.
Ability to supervise, train, coordinate, and evaluate staff and oversee contractor performance.
Ability to administer budgets, grants, contracts, and capital projects.
Ability to develop policies and operational procedures.
Ability to resolve complex tenant and operational issues.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information appropriately.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and statutory deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree and/or professional housing certifications (PHM, etc.).
Prior experience as Deputy Executive Director or senior leader at an HRA/PHA/CDA including supervisory experience.
Demonstrated track record in improving an HRA/PHA/CDA’s PHAs score, correcting other third party (especially HUD) noted performance deficiencies; audit and compliance remediation.
Experience with HUD’s senior-designated public housing.
Experience administering HUD Public Housing programs.
Experience managing capital projects and federal grants.
Experience with housing finance, redevelopment, or affordable housing initiatives.

Responsibilities

Provides operational, financial, and administrative leadership of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA).
Ensures full regulatory compliance and organizational excellence.
Oversees the day-to-day operation of the HRA by ensuring effective implementation of the policies, priorities, and goals set forth by the City Administrator.
Develops and leads a high-performing team in a collaborative and supportive environment and delivers measurable community impact.
Works with the City Administrator, community stakeholders, public officials and staff to ensure the HRA succeeds in providing safe, affordable, quality housing with excellence, and in compliance with HUD requirements, Minnesota statutes, Dakota County CDA requirements, MHFA program requirements, fair housing laws, and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and overall supervision of all department staff and operations.
Establishes departmental priorities, annual work plans, performance expectations, and benchmarks.
Oversight of assignments and execution of work ensuring staff accountability, operational effectiveness, and alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
In the absence of the Executive Director (City Administrator), represents the Housing Authority in meetings with partner agencies, makes public appearances, and communicates with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Attends HRA Board, City Council, and resident/community meetings as required.
With the assistance and guidance of the City’s Communications Department, develop effective communication and branding strategies; oversee marketing, publication, and communication efforts.
Responds to after-hours emergencies involving housing facilities and operations as required.
Performs other duties of a comparable level or type as assigned.