Director of Community Relations

New York State Housing Finance Agency•New York, NY

5h•Onsite

About The Position

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. This position is with HCR’s Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC) and is not a civil service position. HCR is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment. The Public Information Office (PIO) identifies opportunities to promote agency activities and initiatives, serves as HCR’s liaison with the media, and plans and executes public events, valuing professionals who thrive in a fast-paced environment. The Director of Community Relations is responsible for conceptualizing and executing proactive community outreach initiatives to enhance HCR's and SONYMA's presence and relationships with key organizations and audiences across New York State, including elected officials, community groups, and state agencies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and seven years of relevant experience
Ability to establish effective working relationships
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong analytical and organizational skills

Responsibilities

Oversee the Community Relations team to develop and implement effective community engagement activities that support ongoing policy initiatives, programs, and the overall missions of HCR and SONYMA.
Research and identify new strategic public outreach opportunities that will enhance the Agency’s reputation and relationships among a variety of audiences.
Ensure short- and long-term engagement strategies proactively reach historically underrepresented populations and communities.
Coordinate and supervise staffing for conferences, workshops, and other community engagement events to develop partnerships and raise awareness about HCR and SONYMA.
Develop and maintain a standardized system for receiving, tracking, and responding to inquiries from the public, key stakeholders, and the Executive Chamber's constituent correspondence staff.
Work closely with HCR’s Intergovernmental Affairs unit to establish and maintain effective partnerships with local and state elected officials, community leaders, housing stakeholders, and other key constituencies.
Assist the Intergovernmental Affairs unit to track and respond to inquiries and requests from the Executive Chamber, state and local elected officials, and key Agency partners.
Ensure Community Relations staff properly oversee the Agency's general email "Info Box" and respond to inquiries and dispense information to the appropriate programs and individuals within HCR and SONYMA.
Assist the Public Information Office’s Digital Strategy team to ensure the Agency’s social media platforms are optimized for two-way engagement, including maintaining strategies for responding to comments and direct messages and identifying specific constituents who need direct assistance or follow-up from program staff.
Oversee inventory and purchasing of informational brochures and promotional items.
Perform other related duties as assigned.