Regional Administering Agency (RAA) Liaison

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Program Specialist III/Regional Administering Agencies (RAA) Liaison works in the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), Bureau of Rental Assistance. The liaison is the primary day-to-day contact for nine RAAs administering the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which includes more than 22,000 vouchers and multiple special-purpose, state, and project-based voucher programs. The role connects RAA staff with Bureau of Rental Assistance program staff and leadership, promoting consistent policy implementation, stronger operational performance, and effective communication. The position provides technical assistance on federal and, when needed, state rental-assistance programs, including regulations, systems, quality control, operations, administrative policies, and policy changes. The incumbent is expected to have subject-matter expertise in the HCV program, understand division priorities related to RAA work, triage questions and issues, refer matters to appropriate resources, mediate disagreements, and escalate issues when necessary. The role evaluates RAA operations and compliance, tracks program requirements and performance, communicates risks and progress to management, and assists with data cleanup after system conversions. It also prepares and distributes policies, procedures, meeting materials, and administrative guidance; supports revisions to the Administrative Plan; and provides or coordinates training and technical assistance. The position follows a hybrid work model, combining in-office and work-from-home days as needed. A current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required based on assignment.

Requirements

At least 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 an equivalent combination of experience and qualifying education substitutions.
An Associate's degree in real estate, public administration, business administration, or business management may substitute for up to one year of required experience.
A Bachelor's degree in real estate, public administration, business administration, or business management may substitute for up to two years of required experience.
A Master's or higher degree in public administration, business administration, or business management may substitute for up to three years of required experience.
Education toward a qualifying degree is prorated according to the proportion of degree requirements completed.
Based on assignment, a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.

Nice To Haves

Experience administering or overseeing the HCV and MTW programs, including interpreting and applying HUD regulations, notices, handbooks, and related guidance.
Experience working with public housing authorities, RAAs, or other entities administering federally funded rental-assistance programs.
Experience evaluating program operations, identifying compliance or performance issues, and developing and implementing corrective or process-improvement strategies.
Experience providing technical assistance and guidance on complex housing program requirements to administrators, staff, or external partners.
Knowledge of HUD Special Purpose Voucher programs, including HUD-VASH, FUP, FYI, NED vouchers, and Tenant Protection Vouchers.
Knowledge of federal and MTW supportive housing programs or services, such as Family Self-Sufficiency and Sno-MASS.
Experience developing, interpreting, or implementing policies, procedures, SOPs, administrative plans, or other program guidance.
Ability to build collaborative relationships, facilitate meetings, resolve disagreements, and communicate effectively with external partners and stakeholders.
Experience analyzing program data and using performance or compliance information to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
Strong organizational and project-management skills, including managing multiple priorities, tracking deliverables and deadlines, and following issues through resolution.
Ability to communicate effectively with and address groups in public and in-house meetings.
Ability to work independently and exercise discretion and sound judgment, including when handling confidential information.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary contact between EOHLC and nine RAAs for operational questions and day-to-day HCV program administration, maintaining clear and consistent communication with LHA staff.
Evaluate RAA operations and recommend changes to improve compliance and performance.
Provide written and oral guidance on operational and procedural questions.
Conduct regular and ad hoc meetings with RAAs to discuss priorities and expectations, address questions, monitor progress, and follow up on action items.
Negotiate or mediate disagreements between RAAs on policy and program matters.
Develop systems to track and monitor transfers between RAAs.
Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with RAAs through regular communication and support.
Participate in performance and compliance meetings and facilitate discussion of monitoring results.
Identify operational challenges and potential compliance risks, escalating issues to EOHLC management when necessary.
Connect RAAs with HLC staff regarding Yardi processing, navigation, and user-access issues, and track tickets and Client Central cases.
Develop and maintain systems to track program requirements, deadlines, and performance expectations.
Work with the BRA team, especially data and compliance staff, to provide HLC management with updates on RAA risks, barriers, and progress.
Assist with data cleanup following system conversions.
Maintain familiarity with federal voucher and Moving to Work (MTW) rules, guidance, policies, and regulations; HCV Housing Quality Standards; and implementation of NSPIRE-V.
Prepare meeting agendas and reports, and provide written follow-up documenting next steps, tasks, and decisions.
Create tracking tools, letters, and other documents to standardize RAA operations.
Prepare, explain, and distribute policies, Standard Operating Procedures, and administrative guidance.
Prepare, review, and recommend revisions to the Administrative Plan to support compliance with HUD regulations, state policies, and program objectives.
Provide or coordinate on-site technical assistance to RAAs as needed and escalate urgent issues to management.
Identify training needs through RAA meetings and correspondence; work with the Training Coordinator to develop or procure training and prepare materials.