Sr. Grant Project Manager

New York Housing Trust Fund • Albany, NY

15h • Hybrid

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 Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC). This is not a civil service position and does not require a civil service exam. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered. 

NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. HCR is committed to developing a workforce that represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

The Office of Community Renewal (OCR) is one of four program offices within HCR. OCR’s mission is to administer a combination of State and Federal funding resources to develop or support programs that provide decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expand economic opportunities for low and moderate-income people.

Position Summary

HCR is looking for a new staff member to join the Office of Community Renewal and manage the NYS Land Bank Initiative (LBI). New York’s first land banks were established after passage of the New York Land Bank Act in 2011. These not-for-profit organizations partner with government entities to strengthen communities by acquiring, stabilizing, and facilitating the redevelopment of blighted and abandoned properties, returning them to productive use, and growing local property tax bases. The NYS Budget has appropriate funding to support services and expenses of Land Banks and HCR allocates resources to the Land Banks for operations and non-capital expenses as well as activities including property acquisition, building rehabilitation, development, stabilization, demolition, pre-development, and technical assistance. 

Under the general direction of the President of OCR and a Program Director the Senior Project Manager is responsible for management and operation of LBI projects. This includes working in a coordinated manner with the Land Banks to maximize the impact of the LBI resources in housing and community development efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of relevant experience (preferably in housing, community services, real estate, or related fields; supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Substitutions: four years of specialized experience or associate degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for bachelor’s degree; J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience. 
• Highly organized and self-motivated, with strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Demonstrated interest in the relationship between housing development and community revitalization.
• Knowledge of grant portfolio management, financial management, and leadership/management principles.
• Proven ability to design systems and solutions to address programmatic and operational challenges.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage competing priorities under pressure.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong attention to detail and professionalism.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to manage complex projects and datasets.
• Professional experience using Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft SharePoint, and advanced proficiency in Excel.
• The Senior Project Manager must have a driver’s license to be able to travel within New York State to attend events, conferences and to conduct monitoring visits and provide technical assistance to Land Bank awardees.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and implement internal and external policies, procedures, manuals, and guidance materials.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve systems and processes to address programmatic and operational challenges, including tracking accomplishments, spending, trends, and outcomes across the grant portfolio.
• Manage the full lifecycle of a grant portfolio, including funding opportunity development, application review, award documentation, contract administration, compliance monitoring, disbursement, and closeout.
• Track and monitor grant performance, budgets, spending, and funding availability.
• Research funding sources and evaluate the needs and goals of Land Banks to identify and recommend funding opportunities.
• Provide advanced technical assistance to grantees, including interpretation of program rules, regulations, and requirements.
• Review and process payment requests and ensure compliance with grant agreements and program requirements.
• Analyze data and prepare detailed reports on program status, trends, accomplishments, and highlights.
• Prepare and finalize memos, correspondence, reports, and other program-related documentation.
• Conduct advanced research and writing in support of program development and improvement.
• Represent the organization at meetings, conferences, webinars, workshops, and community development events; prepare and deliver presentations as needed.
• Perform special projects and provide general program support, as assigned.

Benefits

• Extensive benefits package including participation in New York State’s Health Insurance Program and New York State & Local Employees’ Retirement System.
• Promotional opportunities for dedicated professionals.
• Work-life balance benefits including a 37.5-hour work week, opportunity for compressed scheduling, and paid time off benefits (vacation, sick, personal days, and federal holidays).
• 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave.
• Paid Family Leave.
• As a New York State employee, you may qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program [https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service] (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan [https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-repayment-plans] and while working full-time for an eligible [https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-employment] employer. 

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level