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.

A Civil Service exam is not required for this position. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered.

This position is on the Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC) payroll. HTFC was established as a subsidiary public benefit corporation of the New York State Housing Finance Agency. HTFC’s mission is to further community development through the construction, development, revitalization and preservation of low-income housing, the development and preservation of businesses, the creation of job opportunities, and the development of public infrastructures and facilities.

The Office of Legal Affairs is the legal unit of the Division of Housing and Community Renewal and is headed by a General Counsel. The unit provides legal advice, counsel and representation to all the Agencies’ offices and program areas and ensures compliance with federal and state legal mandates. The primary functions are organized within four major subject matter areas or units, General Law, Litigation, Hearings, and Transactions

Job Duties:

• Collaborating with legal, policy and program staff members to develop best practices and policies in furtherance of the HCR’s mission.
• Developing legislative and policy initiatives to develop and preserve affordable housing and further equitable access to housing.
• Tracking, researching and analyzing federal, state and local policies and legislation to determine impact on HCR’s work and mission.
• Vetting policy and programmatic changes developed for compliance with legal standards and requirements.
• Educating and training HCR staff and the public on changes in law and policy to further compliance.
• Assisting senior staff, as necessary, on all aspects of policy and legislative initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Admission to the New York State Bar and four years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to admission to the Bar.
• A housing and/or civil rights background is preferred.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff, outside attorneys and constituents.
• Ability to work under pressure on a wide variety of projects in a given day.
• Excellent oral communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent analytical and legal writing skills.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and employee will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

What we offer at NYSHCR: 

• Extensive benefits package including paid leave, including excellent health, dental, vision and retirement benefits with the New York State & Local Employees’ Retirement System.
• Promotional opportunity for dedicated professionals
• Work life balance benefits including a 37.5 hour work week and paid time off benefits including, vacation, sick, personal days, and Federal Holidays
• Opportunity for compressed scheduling
• 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Family Leave

About New York State Homes and Community Renewal: 
Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas, HCR is a vibrant, innovative agency that integrates and leverages New York State’s housing resources. We have offices in New York City, Albany, Buffalo and Syracuse, and employ a diverse workforce of professionals who are hard-working and committed to serving low and moderate income families. Our mission is far reaching, encompassing single and multifamily housing finance, home improvement, rent regulation, housing subsidies, and community development. We partner regularly with a variety of public and private stakeholders. 

Achieving this mission requires a wide range of skills and backgrounds in public policy, administration, real estate, construction. finance, law, and many other areas of expertise. We seek to provide a workplace environment that is productive, flexible, accountable, ethical, and caring. Our employees are empowered to make a difference where they live and work. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, health, dental, vision, retirement, and family-friendly policies. 

Applicants must include resume and cover letter.

New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)