Deputy Director of Planning & Development

Summary 

The primary purpose of this position is to assist with the supervision and administration of the Agency’s Planning and Development department.  The department is focused on funding and planning policies and tasks related to CHA’s modernization, redevelopment and development of affordable housing.  Related tasks include contract procurement and administration, quality control and supervision of planning staff under the direction of the Director Planning and Development.  In concert with the Director, the Deputy Director is responsible for providing technical, financial, and managerial oversight of the Authority’s planning projects, including:  rehabilitation, modernization, redevelopment and new construction; identifying and securing funds for these projects; providing quality review and assurance of pre-design, design and bidding phases of these projects to ensure compliance with CHA’s goals and objectives, and with federal, state, and local requirements. Other responsibilities include coordination of asset management efforts with other CHA departments especially CHA Operations and Fiscal,  analysis and development of long term strategies for efficient and cost effective construction and maintenance of properties, review and negotiation of contract amendments, preparation of “front end” contract documents, analysis of options for building system modernization and selection of durable materials, administration of consultant contracts, and coordination of work with external partners including investors, lenders, regulatory, neighbors and residents.  

All activities must support the CHA’s strategic goals and objectives and produce results that accomplish the goals of the Planning and Development department.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience 

A Master’s degree in Architecture, Planning, Public Administration or other relevant area with 3-5 plus years’ experience in the affordable housing development and preservation with demonstrable supervisory experience.  Or, a relevant Bachelor’s degree with 10 years’ experience as noted areas.

Technical Skills

Must have the ability to comprehend, evaluate and communicate complex technical planning, building, and construction related issues; and experience with green buildings and sustainability, such as Enterprise Green Building and Passive House criteria. Strong organizational, written and oral communication and problem solving skills, together with the ability to effectively supervise, motivate, and retain a professional staff are required. Must possess a valid Massachusetts driver’s license and be insurable under CHA policies.  

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have strong computer skills (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, and MS Outlook). Incumbent also should be well versed developing real estate development proformas, capable of using financial and accounting software and must be able to learn other computer software programs may be required by assigned tasks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The below statements describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position.  This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.  Many of these tasks are shared with the Director working under their auspices and in concert with other departmental staff and agency colleagues.   

• Supervises and motivates the work a number of professional, administrative, technical and field employees of the Planning and Development Department.  Responsible for identifying and implementing training opportunities for staff. Department staffing count ranges typically from 10 to 12 
• Pursues public and private funding sources including private financing, foundations, bonds, tax credits, governmental, etc., and prepares other financial projections for CHA’s modernization, redevelopment, revitalization and new development projects in close coordination with department staff. 
• Prepares funding applications and detailed funding submissions to secure funding and other regulatory approvals in close coordination with department staff, and manages the closing process to ensure schedules are met.
• Manages community processes and maintains effective communication with the various stakeholders involved in CHA’s modernization, redevelopment, revitalization and new development projects including but not limited to other CHA staff and departments, CHA residents, abutters, neighborhood groups, regulatory partners, investors, lenders and other interested parties.
• Reviews all submissions from consultants, including feasibility studies, plans and specifications, product selection, cost proposals, mock-ups and quality control coordinating overall CHA review and approval process 
• Supervises architectural and engineering and other contracts related to CHA’s capital activity ensuring performance, production, and cost control; and directs Senior Project Managers and Project Managers to manage day-to-day relationships with architectural and engineering firms.
• As part of a team, provides quality review and assurance of design plans to ensure compliance with CHA’s goals and objectives, and with federal, state, and local requirements. 
• Manages and implements the procurement and selection through Invitations to Bid, RFPs and RFQs of construction contractors, architectural and engineering firms, consultants, attorneys, etc.
• Possesses knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and techniques of Construction Management and through understating of Massachusetts public bid requirements including M.G.L. C 149A.
• Coordinates with the Operations Department to ensure that newly developed units and capital improvements are durable and can be maintained by maintenance personnel.
• Ensures schedule and budget compliance for projects; complies with all necessary reporting requirements and relocation regulations.
• Coordinates and pursues development opportunities including the establishment of Authority-wide site selection goals and procedures and the evaluation of potential sites/buildings.
• Coordinates and/or oversees overall financial closings including providing and securing required due diligences, reports, approvals, and documentation.
• Works with the Director of Planning and Development on an as needed basis to assist with supervision and/or administrative needs in the Planning and Development department
• As needed, assist in the activities of CHA’s affiliated not-for-profit organizations
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Behavioral Competencies

Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.  

Customer Service: Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands, monitors and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind; recognizes working colleagues as customers.

Effective Communication:  Ensures important information is passed to those who need to know; conveys necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing; demonstrates attention to, and conveys understanding of, the comments and questions of others; listens effectively.  

Responsiveness and Accountability:   Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness; holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; does fair share of work.  

Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed. 

Leadership:  Provides direction by clearly and effectively setting course of action for department and subordinates; manages performance by providing regular feedback and reinforcement to subordinates.  

Job Competencies

• Evaluative thinking and ability to use sound judgment based on established precedents and defined policies
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in the utilization of real estate practices and principles and associated financing mechanisms, such as tax credits, bond financing, bank mortgages, etc.
• Knowledge of and ability to utilize CHA planning and development principals.
• Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of physical development and the ability to perform research into technical areas of building design and construction
• Ability to effectively manage a resident and/or community process
• Advanced leadership, staff development, mentoring and evaluation skills
• Extensive ability to identify and recommend solutions/alternatives to highly complex real estate development issues

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to maintain a stationary position, operate computers and other office equipment, move about the office, attend onsite and offsite meetings, and communicate. The employee must be able to accurately exchange information in person, in writing and via e-mail and telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Occasional field visits to construction site.