Director of Compliance and Government Relations

Company Overview:

Freestone Property Group is a technology-first property management company dedicated to streamlining operations and enhancing resident satisfaction. We leverage innovative solutions to provide superior service offerings. Freestone Property Group is an affiliate of Greenbrook Partners, a leading investment manager with over $2 billion in assets under management (AUM) and a portfolio encompassing more than 2,000 multifamily units across New York City.

Job Overview:

The Director of Compliance and Government Relations will lead the compliance and regulatory strategy for a growing portfolio of residential housing properties across New York City. This individual ensures compliance with all federal, state, and city housing regulations, including NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of Buildings (DOB), Fire Department of New York (FDNY), Department of Sanitation (DSNY), Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Transportation (DOT), and others (HDC, DHCR, and NYCHA) and acts as the company's representative with regulatory agencies and government stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Regulatory Compliance

• Develop and oversee a comprehensive compliance program to ensure all properties comply with NYC’s legal and regulatory framework.
• Develop and implement an urgent response protocol for all compliance violations to ensure timely resolution and minimize penalties.
• Conduct property audits and inspections to assess compliance with building codes, fire safety standards, sanitation regulations, housing quality standards, health requirements, and other applicable regulations.
• Monitor and implement changes in NYC housing policy, rent stabilization laws, Fair Housing laws, ADA requirements, and other relevant regulations.
• Collaborate with property managers, maintenance staff, and external contractors to ensure compliance initiatives are implemented effectively across all properties.
• Lead efforts to address and correct compliance issues, including coordinating repairs, upgrades, and other corrective actions to resolve violations and prevent future non-compliance.
• Develop and implement tenant compliance programs, including creating educational materials and conducting workshops on relevant laws and regulations.
• Prepare and maintain documentation and reports related to compliance activities, including audit findings, corrective actions, and communications with regulatory agencies.
  
  
  

Government & Agency Relations

• Serve as the liaison between the property management company and NYC regulatory agencies, managing all communications, inspections, filings, permits, and violation resolutions.
• Direct and coordinate third-party legal counsel to defend any governmental legal action.
• Stay current with changes in local laws and regulations affecting property management, update policies, procedures, and practices in response to new requirements
• Collaborate with property managers, maintenance staff, and external contractors to ensure compliance initiatives are implemented effectively across all properties.
• Track and analyze legislative and regulatory developments affecting property management housing in NYC.
• Proactively build and maintain strong relationships with key regulatory agency contacts to anticipate potential issues and streamline resolution processes.
  
  
  

Training and Risk Mitigation

• Conduct ongoing compliance training for site staff and management teams to ensure adherence to all relevant regulations and procedures.
• Identify compliance risk areas and lead investigations and corrective actions as needed.
• Support leasing, operations, and legal teams with compliance-related inquiries and actions.
• Continuously assess the risk profile of each property, prioritizing and addressing high-risk compliance issues that could lead to significant fines or legal action.Reporting & Documentation Maintain accurate records for all compliance-related activities, including tenant files, certifications, inspections, and agency correspondence.
• Generate compliance reports for executive leadership and external stakeholders.
• Oversee annual reporting requirements for regulatory agencies and financing partners.
• Generate comprehensive compliance reports for executive leadership that include a clear analysis of potential legal and financial liabilities.
  
  
  

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive understanding of NYC’s regulatory landscape as it pertains to property management, including DOB, FDNY, DSNY, HPD, DOH, and DOT regulations.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple properties and compliance initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively with staff at all levels and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to conduct a thorough risk and liability analysis of compliance issues, providing strategic recommendations to executive leadership.Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in real estate, law, business administration, or related field; advanced degree or professional certification in compliance or property management preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in compliance or regulatory affairs, with a strong preference for experience in property management or real estate within New York City.
  
  
  

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary ($130,000 - $150,000) and the opportunity for quarterly, performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans with a generous employer contribution.
• 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a dynamic and expanding organization.
  
  
  

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those which 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.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to hear well enough to communicate via phone or in person to all internal and external customers.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely.
• Normal daily physical activities to include walking, standing, sitting, stooping, bending, pushing and pulling.
• Must be able to read reports and use computer, phone and other general office equipment.