Director of Community Relations

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 Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC). This is not a civil service position, and a civil service exam is not required. 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 Public Information Office (PIO) identifies opportunities to promote agency activities and initiatives, serves as HCR’s liaison with the media, and plans and executes public events. PIO values professionals that enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and who have the skills required to effectively support the department’s mission to provide the public and media with timely and accurate information and to enhance communications and relationships between New Yorkers and the agency.

Position Summary

The Director of Community Relations conceptualizes and executes proactive community outreach initiatives to improve HCR's and SONYMA's presence and relationships with key organizations and audiences across New York State. Position includes contact with elected officials, community groups, state agencies, and other constituencies. The Director of Community Relations reports to the Deputy Commissioner for Public Information and Communications.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the Community Relations team to develop and implement effective community engagement activities that support ongoing policy initiatives, programs, and the overall missions of HCR and SONYMA.


• Research and identify new strategic public outreach opportunities that will enhance the Agency’s reputation and relationships among a variety of audiences.


• Ensure short- and long-term engagement strategies proactively reach historically underrepresented populations and communities.


• Coordinate and supervise staffing for conferences, workshops, and other community engagement events to develop partnerships and raise awareness about HCR and SONYMA.


• Develop and maintain a standardized system for receiving, tracking, and responding to inquiries from the public, key stakeholders, and the Executive Chamber's constituent correspondence staff.


• Work closely with HCR’s Intergovernmental Affairs unit to establish and maintain effective partnerships with local and state elected officials, community leaders, housing stakeholders, and other key constituencies.


• Assist the Intergovernmental Affairs unit to track and respond to inquiries and requests from the Executive Chamber, state and local elected officials, and key Agency partners.


• Ensure Community Relations staff properly oversee the Agency's general email "Info Box" and respond to inquiries and dispense information to the appropriate programs and individuals within HCR and SONYMA.


• Assist the Public Information Office’s Digital Strategy team to ensure the Agency’s social media platforms are optimized for two-way engagement, including maintaining strategies for responding to comments and direct messages and identifying specific constituents who need direct assistance or follow-up from program staff.


• Oversee inventory and purchasing of informational brochures and promotional items.


• Perform other related duties as assigned.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Bachelor’s degree and seven years of relevant experience 


• Substitutions: four years of specialized experience or associate’s 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.


• Ability to establish effective working relationships


• Excellent oral and written communication skills.


• Strong analytical and organizational skills

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